ECO4 has ended. The new ECO5 scheme is expected to launch soon.
Learn about ECO5 and check your eligibilityECO5 Scheme: What We Know So Far -- The Next Chapter in Free Energy Grants
The ECO4 scheme ends March 31, 2026. ECO5 is the expected successor, continuing free insulation, heating upgrades and renewable energy grants for eligible UK households from April 2026.
Don't Wait for ECO5 -- ECO4 Is Still Open
The ECO4 scheme is accepting applications until March 31, 2026. If you are eligible now, apply today rather than waiting for ECO5. There may be a gap between schemes, and ECO4 offers up to £25,000 in free grants.
What is the ECO5 Scheme?
ECO5 is the expected fifth phase of the Energy Company Obligation, the UK government's flagship programme that requires large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements in homes across England, Scotland and Wales.
The current ECO4 scheme ends on March 31, 2026. The government has signalled that a successor scheme will launch from April 2026, building on the progress made under ECO4 while introducing reforms based on government consultations and industry feedback.
While full details have not yet been published, the government's consultation documents, policy statements and sector briefings give us a clear picture of what ECO5 is likely to look like.
What We Know So Far:
- ✓Launch: Expected April 2026, following the close of ECO4
- ✓Duration: Likely to run for 3-4 years (2026-2029/2030)
- ✓Focus: Greater emphasis on whole-house retrofit approaches
- ✓Targets: Continued focus on fuel-poor and low-income households
- ✓Budget: Expected to be at least as large as ECO4 (which had a £4 billion budget)
How ECO5 Is Expected to Differ from ECO4
Based on government consultations and industry briefings, ECO5 is expected to introduce several important changes from ECO4. Here are the key differences anticipated.
Whole-House Retrofit Approach
ECO4 already introduced minimum EPC improvement targets, but ECO5 is expected to take this further with a stronger emphasis on whole-house retrofit. Rather than installing a single measure (e.g. just loft insulation), the scheme will encourage comprehensive packages of measures that address multiple aspects of a home's energy performance together.
This means homeowners could receive multiple upgrades in a single installation visit -- for example, loft insulation combined with cavity wall insulation and a heating system upgrade -- achieving far greater energy savings than any single measure alone.
Potentially Larger Grant Values
With the whole-house approach, grant values per household may increase compared to ECO4. While ECO4 offers up to £25,000, ECO5 could provide even more to support comprehensive retrofit packages. The government recognises that deep energy retrofits require higher upfront investment but deliver significantly better long-term outcomes.
Stronger Focus on Heat Decarbonisation
ECO5 is expected to place greater weight on replacing fossil fuel heating systems with low-carbon alternatives. This aligns with the government's broader Net Zero by 2050 target and the planned phase-out of new gas boiler installations. Heat pumps and other renewable heating solutions are likely to feature even more prominently under ECO5.
Improved Quality Standards
The government has indicated that ECO5 will include stricter quality assurance standards for installers, building on lessons learned from previous ECO phases. This includes better monitoring, longer guarantee periods, and enhanced consumer protection to ensure all work meets the highest standards.
Streamlined Application Process
Feedback from ECO4 delivery has highlighted the need for a simpler, faster application process. ECO5 is expected to reduce bureaucracy for both installers and homeowners, with improved digital systems and quicker eligibility verification. This should mean shorter wait times from application to installation.
| Feature | ECO4 (Current) | ECO5 (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Period | April 2022 - March 2026 | April 2026 - 2029/2030 |
| Approach | Single or multiple measures | Whole-house retrofit focus |
| Max Grant | Up to £25,000 | Potentially higher |
| Heating Focus | Boilers and heat pumps | Stronger push to low-carbon heating |
| Quality Standards | TrustMark and PAS 2035 | Enhanced standards and monitoring |
| EPC Target | Improve to Band D minimum | Potentially Band C target |
Expected ECO5 Eligibility Criteria
ECO5 eligibility is expected to remain broadly similar to ECO4, targeting low-income and vulnerable households. Based on government consultation documents, the following criteria are anticipated.
Route 1: Means-Tested Benefits (Likely 100% Free)
Recipients of qualifying government benefits are expected to continue to receive full funding:
AND your property must have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G (ECO5 may extend this to include Band C properties as well)
Route 2: Flex Eligibility (Low Income)
If you do not receive benefits but have low household income, you may still qualify:
- ✓Household income under £36,000 per year (threshold may be adjusted)
- ✓EPC rating D-G (potentially extended to include Band C)
- ✓Council Tax bands A-D in England, A-E in Scotland/Wales
- ✓Living in an area of high fuel poverty (Index of Multiple Deprivation)
ECO5 may expand the Flex route to include more households -- the government has consulted on broadening eligibility criteria.
Route 3: Vulnerable Households (Possible New Route)
ECO5 may introduce additional eligibility routes for households with vulnerable occupants:
- ✓Households with elderly residents (over 65)
- ✓Households with disabled or chronically ill residents
- ✓Families with young children in poorly insulated homes
These criteria have been discussed in government consultations but are not yet confirmed for ECO5.
Important: ECO5 eligibility criteria have not been finalised. The information above is based on government consultation documents and industry analysis. We will update this page as official details are confirmed.
What Measures Are Likely Covered Under ECO5?
ECO5 is expected to cover a broad range of energy efficiency measures, with a stronger emphasis on comprehensive retrofit packages. The following measures are anticipated based on the existing ECO4 offering and government policy direction.
