ECO4 vs Other UK Energy Schemes: Complete 2026 Comparison
ECO4 offers up to £10,000+ in free boiler and insulation upgrades for benefits recipients (GOV.UK). The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides £7,500 for heat pumps with no income restrictions. The Warm Homes: Local Grant offers up to £30,000. Compare all five UK government energy schemes below.
Key Takeaway
ECO4 is the best scheme for free boilers if you receive qualifying benefits and have an EPC rating of D–G. It ends 31 December 2026 with no replacement confirmed. For heat pumps, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (£7,500 grant) is open to all homeowners until 2028. For maximum funding, the Warm Homes: Local Grant offers up to £30,000 for low-income households.
Quick Summary — UK Energy Schemes in 2026
- ECO4 — The most popular scheme for free boilers. Extended to December 2026 (GOV.UK source). Up to £10,000+ in whole-house upgrades. Total scheme funding: £4 billion. No ECO5 is planned.
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) — £7,500 grant for heat pumps. No income restrictions. Extended to March 2028. Now includes air-to-air heat pumps (£2,500) and heat batteries (£2,500). Total scheme funding: £1.5 billion.
- Warm Homes: Local Grant — NEW from April 2025. Up to £30,000 for low-income households via 270 local authorities in England (GOV.UK source). Phase 1 funding: £500 million. Runs until 2028.
- GBIS — Closed to new applications as of 31 January 2026 (Ofgem source).
- Warm Home Discount — £150 annual electricity bill credit for pensioners on Guarantee Credit. Automatic — no application needed.
Not sure which scheme you qualify for? Check your eligibility in 60 seconds.
ECO4 Closes December 2026 — No ECO5 Replacement Confirmed
According to the government response published on GOV.UK, ECO4 will end on 31 December 2026 with no successor scheme. The Warm Homes Plan (backed by £13.2 billion — Energy Saving Trust) will replace it from 2027, but eligibility criteria are still being finalised. If you qualify for a free boiler, apply now before funding runs out.
All UK Government Energy Schemes at a Glance
Five government-backed schemes are available in 2026, collectively worth over £6 billion in funding. Each targets different households and offers different levels of support. Here's what you need to know.
Energy Company Obligation 4
£10,000+
July 2022 – December 2026
Focus:
Whole-house energy upgrades: boilers, heating, and insulation
What's Covered:
- Free boiler replacement (A-rated gas or electric)
- First-time central heating installation
- Loft, cavity wall, and solid wall insulation
- Air source heat pumps
- +2 more measures
Best For:
Households on benefits needing a free boiler and comprehensive energy upgrades — apply before Dec 2026
BUS — Extended to 2028
£7,500
May 2022 – March 2028
Focus:
Low-carbon heating: heat pumps and biomass boilers
What's Covered:
- Air source heat pumps — £7,500 grant
- Ground source heat pumps — £7,500 grant
- Biomass boilers — £5,000 (rural, off-gas properties only)
- Air-to-air heat pumps — £2,500 (added 2025)
- +1 more measures
Best For:
Homeowners wanting future-proof, low-carbon heating with no income restrictions
Warm Homes Plan — NEW for 2025
£30,000
April 2025 – March 2028
Focus:
Energy efficiency and low-carbon heating for low-income homes
What's Covered:
- Up to £15,000 for energy efficiency measures
- Up to £15,000 for non-carbon heating
- Insulation (all types)
- Heat pumps and solar panels
- +2 more measures
Best For:
Low-income households in the poorest-performing homes wanting maximum funding
GBIS — Now Closed
£4,000
March 2023 – March 2026 (closed to new applicants Jan 2026)
Focus:
Single insulation measures for energy-inefficient homes
What's Covered:
- Loft insulation
- Cavity wall insulation
- Solid wall insulation
- Floor insulation
- +1 more measures
Best For:
No longer accepting applications. If you need insulation, apply for ECO4 or Warm Homes: Local Grant instead
WHD — Annual Bill Credit
£150
Annual (October – March each year)
Focus:
One-off electricity bill discount for vulnerable households
What's Covered:
- £150 credit applied to electricity bill
- Automatic for Pension Credit Guarantee recipients
Best For:
Pensioners on Guarantee Credit wanting automatic bill help — combine with ECO4 for home upgrades
Side-by-Side Scheme Comparison Table
Compare key features across all UK energy schemes at a glance. Data accurate as of March 2026.
| Criteria | ECO4 | BUS | Warm Homes | GBIS | WHD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Status (March 2026) | ✓ Open until Dec 2026 | ✓ Open until 2028 | ✓ Open until 2028 | ✗ Closed Jan 2026 | ✓ Annual scheme |
| Maximum Funding | £10,000+ | £7,500 | £30,000 | £4,000 | £150 |
| Your Contribution | £0 — fully funded | £500–£6,500 | £0 — fully funded | £0 — fully funded | N/A |
| Income Requirements | Benefits or <£31k | None — any homeowner | Low income (IMD 1–2) | Council Tax A–D | Pension Credit / low income |
| EPC Requirement | Rating D–G | Valid EPC needed | Rating D–G | Rating D–G | None |
| Free Boiler Replacement | ✓ Full coverage | ✗ Heat pumps only | ✓ Via heat pump | ✗ Not available | ✗ Not available |
| Insulation Coverage | ✓ All types | ✗ Not included | ✓ All types | ✓ All types | ✗ Not included |
| Heat Pump Grants | ✓ Included | ✓ £7,500 grant | ✓ Up to £15,000 | ✗ Not available | ✗ Not available |
| Homeowners | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Private Tenants | ✓ With landlord consent | ✗ Homeowners only | ✓ With landlord consent | ✓ With landlord consent | ✓ |
Sources: GOV.UK — ECO4 Extension · Ofgem — ECO · GOV.UK — Warm Homes · Energy Saving Trust · Citizens Advice. Last verified March 2026.
