The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is a UK-wide Government-backed scheme designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty by funding heating, insulation and renewable energy improvements.

While ECO4 mainly focuses on private households, a limited portion of funding can also support social housing properties with lower EPC ratings, helping improve older and less energy-efficient homes.

For social housing, ECO4 generally acts as a supplementary funding route, with larger social housing upgrades often delivered through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF).

Tenants do not normally apply directly. Applications and project delivery are coordinated by landlords and housing providers.

What Support Could Be Available?

Measures may include:

Insulation Improvements

  • Loft insulation
  • Roof insulation
  • Cavity wall insulation
  • Internal wall insulation
  • External wall insulation
  • Floor insulation
  • Draught-proofing

Heating Improvements

  • First-time central heating systems
  • Heating system upgrades
  • Replacement of older non-condensing boilers
  • Air source heat pumps
  • Ground source heat pumps
  • Smart heating controls
  • Thermostats

Renewable Measures

  • Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems
  • Secondary energy-saving measures
  • Ventilation improvements where appropriate

Benefits For Tenants

Energy efficiency improvements may help provide:

  • Lower energy bills
  • Warmer homes
  • Reduced heat loss
  • Improved comfort during colder months
  • Reduced condensation, damp and mould issues
  • Health and wellbeing improvements
  • Homes moving closer toward EPC C standards

Who May Qualify?

Social housing support may apply where:

  • Properties are currently rated EPC E, F or G
  • Homes require substantial energy efficiency improvements
  • Housing providers identify properties suitable for upgrade

Important:

  • Private households remain the main ECO4 target group
  • Social housing funding is more limited
  • Not all properties will qualify

Step By Step – How The Process Works

Step 1 – Speak To Your Housing Provider

Tenants should contact:

  • Housing association
  • Local authority landlord
  • Housing officer
  • Repairs or energy improvement team

Tenants cannot usually submit direct ECO4 applications.

Step 2 – Property Review

The landlord reviews:

  • EPC rating
  • Property condition
  • Existing heating systems
  • Improvement opportunities

Step 3 – Retrofit Survey

If suitable:

  • A retrofit assessor visits the property
  • Surveys are carried out
  • Improvement measures are recommended

Step 4 – Funding Arrangements

Landlords work alongside:

  • ECO4 installers
  • Energy suppliers
  • Retrofit professionals

Funding applications and compliance requirements are managed through these delivery partners.

Step 5 – Installation

If approved:

  • Works are installed free of charge for tenants
  • Contractors complete upgrades
  • Housing providers coordinate appointments and tenant communication

Works are normally delivered under PAS 2035 retrofit standards.

Important Information

  • Tenants do not normally apply individually
  • Housing providers coordinate works
  • ECO4 social housing funding is limited
  • SHDF remains the main large-scale social housing programme
  • Tenants can ask landlords for an EPC review if they believe their property may qualify

Need Information On Current Grants & Support?

Funding arrangements and eligibility requirements can change over time.

Contact Grants Gateway to discuss current social housing grants and support routes that may apply to your housing circumstances.

Available support and eligibility requirements can vary depending on location and individual circumstances.