What UK Homeowners and Landlords Need to Know
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) recently closed a consultation on proposals to extend the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme beyond its current end date of 31 March 2026. Whilst no final decision has been made, the proposals signal the government’s commitment to supporting energy efficiency improvements for vulnerable households.
What Was Proposed?
The government consulted looks to extend the ECO4 scheme by 6 to 9 months and sought views from energy suppliers, installers, local authorities, and other stakeholders on maintaining support for households whilst future schemes are developed.
The ECO4 scheme places obligations on major electricity and gas retail companies to deliver energy efficiency measures to domestic premises, helping to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions across the UK.
Why Extension Proposals Matter
ECO4 is currently scheduled to end on 31 March 2026. Without an extension or successor scheme, there would be a gap in support for vulnerable households seeking to improve their home’s energy efficiency. Thousands of low-income families rely on ECO4 funding for essential improvements like insulation, heating upgrades, and renewable energy installations.
The proposed extension would provide continuity whilst the government develops its longer-term plans under the Warm Homes Plan, which aims to upgrade 5 million homes with energy efficiency measures, clean heat and other low-carbon technologies over this Parliament.
Strengthened Consumer Protections Proposed
Crucially, the consultation included proposals for enhanced safeguards for homeowners during any extension period. The government is considering:
- Strengthened audit processes with increased audits and improved data sharing amongst parties
- Enhanced supplier oversight of consumer protection and quality of measures
- Updated retrofit standards with recent changes to strengthen PAS 2035/2030 specifications
These improvements respond to recent concerns about installation quality identified by the National Audit Office, which found issues with some ECO installations including problems with insulation causing damp and mould in affected homes.
What Happens Next?
The government is expected to publish its response to the consultation in the coming months. The response will confirm:
- Whether ECO4 will be extended and by how long
- What enhanced consumer protections will be implemented
- Details of any transition arrangements to future schemes
Industry stakeholders have emphasised the importance of avoiding any gap in scheme delivery to maintain support for the supply chain and ensure vulnerable households can continue accessing funding.
Looking Ahead: The Warm Homes Obligation
Whilst no decisions have been confirmed, sources indicate the government is developing a successor scheme potentially called the “Warm Homes Obligation.” This new iteration may include:
- Battery storage systems as eligible measures for the first time
- Greater emphasis on solar panels and renewable technologies
- Enhanced referral pathways through NHS and local authorities to reach more vulnerable households
Further consultation on the future of home upgrade obligations is expected later this year.
EGi Energy: Quality You Can Trust
At EGi Energy, we’ve always prioritised quality installations and full compliance with industry standards. As a PAS 2030/2035 certified installer, we welcome the government’s focus on strengthened consumer protections and enhanced audit processes.
Our track record speaks for itself:
- Over 100 properties successfully retrofitted through ECO4
- Full TrustMark certification and MCS accreditation
- Zero major defects reported on our installations
- Genuine tenant testimonials reflecting our commitment to excellence
The strengthened audit regime and enhanced consumer protections create an environment where quality installations are paramount. As a fully certified installer committed to the highest standards, EGi Energy welcomes these improvements, which ensure every household receives the professional service they deserve.
ECO4 Still Available Now
Importantly, ECO4 continues to operate as normal whilst the government considers the consultation responses. The scheme remains available until at least 31 March 2026, covering measures including:
- Insulation (loft, cavity wall, solid wall)
- Modern heating systems including heat pumps
- Solar panel installations
- Ventilation improvements
- Energy-efficient storage heaters
Check Your Eligibility Today
Many households qualify for ECO4 funding based on:
- Receipt of certain benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, and others)
- Low household income through LA Flex schemes
- Property energy rating (EPC Band D, E, F, or G)
- Health conditions affected by cold homes
How EGi Energy Can Help
As experienced ECO4 delivery partners, we handle everything:
- Free eligibility assessments for your property and tenants
- Professional surveys and retrofit planning
- Full grant application management – we handle all the paperwork
- Quality installations by certified engineers
- Complete documentation and warranties upon completion
We work closely with landlords, housing associations, and social housing providers to deliver comprehensive retrofit programmes that transform entire buildings and communities.
Get Started Today
Don’t wait for government decisions – ECO4 funding is available now. Take advantage of current scheme opportunities to improve your property’s energy efficiency at little or no cost.
Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (2025). Extending the ECO4 end date: Consultation. GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/extending-the-eco4-end-date
