ECO4 Flex

We do not run the ECO4 Flex scheme, endorse or vet any installation companies.

The energy company obligation scheme, known as ECO, helps to make homes more energy efficient by installing improvements, free of charge to eligible households. You could get the following:

insulation (e.g., loft, roofs, and walls)
low carbon heating (e.g., heat pumps, energy-efficient boilers, heating controls, electric storage heaters)
solar PV panels
high-performance external doors
window glazing
draught proofing

These improvements can help you reduce your home’s carbon emissions and your heating costs.

We do not pay for, choose, or install the energy efficiency improvements. Trustmark accredited private installers will carry out the installation work.

Eligibility: Who can get funding

This scheme is for private homeowners and private renters with an energy performance rating of D, E, F, or G. You can check your energy rating on the government website.

You can apply through an energy supplier if you receive:

child benefit
pension guarantee credit
income-related employment and support allowance (ESA)
income-based jobseeker's allowance (JSA)
income support
tax credits (child tax credits and working tax credits)
universal credit
housing benefit
pension credit saving credit

If you don’t receive any of these, you can check if your household qualifies under the Flex criteria listed in our statements of intent:

You will need to provide documents so we can verify your eligibility against these criteria.

Improvements you can get

Your chosen installer(s) will carry out a survey. They decide what level of support and type of improvements you could receive.

If eligible, you could get the following:

insulation (for example loft, roofs, and walls)
low carbon heating (for example heat pumps, energy-efficient boilers, heating controls, electric storage heaters)
solar PV panels
high-performance external doors
window glazing
draught proofing

Finding an installer

You’re responsible for choosing an installer and carrying out checks to make sure you’re satisfied with the company/installer, but you must choose a Trustmark registered installer. You can find a registered installer on the TrustMark website.

The installer will decide the support level and improvements you get. When they visit, ask for their company ID, name, and contact details so you track the progress of your application.

Checks for installations

It is your responsibility to check:

if you need planning permission or building regulations approval
if the installer is part of a competent person scheme like MCS, NICEIC, CIGA, or Stroma - if they are they can self-certify their work and won’t need to get approval from us
if the installer is gas safety registered for gas boilers
if they offer guarantees or warranties - make sure you get these documents after the installation.

Overview of the ECO4 Flex process

Step 1: Choose an installer

Choose a TrustMark-registered installer.

Step 2: Home visit

The installer checks which improvements could help the energy efficiency of your home. They finish an application form with you and work with you to gather evidence to prove you are eligible.

Step 3: Submitting the application

The installer sends the application and evidence to us. You get the installer's contact details for follow-up.

Step 4: Assessment

The installer sends the application and evidence to us. You get the installer's contact details for follow-up.

Step 5: Installation

The installer does the work and provides a guarantee and a warranty for the works completed.

Complaints

If you have issues with the installation, contact the installer first. If the problem remains unresolved, you should contact Citizens Advice Consumer Services for free advice.

To show your interest in providing energy efficiency improvements under this scheme email homeenergy@scambs.gov.uk

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