For households across the UK, the ECO4 scheme has been a lifeline. With energy bills still high and the push for net zero continuing, ECO4 offers government-backed support to help homeowners and tenants upgrade their homes with better insulation, renewable energy, and efficient heating systems.
But one question is becoming increasingly urgent: when does ECO4 end? The “ECO4 end date” isn’t just a bureaucratic deadline; it’s the final chance for thousands of households to access free or heavily subsidised energy improvements.
Delays in applications, limited installer capacity, and long council approval times mean that anyone waiting too long risks missing out altogether. The message from the energy efficiency sector is clear: if you’re considering applying, now is the time to act.
In this guide, we’ll break down the ECO4 scheme’s timeline, what’s known (and not yet known) about its end date, and why acting early is essential, especially as the possibility of an extension remains uncertain.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government scheme requiring large energy suppliers to fund home energy efficiency improvements. Its goal is to reduce fuel poverty and lower carbon emissions by improving older, less efficient homes across the UK.
The scheme is currently in its fourth phase, ECO4, which launched in April 2022. It builds on previous versions (ECO1 to ECO3) but introduces several major changes, focusing on a whole-house approach rather than individual improvements.
Under ECO4, upgrades can include insulation (loft, wall, or floor), renewable energy solutions such as solar PV, and modern low-carbon heating systems such as air source heat pumps.
It’s a scheme that genuinely transforms homes, but with limited time and complex application routes, understanding the ECO4 end date has never been more important.
Interest in the ECO4 scheme has grown dramatically since 2023, as homeowners have become more aware of the financial and comfort benefits available. However, alongside that interest, there’s also growing confusion.
Many have heard rumours of the scheme being extended or replaced, while others believe there’s still plenty of time left to apply. Unfortunately, both assumptions can be risky.
While the scheme is due to run until March 2026, application timelines are long, and funding is allocated to councils and installers well in advance. If you wait until late 2025 or early 2026 to apply, it’s highly likely you’ll find that:
So while the government may still be deciding what happens next, the clock is already ticking for households that want to benefit from ECO4.
The official guidance from Ofgem and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) confirms that ECO4 is set to run until 31 March 2026. This marks the end of the fourth phase of the scheme, which has been running since April 2022.
This means that, technically, there’s still time. However, in practice, the window is narrowing quickly. Installers and managing agents are already planning projects 6 to 12 months ahead due to complex approval processes, and local councils may have shorter internal cut-offs for applications.
Until 2026, ECO4 continues as normal, meaning energy suppliers still have targets to meet, and funding is still available. But as the end date nears, allocations tighten.
Each month that passes sees more homes added to waiting lists, and as deadlines approach, the scheme tends to become oversubscribed. Homeowners who delay risk finding that funding pools have been fully allocated before the official end date.
If your home qualifies for support, applying early ensures you avoid disappointment and take advantage of the scheme while there’s still availability.
There’s growing speculation in the energy efficiency sector that ECO4 could be extended or evolve into a new phase, such as ECO4.1 or ECO5. The government has a strong incentive to keep supporting home energy upgrades, particularly for vulnerable households, as part of its broader Net Zero Strategy.
However, as of late 2025, no official announcement has been made confirming any extension. Industry insiders expect some form of continuation, but the details, including dates, eligibility, and available measures, remain uncertain.
The lack of clarity means homeowners shouldn’t wait for an extension. If you’re eligible now, it’s much safer to apply under ECO4 than to risk missing out if the next phase has stricter criteria or reduced funding.
If the government does extend or replace ECO4, the following changes are possible:
In short, any future scheme may look quite different, and not all households currently eligible for ECO4 will qualify under the new rules.
The process for securing ECO4 funding isn’t instant. Each application involves multiple stages:
In many areas, councils are already reporting backlogs, with applications taking anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks to be approved. Some larger projects can take even longer.
The earlier you start, the more likely your improvements will be completed before funding expires.
Every month counts. The ECO4 scheme operates on funding quotas, meaning when allocations for your local area or energy supplier are used up, new applicants must wait or lose eligibility altogether.
If you delay, you could:
In previous ECO phases, late applicants were often left disappointed when the scheme closed earlier than expected.
Applying now allows you to:
In short, acting early gives you control and certainty rather than relying on what may or may not come next.
You may qualify for ECO4 if:
If you don’t receive benefits, you could still qualify under LA Flex, where local councils identify households in need due to factors like low income or poor energy efficiency.
The ECO4 scheme funds a wide range of improvements, including:
Each measure helps reduce household energy use and carbon emissions and can lower annual bills by hundreds of pounds.
Start by speaking to an independent advisor such as Green Homes Group, who can confirm whether you meet the scheme’s criteria.
A qualified energy assessor visits your property to carry out an in-depth survey, identifying the most effective improvements for your home.
Provide any required evidence, such as proof of benefits or ownership, to support your application.
Once approved, you’ll be allocated a trusted, qualified installer from our network who will carry out the work.
The upgrades are fitted, inspected, and signed off to ensure quality and compliance.
To prevent unnecessary hold-ups:
At Green Homes Group, we streamline this process for you, ensuring your application is submitted correctly and on time.
Our team at Green Homes Group offers free home surveys to help you understand your property’s energy performance and eligibility for the ECO4 scheme. We’ll assess which upgrades will have the biggest impact and explain your funding options in plain English.
Booking early means your property can be prioritised before the scheme closes to new applicants.
We’re not installers, and that’s what makes us different. Instead, we act as independent advisors, guiding you through the full process. Our role is to ensure your application is handled smoothly, connect you with reliable installers from our vetted network, and help you access the funding you deserve.
We stay up to date with the latest ECO4 news, eligibility rules, and government updates so that you don’t have to.
From your first enquiry to final approval, our team supports you through every stage. We handle:
Our mission is to make the ECO4 process as simple and stress-free as possible.
As the ECO4 scheme approaches its end date, there’s already industry discussion around a successor, likely ECO5 or an extended ECO4.1 phase. The government is committed to improving the energy efficiency of homes, particularly those in fuel poverty.
Future schemes may expand eligibility, introduce new renewable technologies, or integrate with other funding routes such as the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).
However, these future programmes are not yet defined, which is why it’s essential to act while ECO4 funding remains available.
ECO4 plays a vital role in the UK’s long-term Net Zero 2050 target. By improving older, less efficient housing stock, the scheme reduces national energy use and supports a fairer transition to a low-carbon economy.
Every home upgraded under ECO4 contributes to that goal and helps families enjoy lower energy costs and a more comfortable living environment.
With the ECO4 end date set for March 2026, the message is clear: don’t wait. The scheme may be extended, changed, or replaced, but nothing is guaranteed. Delays in applications and council approvals mean that acting early is the only way to ensure you don’t miss out.
The team at Green Homes Group can help you every step of the way, from checking your eligibility to completing your application and connecting you with a trusted installer.
If you’ve been on the fence about applying, now is the moment to move.
Book your free home survey today with Green Homes Group and secure your funding while the ECO4 scheme is still open. The sooner you act, the sooner you can start saving, and the closer we’ll all be to a greener, warmer future.
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