Insulation
- • Cavity wall insulation
- • External wall insulation (solid wall homes)
- • Internal wall insulation
- • Loft insulation (virgin and top-up)
- • Room-in-roof insulation
- • Underfloor insulation
- • Flat roof insulation
Heating Upgrades
- • Air source heat pumps
- • Ground source heat pumps
- • Hybrid heat pump systems
- • High-efficiency boiler replacement (transitional)
- • Smart heating controls and thermostats
- • Infrared heating panels
- • High heat retention storage heaters
Renewables
- • Solar PV panels
- • Solar thermal systems
- • Battery storage
- • Solar-assisted heat pumps
Other Measures
- • Draught proofing
- • Energy-efficient window and door replacement
- • Cylinder insulation and pipe lagging
- • Ventilation improvements (MVHR systems)
- • Hot water tank upgrades
Whole-house packages: Under ECO5, installers are expected to recommend bundled packages of measures tailored to your property. For example, a typical package might include loft insulation + cavity wall insulation + a heat pump, delivering far greater energy savings than any measure alone.
How to Prepare for ECO5
Whether you want to apply under the current ECO4 scheme or prepare for ECO5, here is what you can do right now.
Check Your Eligibility Today
Use our free eligibility checker to find out if you qualify for the current ECO4 scheme. If you are eligible for ECO4, you will very likely be eligible for ECO5 as well. There is no reason to wait -- apply now under ECO4 before it closes.
Know Your EPC Rating
Check your property's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. Properties rated D, E, F, or G are likely to qualify. You can look up your EPC for free on the government's EPC register. If you do not have one, you can request a new assessment.
Gather Your Documents
Having the following ready will speed up your application: proof of benefits (award letters), proof of income, your property's EPC certificate, and landlord permission if you are a tenant.
Register Your Interest
Complete our eligibility form to register your interest. We will contact you as soon as ECO5 opens for applications and help you apply through one of our certified installer partners.
Why You Should Not Wait for ECO5
- 1.ECO4 is still open -- You can get your home upgraded now rather than waiting months
- 2.Possible gap between schemes -- There may be a transition period where neither scheme is taking new applications
- 3.High demand expected -- ECO5 will likely face a surge of applications at launch, causing delays
- 4.Save money now -- Every month you wait is another month of higher energy bills
Frequently Asked Questions About ECO5
When does ECO5 start?
ECO5 is expected to launch in April 2026, immediately after the ECO4 scheme closes on March 31, 2026. However, the government has not yet confirmed the exact start date. There may be a short transition period between the two schemes.
Will I be eligible for ECO5 if I was eligible for ECO4?
Very likely, yes. ECO5 is expected to maintain similar eligibility criteria to ECO4, targeting the same groups of low-income and vulnerable households. The criteria may even be broadened to include more people.
Can I apply for ECO5 now?
ECO5 is not yet accepting applications. However, you can register your interest by completing our eligibility form. If you are eligible, we strongly recommend applying under the current ECO4 scheme which is still open until March 31, 2026.
Can I get ECO5 if I already had ECO4 work done?
This has not been confirmed, but it is possible. If your home still has a low EPC rating after ECO4 measures, you may qualify for additional improvements under ECO5. The whole-house retrofit approach means there could be further measures available for your property.
Is ECO5 free or will I need to pay?
Like ECO4, ECO5 is expected to be 100% free for benefit recipients. Those qualifying through the Flex route (low income without benefits) may need to make a small contribution. The exact contribution levels have not been announced yet.
Will ECO5 cover boiler replacements?
ECO5 is expected to shift focus towards low-carbon heating solutions like heat pumps. Traditional gas boiler replacements may still be available as a transitional measure, but the emphasis will be on renewable heating. If you need a new boiler, applying under ECO4 before it closes may be the better option.
Benefits of the ECO Scheme
Lower Energy Bills
Save £300-£600+ per year on heating costs with improved insulation and efficient heating
Warmer, Healthier Home
Better heat retention, reduced damp and mould, improved air quality year-round
Increase Property Value
Boost your EPC rating and add thousands to your property's market value
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Cut household CO2 emissions by up to 3 tonnes per year and contribute to Net Zero
Don't Wait for ECO5 -- ECO4 Is Still Open
The current ECO4 scheme closes March 31, 2026. If you are eligible, apply now and get your home upgraded sooner.
Free assessment. No obligation. Up to £25,000 available under ECO4.
Other Government Energy Grants Available Now
While you wait for ECO5, several other government-backed energy grants are available. You may qualify for more than one.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
Get £7,500 towards an air source heat pump or £5,000 towards a ground source heat pump. Available to homeowners replacing fossil fuel heating.
Learn more →Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
Free or subsidised insulation for low-income households and homes in Council Tax bands A-D with an EPC of D or below.
Learn more →Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2)
Up to £25,000 for off-gas-grid homes with low EPC ratings. Covers insulation, heat pumps, and solar panels for low-income households.
Learn more →0% VAT on Energy Saving Materials
Solar panels, heat pumps, insulation, and other energy saving materials are zero-rated for VAT until 2027, saving you up to 20%.
Learn more →Ready to Get Started? Check Your Eligibility Today
Whether you apply under ECO4 now or ECO5 later, the first step is the same -- check if you qualify for free energy grants.
Over 200,000 homes upgraded through the ECO programme since 2013. Free, no obligation assessment.