ECO4, Flex, and Plus: What Are the Differences?

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government scheme that helps to improve the energy efficiency of homes in the UK. It is funded by energy suppliers, who are required to deliver a certain number of energy efficiency measures each year.

ECO4 is the latest version of the ECO scheme, and it was launched in 2018. It has a number of different qualifying criteria, which are designed to target vulnerable households and those in fuel poverty.

Let's take a deeper look into each different measure, to help you understand what you would qualify for:

ECO4

ECO4 is the latest version of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. It was launched in 2018 and is funded by energy suppliers, who are required to deliver a certain number of energy efficiency measures each year.

ECO4 has a number of different qualifying criteria, which are designed to target vulnerable households and those in fuel poverty. To be eligible for ECO4, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• You must have an income below a certain threshold.
• You must be considered to be at risk of fuel poverty.
• You must have been referred by your local NHS trust.
• You must be identified as being vulnerable by an energy supplier.

If you meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible for a grant to help you pay for energy efficiency measures such as:

• Loft insulation
• Cavity wall insulation
• Heating controls
• Draughtproofing
• Thermostatic radiator valves
• Solar panels
• Heat pumps

The amount of the grant that you can receive will depend on the energy efficiency measures that you choose and your income.

ECO4 Flex

ECO4 Flex is an optional delivery mechanism that allows energy suppliers to deliver up to 50% of their obligation through specified routes. There are four different routes under ECO4 Flex:

• Route 1: Household Income Cap

This route targets households with an income below £30,000.

• Route 2: Multiple Proxy Targeting

This route targets households that are considered to be at risk of fuel poverty, based on a number of factors, such as their age, health, and housing tenure.

• Route 3: NHS Referral

This route targets households that have been referred by their local NHS trust.

• Route 4: Bespoke Targeting Households

This route allows energy suppliers to identify and target their own groups of vulnerable households.

The qualifying criteria for ECO4 Flex are the same as for ECO4, except that the household income cap is £30,000 instead of £20,000.

ECO4 Plus

ECO4 Plus is a new initiative that was launched in 2023. It is designed to help even more vulnerable households make energy-efficiency improvements to their homes.

ECO4 Plus has a wider range of qualifying criteria than ECO4, and it also offers a wider range of energy efficiency measures. For example, ECO4 Plus can fund measures such as solar panels and heat pumps, which are not available under ECO4.

To be eligible for ECO4 Plus, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• You must have an income below a certain threshold.
• You must be considered to be at risk of fuel poverty.
• You must have been referred by your local NHS trust.
• You must be identified as being vulnerable by an energy supplier.
• You must have a solid wall property that is not connected to the gas grid.

If you meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible for a grant to help you pay for energy efficiency measures such as:

• Loft insulation
• Cavity wall insulation
• Heating controls
• Draughtproofing
• Thermostatic radiator valves
• Solar panels
• Heat pumps

The amount of the grant that you can receive will depend on the energy efficiency measures that you choose and your income.

Who Qualifies for ECO4, Flex, and Plus?

The qualifying criteria for ECO4, Flex, and Plus vary depending on the route that is being used. However, in general, the following households are eligible:

• Households with an income below a certain threshold.
• Households that are considered to be at risk of fuel poverty.
• Households that have been referred by their local NHS trust.
• Households that are identified as being vulnerable by energy suppliers.

How to Apply for an ECO4, Flex, or Plus Grant

To apply for an ECO4, Flex, or Plus grant, you should contact My Eco Grant. The installer will be able to assess your eligibility and help you to apply for the grant. My Eco Grant is a government-backed website that makes it easy to find and compare installers who are approved to deliver the ECO scheme.

To apply for an ECO4, Flex, or Plus grant through My Eco Grant, simply follow these steps:

1. Go to the My Eco Grant website.
2. Enter your postcode to find installers in your area.
3. The installer will call to arrange a free survey.
4. If you are eligible for the ECO scheme, the installer will apply for a grant on your behalf.

Conclusion

ECO4, Flex, and Plus are all government schemes that can help you to make energy efficiency improvements to your home. The qualifying criteria for each scheme vary, so it is important to check your eligibility before you apply.

You can apply for an ECO4, Flex, or Plus grant through a local installer or through the My Eco Grant website. My Eco Grant makes it easy to find installers who are approved to deliver the ECO scheme.

I hope this blog has been informative. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.