Is the ECO4 Scheme Still Active? Latest Updates 2026
Find the latest 2026 update on ECO4 energy efficiency scheme, whether it’s still active, deadline changes, and how to apply before funding ends.
Energy bills just keep going up, and it’s no surprise that homeowners across the UK are looking for ways to save. Lately, a lot of people are asking the same thing: is the ECO4 scheme still active? With 2026 creeping up, the whole situation feels even more confusing — no one’s really sure about the latest ECO4 updates for 2026, the current status of the ECO4 scheme in the UK, how much funding’s left, or if the government plans to extend it.
So, here’s the deal on ECO4 right now: who can actually get help, what deadlines you need to watch, what’s changing, and what might happen next. Thinking about applying for a free boiler, some new insulation, or maybe a heating upgrade? It’s worth finding out where ECO4 stands before you get started.
What Is the ECO4 Scheme?
ECO4 scheme, short for Energy Company Obligation Phase 4, is a UK government scheme that actually helps people on lower incomes — or anyone who needs extra support to make their homes more energy efficient. Big energy companies foot the bill, and the aim isn’t just a quick fix. It’s about real, long-term improvements. We’re talking free boiler swaps, first-time central heating, better insulation in lofts and walls, air source heat pumps, and smart heating controls. The whole point? Help people spend less on energy, cut down on carbon emissions, and make homes across the UK work smarter when it comes to energy use.
Is ECO4 Still Active in 2026?
ECO4 scheme is still active, and it’s set to last until March 2026. If your household qualifies, you can still apply for ECO4 grants. Just remember, funding isn’t unlimited — it depends on your location and what energy suppliers have left in their budgets.
A lot of people have been asking if ECO4 is active or has ended. There’s been some chatter online about the scheme being paused, which has thrown people off. Here’s what’s actually happening: some installers might stop accepting new applications for a while if they’ve used up their local funding, but ECO4 itself hasn’t shut down. It’s end date is March 2026.
ECO4 Scheme Status 2026
ECO4 scheme status in 2026 shows that the scheme is still running across the UK, but it’s nearing the end. Unless the government decides to give it more time, it’ll wrap up in March 2026.
Here’s what to know: the current ECO4 status in the UK is that it’s available everywhere, but the funding doesn’t drop all at once — it comes in waves. Some upgrades are way more popular, so you’ll notice bigger demand in certain spots. It’s also harder to qualify now compared to earlier versions.
Because of all this, some areas run into holdups or short pauses, which makes people think the ECO4 scheme has been paused. But it’s still moving along.
ECO4 scheme's Latest Updates 2026
Here’s what’s changing with ECO4 updates for 2026 — stuff you’ll want to know if you’re planning to apply:
Bigger Push for Whole-Home
ECO4 isn’t about swapping out just one thing anymore. They want you to tackle your home’s overall energy efficiency, not just patch up one spot. If you only want to do a single upgrade, it better make a real difference in your EPC rating.
Tighter Rules on Who Gets In
Getting approved isn’t as easy as it used to be. Your home needs a pretty low EPC rating — D, E, F, or G. Plus, you have to either get certain benefits or get the green light through your local council’s ECO4 Flex scheme.
3. Funding Changes Based on Location
Sometimes, the money just runs out in certain areas for a bit. It might seem like an ECO4 scheme pause, but it’s actually still going in other parts of the UK.
4. Energy Suppliers Have More Control
Energy companies like Cozyfy have a bigger say in which upgrades get funded. So, where you live and what supplier prioritizes can significantly affect your ECO4 grant availability.
ECO4 Funding Update: Is Funding Still Available?
The latest ECO4 funding update shows that funding is still available, but it’s getting tougher to secure. Cozyfy have strict carbon targets to meet by 2026, so they’re primarily supporting households that need it most.
Here’s the deal:
- Grants roll out every year.
- The most popular energy-saving upgrades get snapped up quickly.
- Apply early, and your chances go way up.
- Your location counts — some areas just get more funding than others.
