All you need to know about ECO and ECO+

ECO+ scheme

Updated: 16th Feb 2023

The government has recently announced a new scheme, ECO+. You can read more about this announcement here. ECO+ will be in addition to the ECO4 scheme, and aims to deliver rapid installation of energy efficiency measures.

ECO+ will launch in Summer 2023, and we are currently waiting for the full details of the scheme. We will update this blog as and when we know more.

ECO4 scheme

Eligible customers will be able to access a range of energy improvements that will help them improve their home energy efficiency. ECO 4 also requires a more complete upgrade of homes, shifting to a multi-measure whole-house retrofit approach. For example, a customer cannot just expect to receive loft insulation or a new boiler under ECO 4 all areas of improvement must be delivered.

ECO 4 is not a general boiler replacement only / emergency replacement boiler scheme.

The most important measure which must be considered first will be fabric insulation (loft insulation / cavity wall / underfloor heating).

Customers will need to take a package of energy efficiency improvements rather than just one. Eligible customers will have a survey carried out on their homes to make sure their property is suitable for these improvements.

Who is it for?

There is a very strict set of eligibility criteria for the scheme and customers need to be in receipt of certain benefits to be eligible.

Customers that in receipt of the following benefits qualify (as long as their home is applicable for improvements)

• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Pension Credit either Savings Credit or Guarantee Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Universal Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Child benefit where the occupants meet the below income thresholds*

You can find more information on criteria on Ofgem's ECO page here.

Upon receipt of your application our installers will carry out an initial remote assessment of your property to determine eligibility. The installer will contact you directly to confirm the next steps.

No work will be carried out until a full assessment and quote has been prepared. Please note that the ECO retrofit may require an upfront customer contribution but this will not be known until after the initial survey.

We cannot preempt any outcome this is purely for the installers to discuss with the customer directly.

If the property is privately rented and the tenants are on benefits, the ECO 4 application cannot proceed without written permission from the landlord. This cannot be received by email, a formal declaration will need to be completed by the Landlord which will be supplied to the tenant by the relevant installer.

If you believe you may be eligible and wish to apply for the ECO scheme you can apply below.

We will acknowledge receipt of your application form within 5 days of receipt

You will be contacted by the installer within 4 weeks of your application being received.

If you’d like to learn more, please email eco@octopus.energy and our team will get back in touch.