The ECO4 scheme ends on 31 December 2026. ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation 4) is the UK government's largest domestic energy efficiency programme, with a total budget of £4 billion funded by obligated energy suppliers (Ofgem). The scheme provides free insulation, boiler replacements, heat pumps, and solar panels to households receiving qualifying benefits with EPC ratings of D–G. According to Ofgem's quarterly report, over 350,000 measures had been installed under ECO4 by the end of 2025. The government has confirmed there will be no ECO5; the Warm Homes Plan (£13.2 billion, Spring Budget 2026) will replace the supplier obligation model from 2027.
The Clock Is Ticking
The ECO4 scheme officially closes in December 2026. After this date, there is no guarantee that a replacement scheme will offer the same level of funding. If you qualify, now is the time to act — not next month, not next year. Now.
What Happens After December 2026?
The government has not confirmed the details of any successor scheme. While an "ECO5" is expected, historical precedent shows that each new phase typically:
- Has stricter eligibility criteria
- Covers fewer measures
- Has reduced funding per household
- Takes months to launch after the previous scheme ends
The government has announced the Warm Homes Plan with £15bn in funding to replace ECO4. However, unlike ECO4 (funded by energy suppliers), the Warm Homes Plan uses direct government grants with new procurement arrangements from April 2026. Eligibility criteria haven't been finalised, so there may be a gap between ECO4 closing (December 2026) and the Warm Homes Plan fully launching.
What You Can Still Get for Free
- Loft insulation — saves £590/year
- Cavity wall insulation — saves £395/year
- Solid wall insulation — saves £640/year
- Boiler replacement — saves £400/year
- First-time central heating — saves £900/year
- Solar panels — saves £1,100/year
- Air source heat pumps
Why You Should Apply NOW
- First-come, first-served: Energy companies have limited budgets. When they've met their obligation, they stop accepting new applications.
- Processing takes time: From application to installation is typically 4-8 weeks. Apply in February, get work done before the deadline.
- No guarantee of what comes next: ECO5 might not cover your situation.
- Energy bills aren't getting cheaper: Every month you wait is money wasted on inefficient heating.
Check Your Eligibility in 60 Seconds
Use our free checker to see if you qualify. If you do, we'll connect you with installers who can get the work done before the deadline.