ECO4 2026: Is It Still Running and When Does It End?

ECO4 is still running in 2026 — but not for much longer. The scheme has been extended and will close on 31 December 2026. If you think you may qualify for free insulation, a boiler replacement, or a heat pump installation under ECO4, now is the time to check.

What is ECO4?

ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation 4) is a government scheme that requires large energy suppliers to fund free energy efficiency upgrades for low-income and fuel-poor households. The scheme is now in its fourth phase and covers a range of measures including:

• Loft insulation
• Cavity wall insulation
• Boiler replacements
• Heat pump installations

All works are fully funded for eligible households — there is no cost to the homeowner or tenant at any point.

Is ECO4 still running in 2026?

Yes. ECO4 was extended and continues to operate across England, Wales and Scotland in 2026. New applications are still being accepted, and approved installers are actively carrying out assessments and installations.

However, the scheme is winding down. The official end date is 31 December 2026, after which ECO4 will be replaced by the Warm Homes Plan.

When exactly does ECO4 end?

ECO4 ends on 31 December 2026. This is a hard deadline — any installations must be completed and claimed before this date.

In practice, this means that if you want to benefit from ECO4, you should:

1. Check your eligibility as soon as possible
2. Get a property assessment booked well in advance of December 2026
3. Allow time for installation, which can take weeks to arrange depending on your area and the type of measure

The closer you leave it to December, the higher the risk that installer capacity is full or that individual supplier quotas have already been met.

Who can still qualify for ECO4?

There are two main ways to qualify for ECO4 in 2026:

Benefits route: You or someone in your household receives a qualifying benefit such as:

• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit
• Child Benefit
• Income Support
• Income-based JSA or ESA
• Housing Benefit
• Tax Credits

Property route: Your home has a poor energy efficiency rating (EPC D, E, F or G), even if you don't receive qualifying benefits.

Both homeowners and private renters can apply. Council and housing association tenants should contact their landlord directly.

How does the ECO4 application process work?

The process is straightforward:

1. Check eligibility — Use an eligibility checker or contact an approved installer directly.
2. Book a property assessment — An approved installer will visit your property to confirm whether the home qualifies and which measures are suitable.
3. Installation — If approved, works are arranged and carried out free of charge.

You do not deal with the energy suppliers directly — everything is arranged through the approved installer.

What happens after ECO4 ends?

After 31 December 2026, ECO4 will be replaced by elements of the Warm Homes Plan. The key change is that the main free scheme for low-income households (the Warm Homes Local Grant) will be delivered through local councils rather than private installers.

This means the process will be different, the timelines may be longer, and coverage will vary by local authority area. ECO4 is widely considered the most accessible free scheme currently available.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still apply for ECO4 in 2026? Yes. Applications are still open. However, you should act promptly — the scheme closes on 31 December 2026 and some supplier quotas may fill before then.

Does ECO4 cover the whole of the UK? ECO4 covers England, Wales and Scotland. It does not cover Northern Ireland, which has separate energy efficiency programmes.

How long does ECO4 take from enquiry to installation? This varies, but typically between four and twelve weeks from initial enquiry to completed installation. Allow plenty of time before the December 2026 deadline.

Will there be an ECO5? There is no confirmed ECO5 scheme. From 2027, support for low-income households is expected to come through the Warm Homes Local Grant delivered by local councils.