ECO4-Scheme: Energieeffizienz-Pflichten 2026 (GB)

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is the fourth iteration of the UK government's flagship energy efficiency obligation scheme, administered by Ofgem. Under ECO4, large licensed energy suppliers — those serving more than 150,000 domestic customers — are legally required to fund and deliver energy efficiency improvements in eligible households. The scheme runs from April 2022 to 31 March 2026, with a total value of approximately £4 billion. It targets fuel-poor and low-income households, with the primary aim of upgrading properties to at least an EPC band D rating.

Eligible properties are typically those in EPC bands D, E, F, or G, occupied by households in receipt of qualifying means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Child Tax Credit. Local authorities can also refer households under a flexible eligibility route. Installers and contractors — including electricians involved in solar PV, battery storage, and heat pump installations — must be MCS-certified and work through an approved ECO4 supply chain, typically in partnership with an obligated energy supplier or a managing agent/TrustMark-registered organisation.

Eligible measures under ECO4 include solid wall insulation, cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, air source heat pumps, first-time central heating systems, and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels as a secondary measure. Crucially, a whole-house retrofit approach is mandated — single-measure installs are restricted, and works must be designed to deliver a meaningful improvement to the property's energy rating. All measures must comply with relevant PAS 2035/2030 standards for retrofit coordination and installation quality.

Electricians and PV installers seeking ECO4-funded work should register with TrustMark, obtain or maintain MCS certification, and establish relationships with energy suppliers or managing agents who hold ECO4 obligations. Homeowners cannot apply directly to Ofgem — instead, they should contact their energy supplier, their local council, or a TrustMark-registered retrofit coordinator. With ECO4 concluding in March 2026, the government has signalled a successor scheme (ECO5 / Warm Homes Plan) is in development; staying informed via Ofgem and DESNZ publications is strongly advised.

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Umsetzungs-Checkliste

1. Confirm the household is in EPC band D–G and occupant receives qualifying benefits (or via local authority referral)
2. Register with TrustMark as a retrofit installer or coordinator
3. Obtain and maintain MCS certification for relevant measures (PV, heat pumps)
4. Ensure compliance with PAS 2035/2030 retrofit standards for all ECO4 works
5. Partner with an obligated energy supplier or ECO4 managing agent to access funding
6. Commission a whole-house retrofit assessment before planning individual measures
7. Submit all installation evidence and EPC post-works documentation to the supply chain for Ofgem reporting
8. Monitor DESNZ and Ofgem announcements regarding the ECO5 / Warm Homes Plan successor scheme