Save money

ECO4: insulation and heating help, and the 31 December 2026 end date

Written by James Whitfield · Updated 28 October 2026 · 6 min read · Checked against 2026/27 DWP & HMRC rates
Contents (5 sections)
  1. Quick answer: ECO4
  2. Who can get help
  3. How to ask
  4. Before you agree to any work
  5. Other insulation help
Quick answer: ECO4
  • ECO4 runs until 31 December 2026: Ofgem says it “will run until 31 December 2026, following a nine-month extension”.1
  • It can pay for insulation and heating upgrades in England, Scotland and Wales, through energy suppliers and councils.2
  • Ofgem: “ECO is not a grant scheme; it is up to the energy companies to determine which retrofit projects they choose to fund”. Being eligible does not guarantee any work.3
  • Ask your council, or any energy supplier in the scheme, even if it is not your own.4
  • Last checked: 28 October 2026.

Worried about bills this winter? See the help and savings you may be missing, free. Check my bills

Who can get help

GOV.UK lists these benefits: 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.2

Your home's energy efficiency rating matters: D, E, F or G if you own it; E, F or G if you rent privately (you need the owner's permission) or live in social housing.2

Through your council (ECO4 Flex), you may qualify without those benefits. One route Ofgem lists is “You have a combined gross annual household income under £31,000”. Councils can use other criteria too, so check yours.4

How to ask

Ofgem: “You can contact any of the obligated energy suppliers to find out how they may be able to help you benefit from the ECO scheme, even if they are not your energy provider.”4

GOV.UK says to contact your local council to find out if it is taking part, or contact an energy supplier directly. Ofgem publishes the suppliers' contact details.25

Ofgem: ECO supplier contact details →

Before you agree to any work

Ofgem: “eligibility for ECO doesn't necessarily mean that an energy supplier or installer will decide to install energy efficiency measures in your home”.4

“In some cases, you may be asked to contribute to the cost of the installation.” “Consumers should only agree to receiving ECO measures upon receipt of a contract.”4

“Installers under ECO must be TrustMark accredited”, with a registration number.4

The government extended ECO4 by nine months to 31 December 2026. Arranging a survey and installation takes time, so ask early.6

Other insulation help

England: the Warm Homes: Local Grant, for households with income usually £36,000 a year or less, if your council has funding.8

Scotland: Warmer Homes Scotland, through Home Energy Scotland.9

Wales: “Nest is a Welsh Government scheme which provides free advice and home improvements to help you save energy and money.”10

Northern Ireland: ECO4 does not cover it. The NI Housing Executive's Affordable Warmth Scheme is for households that “have a total annual gross income of less than £23,000”.7

Insulation help by nation →

Frequently asked questions

When does ECO4 end?
On 31 December 2026, after a nine-month extension.
Is ECO4 free?
Not always. Ofgem says it is not a grant scheme: the supplier decides what to fund, and you may be asked to contribute.
Do I need to be on benefits?
Not always. Councils taking part in ECO4 Flex can refer households on other grounds, such as a household income under £31,000.
Can I apply through a supplier I am not with?
Yes. Ofgem says you can contact any of the obligated suppliers, even if they are not your energy provider.

Try the calculators

Check your own figures: no login, no sign-up, instant results.

Sources & references

The figures and rules in this guide are drawn from the official UK government sources below. Rates are the confirmed 2026/27 amounts. Each link opens the relevant official page in a new tab.

  1. Ofgem: Energy Company Obligation (ECO) www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/energy-company-obligation-eco
  2. GOV.UK: Energy Company Obligation www.gov.uk/energy-company-obligation
  3. Ofgem: ECO, FAQs for domestic consumers and landlords www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-company-obligation-eco/homeowners-and-tenants/faqs-domestic-consumers-and-landlords
  4. Ofgem: ECO, homeowners and tenants www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/energy-company-obligation-eco/homeowners-and-tenants
  5. Ofgem: ECO supplier contact details www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/energy-company-obligation-eco/energy-company-obligation-eco-contacts-guidance-and-resources/eco-supplier-contact-details
  6. GOV.UK: Extending the ECO4 end date, government response (23 January 2026) www.gov.uk/government/consultations/extending-the-eco4-end-date
  7. NI Housing Executive: Affordable Warmth Scheme www.nihe.gov.uk/housing-help/affordable-warmth/affordable-warmth-scheme
  8. GOV.UK: Apply for the Warm Homes: Local Grant www.gov.uk/apply-warm-homes-local-grant
  9. Home Energy Scotland: Warmer Homes Scotland www.homeenergyscotland.org/warmer-homes-scotland
  10. GOV.WALES: Get help with energy efficiency in your home (Nest) www.gov.wales/get-help-energy-efficiency-your-home-nest
Verified against published UK government guidance.
Independent guide only. Written using published 2026/27 DWP and HMRC figures. Not an official government service. For case-specific guidance, contact Citizens Advice or a welfare-rights adviser. Methodology · Editorial standards

Written and reviewed by James Whitfield and the editorial team.

Every figure is checked against current GOV.UK guidance and reviewed for the 2026/27 tax year. We explain the numbers in plain English with worked examples. Editorial standards · About us