EPC grants and ECO4
Help with insulation and heating is available for some households, but it is not automatic and nobody can promise it before checking your details. Here is how it works.
Grants for energy efficiency in England and Wales come from government-backed schemes, and whether you can get one depends on your circumstances, your tenure and your home's EPC band.
Your EPC band can help show whether a home might be eligible, but it does not decide it, and no website can confirm that you qualify.
In this guide you will learn how the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) works, who it is aimed at, what other help exists, and how to spot a grant scam.
Scheme rules and dates change, so it is a good idea to confirm everything on the official GOV.UK and Ofgem pages linked at the bottom of this page.
What is ECO4?
ECO4 is a government energy efficiency scheme in which larger energy suppliers pay for improvements such as insulation and heating upgrades in eligible low-income and vulnerable households.
It is funded through the energy industry rather than by the household, which is why it is sometimes described as "free", although eligibility is limited.
You do not apply to the government directly, so the usual route is through your local council or an energy supplier.
Who may be eligible for ECO4?
You may be eligible if you live in private or social housing with a lower EPC band and someone in the household receives certain benefits.
| Your situation | EPC band normally needed | Other points |
|---|---|---|
| Homeowner | D, E, F or G | A household member usually needs to receive a qualifying benefit. |
| Private tenant | E, F or G | You need the landlord's permission for the work, and usually a qualifying benefit. |
| Social housing tenant | E, F or G | May help with insulation or a first-time heating system. |
The qualifying benefits listed by GOV.UK include Universal Credit, Pension Guarantee Credit, Pension Savings Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Child Benefit and Housing Benefit.
There may also be other routes, such as schemes run by local councils for households on low incomes, so it is worth asking your council even if you do not receive these benefits.
You can check your property's EPC band to see which row applies.
How do I apply for ECO4 help?
Contact your local council to see whether it takes part, or contact an energy supplier directly.
- Your local council. Many councils run an ECO scheme or can point you to one. You can find yours on GOV.UK.
- An energy supplier. Ofgem publishes supplier contact details.
- An installer. Installers or agents may contact you. If you are unsure an offer is genuine, check with your council or the supplier they say they represent.
What other help is there?
The main other scheme is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which gives grants towards heat pumps, and there may be local council schemes.
| Scheme | What it offers (per GOV.UK) |
|---|---|
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme | £7,500 towards an air source or ground source heat pump, and £2,500 towards an air-to-air heat pump. Until March 2027 there is an extra £1,500 towards an air or ground source heat pump if the property is heated by oil or LPG and has no mains gas connection. Open in England and Wales. |
| Great British Insulation Scheme | A government insulation scheme with its own page on GOV.UK. Check there for the current status and who can apply. |
| Local council schemes | Some councils run their own energy efficiency grants. Ask yours what is available. |
Amounts and dates are taken from GOV.UK as at the date this page was last reviewed, and may have changed since.
How can I spot an energy grant scam?
Be cautious of unsolicited calls, texts or doorstep visits offering "free" improvements, or anyone who claims you have already been approved.
- Unsolicited contact. Genuine schemes do not usually phone you out of the blue to say you have been selected.
- Pressure. Be wary of anyone who says an offer expires today or asks you to sign immediately.
- Upfront payment. Do not pay a fee to "unlock" a grant before an eligibility check you can verify.
- Vague installers. Ask for the installer's TrustMark registration and check it independently.
- Poor-quality work. GOV.UK warns of quality issues with some solid wall insulation fitted under ECO, so make sure you understand what is being installed.
If you think you have been targeted by a scam, you can contact Citizens Advice consumer service for help.
Could I be eligible? A quick, non-binding check
This short check gives a rough idea of whether ECO4 is worth looking into, but it is not an application and not a decision.
We do not store your answers. This indication uses the general rules described above, which may change, and the real decision is made by the scheme.
Common questions
Can I get a free grant just because my EPC rating is low?
No. A low EPC band can make a home eligible for some help, but eligibility usually depends on your circumstances too, such as the benefits you receive, and the decision is made by the scheme, not by an EPC website.
Who decides whether I qualify for ECO4?
The scheme rules are set by government and run through energy suppliers, so ask your local council or an energy supplier, rather than relying on an installer or a website.
Is ECO4 still open?
GOV.UK says the Energy Company Obligation scheme is closing on 31 December 2026, so check the official pages for the latest position before you plan around it.
Do I have to pay anything upfront for ECO4 work?
Be cautious of anyone asking for payment before a genuine eligibility check, and check any offer with your council or the supplier the installer says they represent.
Is there help if I own my home and receive no benefits?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants towards heat pumps that are not based on benefits, and your local council may run its own schemes, so it is worth asking.