If you wait around, you could miss out before the ECO4 deadline in 2026.
Is The ECO4 Scheme Paused?
A lot of people ask if the ECO4 scheme has been paused. It hasn’t. There’s no nationwide shutdown happening. Sometimes, you might notice a short pause — perhaps an energy supplier reaches its carbon target, an installer temporarily stops taking new applications, or funding is redirected to households with greater need. But these are just local and temporary interruptions. The ECO4 scheme is still very much active.
ECO4 Eligibility Changes
Homeowners often wonder if they actually qualify, especially now with the recent ECO4 eligibility changes making the scheme stricter than ECO3. So, here’s the gist: If you own your place or rent from a private landlord, your home isn’t great on energy efficiency, and you get benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit, you’re probably in. Sometimes, your local council can say you fit the ECO4 Flex rules too. Landlords — you’ll need your tenant’s okay, and you’ve got to make sure the property meets the right standards.
ECO4 Scheme News and Policy Update 2026
People can’t stop talking about the ECO4 scheme news these days. The government’s moving fast — they’ve already got their eyes on the next round of energy efficiency support for homes. With the ECO4 policy update for 2026, the focus is shifting even more toward the UK’s net-zero goals.
Everyone’s watching a few major changes: more heat pumps being installed, phasing out old gas boilers, stricter EPC rating requirements, and ensuring everything aligns with future grants. With so much evolving, people are left wondering what kind of support will follow once ECO4 comes to an end.
ECO4 Deadline 2026
The ECO4 deadline is March 2026. After that, the scheme will officially end — no new applications will be accepted, and any approved installations must be completed.
Many people are hoping for an ECO4 extension in the UK, but as of now, there’s no official announcement.
ECO4 Extension UK: Is It Likely?
Right now, nobody really knows. Still, plenty of folks in the industry expect either an extension or maybe a whole new scheme. The government keeps saying they want to boost home energy efficiency, especially for people who need extra help or are on lower incomes.
So, what’s next? Maybe we’ll get another phase, such as ECO5. Councils might launch bigger energy-saving projects. Or we could see more backing for renewable and low-carbon heating.
But for now, until the government announces something new, ECO4 is still the main support out there.
ECO4 Future Plans UK: What to Expect?
The future of ECO4 in the UK looks promising. ECO4 isn’t going away anytime soon. If anything, it’s set to change and get bigger. The UK’s still chasing those climate goals, and with people struggling with the cost of living, energy efficiency keeps grabbing attention.
So, what’s coming up? More people will qualify. There’ll be more funding for renewables, and the whole application process should get quicker and less of a hassle. Local councils might even step in more.
But if you’re looking for help to make your home more energy efficient right now, ECO4 is still your best option.
Final Thoughts
Yes, ECO4 is still active, with funding set to help UK households until 2026. But time’s running out. The ECO4 deadline is approaching, money disappears fast, and the rules for who can apply are only getting stricter. If you’re thinking about it, don’t wait — get your application in now.
People keep asking if ECO4 is still active or has ended. Simple answer: it’s not, but it won’t last forever.
At Cozyfy, we keep you up to date with the latest ECO4 scheme updates, help you figure out if you qualify, and make sure your application gets in before the funding’s gone. Don’t put it off — get your ECO4 grant while you still can.
Frequently Asked Question!
Yes, ECO4 is still going and won’t wrap up until March 2026. If your household fits the criteria, you can still jump in and apply for energy-saving upgrades.
You’re in the running if you own your place or rent privately, have a low EPC rating, and get certain benefits.
Nope, ECO4 is still running until March 2026. Sometimes local councils pause it for a while, but the national scheme keeps moving. You can easily apply through Cozyfy by filling up basic application form.
The rules are getting stricter. Most homes now need an EPC rating between D and G, plus you have to get the right benefits or meet your council’s ECO4 Flex criteria.
After March 2026, applications close. Another phase, like ECO5, could roll out after that, but ECO4 will be done.
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