When does the ECO4 scheme end?

The ECO4 scheme was scheduled to end in March 2026, but has been extended to 31st December 2026.

This means you and many others in the UK could lower energy bills and escape fuel poverty with help from their energy suppliers and companies like Outlook Energy Solutions.

But what is the ECO4 scheme, and why has its end date been extended? Find out in this useful guide.

What is the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme?

The ECO4 scheme is designed to help low-income households escape fuel poverty by implementing a range of energy-efficient measures, such as boiler replacements, loft insulation, external wall insulation, and more.

You must meet the eligibility criteria to qualify for the ECO4 scheme, but once you do, you can drastically improve the efficiency of your home.

This not only lowers energy bills but it will improve the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of the property.

Why has the ECO4 end date been extended?

The UK government decided in January 2026, following an ECO4 consultation, to confirm a 9-month extension beyond the original 31st March 2026 end date. This has now moved the deadline to 31st December 2026 – giving thousands around the UK a chance of improving their homes.

Moving the closure also gives suppliers more time to meet targets and sort non-compliant installs.

Which energy efficiency improvements are covered by the ECO4 scheme?

The ECO4 scheme can provide the following measures for the least energy-efficient homes in the UK:

• Solar panels
• Non-condensing boiler upgraded to an A-rated boiler
• Storage heaters upgraded to high heat retention electric storage heaters
• Inefficient heating system upgraded to air-source heat pumps
• Wall insulation
• Roof or loft insulation
• Ventilation
• Heating controls

What are the key benefits of the ECO4 scheme?

The reason ECO4 has been so effective and has been extended is because of its many benefits. The idea behind the scheme is to lower household energy bills and improve the minimum energy efficiency standards of homes around the UK, and it achieves that.

The scheme’s key benefits are:

Lower energy bills

The first thing that should be apparent after the installation of ECO4’s energy-saving measures is the difference in your energy bills. A more efficient home with less wasted heat should mean your bills will come down.

Warmer homes

An efficient boiler paired with better insulation will ensure homes are warmer in the colder months. There will be much less heat leaving through uninsulated walls because they’re now properly insulated.

Less carbon emissions

An old, inefficient boiler is likely to produce more carbon emissions than a newer model. This means your home is helping the environment by lowering your carbon footprint.

Health improvement

Many people who qualify for help from the ECO4 scheme live in cold, damp, mouldy houses. This leads to a negative impact on the health of any occupant, whether they’re adults or children. Energy-efficient improvements funded by this scheme help to improve people’s health by enhancing the home’s energy standards.

Reduced fuel poverty

Anybody who qualifies for ECO4 is likely struggling to pay their bills and, thus, is living in a cold home. With a new boiler and wall insulation, energy bills are lower, so they can afford to turn their central heating system on. And, when it’s on, the home stays warmer for longer, so they won’t need their boiler on as long as they previously would have, lifting them out of fuel poverty.

Improved EPC rating

All energy efficiency measures applied to UK households are designed to improve the EPC rating of each property. With an improved Energy Performance Certificate rating, your home is certified as being more efficient.

It also makes it more appealing to potential buyers if you are ever considering selling and moving elsewhere in the future.

Who meets the ECO4 scheme eligibility criteria?

The ECO4 scheme applies to thousands of vulnerable households across the UK. You, too, can qualify for ECO4 funding if you receive the following benefits:

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support (IS)
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit (PCGC)
• Working Tax Credit (WTC)
• Child Tax Credit (CTC)
• Universal Credit (UC)
• Housing Benefit
• Pension Credit Savings Credit (PCSC)
• Child Benefit (with dependencies)

Tackle fuel poverty with Outlook Energy Solutions

So, do you think you meet the eligibility criteria for the ECO4 scheme? Is your home cold and your energy bills too expensive?

If so, it’s time to get into action before the ECO4 scheme expires in December 2026. Get in touch with our team at Outlook Energy Solutions by calling 0800 464 7292 and find out how we can help you.

Alternatively, fill in the eligibility form below, and we’ll be in touch.