Smart Strategy: How to Combine Schemes for Maximum Funding
You can't double-dip on the same measure, but you can strategically use different schemes together.
ECO4 Insulation + BUS Heat Pump = Best of Both Worlds
Get free insulation through ECO4, then apply for a £7,500 BUS heat pump grant. Insulate first, heat pump second — this is the optimal order because a well-insulated home needs a smaller (cheaper) heat pump.
ECO4 Free Boiler + Warm Home Discount = Immediate Relief
If you're on Pension Credit, you automatically receive the £150 WHD bill credit AND qualify for a free ECO4 boiler replacement. A new A-rated boiler saves up to £580/year on energy bills.
Warm Homes: Local Grant = All-in-One for Eligible Households
If you're in a low-income area (IMD deciles 1–2), the Warm Homes: Local Grant can provide up to £30,000 for both insulation and renewable heating through your local authority. Check availability in your area.
Not sure which combination works for you? Our expert team will assess all available options.
Check All Scheme EligibilityWhich Scheme Is Right for You?
Match your situation to the best available scheme.
Choose ECO4 If You:
- Receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, ESA, JSA, or PIP
- Need a new boiler or full heating system
- Want comprehensive whole-house upgrades
- Have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G
- Want £0 cost — fully funded
Choose BUS If You:
- Are a homeowner (any income level)
- Want future-proof low-carbon heating
- Can contribute £500–£6,500 after the grant
- Want protection from the 2035 gas boiler ban
- Prefer 20–25 year equipment lifespan
Choose Warm Homes If You:
- Live in a low-income area (IMD 1–2)
- Own or privately rent your home
- Have an EPC rating of D–G
- Want the highest possible funding (up to £30k)
- Need both insulation and heating upgrades
What Happens After ECO4 Ends in December 2026?
The Energy Company Obligation has run since 2013. Here's what replaces it and why you should act now.
No ECO5 — The Supplier Obligation Model Is Ending
The government has confirmed there will be no ECO5 scheme (GOV.UK, Jan 2026). Since 2013, energy suppliers (British Gas, EDF, OVO, etc.) have been obligated to fund home energy improvements under the Energy Company Obligation. This supplier-funded model ends with ECO4 on 31 December 2026. After that date, energy suppliers will no longer be required to fund free boilers or insulation.
The Warm Homes Plan Takes Over from 2027
The government's Warm Homes Plan, backed by £13.2 billion from the Spring Budget 2026 (Energy Saving Trust), will replace ECO with direct government grants delivered through 270 local authorities across England. The initial phase — the Warm Homes: Local Grant — launched in April 2025 with £500 million in funding (GOV.UK). However, full eligibility criteria and procurement arrangements for the post-ECO4 period are still being finalised.
Why You Should Apply for ECO4 Now
- ECO4 is a proven scheme with established processes — no uncertainty
- Funding is allocated — but applications close with the deadline
- The replacement scheme (Warm Homes Plan) may have different eligibility criteria
- Waiting lists grow as the deadline approaches — early applicants get priority
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing UK energy efficiency schemes.
Which UK energy scheme gives the most funding in 2026?
The Warm Homes: Local Grant offers up to £30,000. ECO4 provides up to £10,000+ for whole-house upgrades including free boilers. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £7,500 for heat pumps. The best scheme depends on your income, property type, and what improvements you need.
Can I combine ECO4 with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
Not for heating — but you CAN get free ECO4 insulation then apply for a £7,500 BUS heat pump grant. Insulate first, heat pump second. This maximises total funding to £17,500+ across both schemes.
When does the ECO4 scheme end?
ECO4 has been extended to 31 December 2026 (source: GOV.UK). The original March 2026 deadline was pushed back by 9 months. No ECO5 is planned — the Warm Homes Plan replaces it from 2027.
Is the Great British Insulation Scheme still open?
No. GBIS closed to new applications on 31 January 2026 (source: Ofgem). Apply for ECO4 or the Warm Homes: Local Grant instead — both remain open and cover insulation.
What replaces ECO4 after it ends?
The Warm Homes Plan replaces ECO4 from 2027, backed by £13.2 billion in government funding. Unlike ECO4 (supplier-funded), it uses direct government grants via local authorities. Eligibility criteria are still being finalised.
Do I need to be on benefits to get a free boiler?
Usually yes — ECO4 requires qualifying benefits (UC, Pension Credit, ESA, JSA, PIP, or Child Tax Credit). However, the LA Flex pathway qualifies households earning under £31,000 without benefits. BUS has no income restrictions but requires a contribution.
Which scheme is best for private tenants?
ECO4 and Warm Homes: Local Grant both accept private tenants with landlord permission. BUS is homeowners only. Tenants on qualifying benefits should apply for ECO4 first — it offers the most coverage at zero cost.
How long does it take to get a free boiler through ECO4?
Typically 2–4 weeks from eligibility check to installation. The process: 60-second online check, home survey, then installation by Gas Safe engineers — usually completed in one day.
Ready to Apply for a Free Boiler Before ECO4 Closes?
Don't wait until the deadline. Check which schemes you qualify for and start your application today. Our team has helped 7,000+ UK households access free energy grants.
Written by Peter Davies, ECO4 Analyst
10+ years in UK energy efficiency. Specialist in government grant programs and home energy improvements.
Last Updated: March 2026
Reviewed monthly · ECO4 Scheme Guide