The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme supports low income and vulnerable households by providing energy upgrades to their homes. It is funded and by energy suppliers that have an obligation to improve the least energy efficient homes, which will help to meet the Government’s fuel poverty and net zero commitments. These energy suppliers are funding installation companies to make improvements including heating, insulation and solar panels, and the programme will continue until March 2026.
Eligibility for ECO4 is based on a household’s financial situation, and the current state of their property. Only homeowners and private tenants are eligible, and tenants must have the support of their landlord. Both owner-occupiers and landlords may be asked by an installer to make a contribution towards the cost of the works. Social tenants should speak with their landlord if they need improvements to their property.
ECO Flex
Sheffield City Council is supporting installers to spend more ECO4 funding in Sheffield by making households eligible via ECO Flex. Councils are allowed to identify fuel poor and vulnerable households that are not in receipt of means-tested benefits but who may benefit from heating and energy saving measures. The full list of qualifying criteria is listed below.
Sheffield City Council is working with energy experts AgilityEco to administer an ECO Flex service. On receipt of a qualifying application from an installer the council can provide ECO Flex declaration that confirms the household as eligible for ECO funding. It is up to the installer to secure the necessary information from households. This ECO Flex declaration relates only to a household’s financial circumstances – the property that they live in must still be suitable for support under ECO. For example, the property must have an EPC rating of E or less (sometimes also D) and must be technically suitable for improvement measures. It is the installer’s responsibility to confirm this information via a home survey.
How to benefit from ECO
Households are not able to apply directly for ECO – the funding must be provided to accredited installers who will install measures on the household’s behalf. An installation company that may approach households directly, or advertise what opportunities are available. Sheffield City Council is working with local installers to support them to become accredited to deliver ECO measures, and to ensure that they approach households appropriately.
If you would like assistance to improve your home’s energy efficiency, or have any questions about ECO, then please contact the Warm Homes Sheffield service on freephone 0800 107 8882. Warm Homes Sheffield has been set up by Sheffield City Council in partnership with AgilityEco to provide Sheffield residents with a straightforward way to access all the various energy efficiency programmes and support available. A friendly advisor will be able to have a conversation with you about your situation, and will seek to understand what support you may be eligible for.
ECO Flex Eligibility
As per Sheffield City Council’s Statement of Intent the following households may be eligible to receive an ECO flex declaration, which will be provided to an accredited installer working with that household.