ECO4 Extended to December 2026 — New Scheme End Date Confirmed
ECO4 has been extended to 31 December 2026 — nine months beyond the original end date of 31 March 2026. The extension gives energy suppliers more time to meet existing obligations, but total targets have not increased. There will be no successor supplier obligation after ECO4 ends. The Warm Homes Local Grant is the primary replacement scheme.
Has ECO4 been extended? Yes. The government has confirmed that the ECO4 scheme end date has been pushed back nine months, from 31 March 2026 to 31 December 2026. The ECO4 extension was confirmed in the government's consultation response published on 23 January 2026.
Critically, there will be no successor supplier obligation after ECO4 ends. Instead, the government has committed an additional £1.5 billion in grant funding to the Warm Homes Plan.
This article explains what the ECO4 extension means, what has changed, and what you should do if you haven't yet applied.
Key Facts
- ECO4 new end date: 31 December 2026 (extended 9 months from 31 March 2026)
- No successor scheme: There will be no replacement supplier obligation after ECO4
- £1.5 billion extra committed to the Warm Homes Plan
- Since 2013: Approximately 4.4 million ECO measures installed in 2.6 million properties
- Under ECO4: Around 949,800 measures installed in approximately 280,100 households (to September 2025)
- GBIS not extended: The Great British Insulation Scheme still ends 31 March 2026
Will ECO4 Be Extended? The ECO4 End Date Explained
Many homeowners have been asking: will ECO4 be extended beyond March 2026? The answer is yes. Following a public consultation in August–September 2025 that received 215 responses, the government confirmed the ECO4 extension on 23 January 2026.
ECO4 Scheme End Date 2026
The ECO4 scheme end date is now 31 December 2026. The original deadline of 31 March 2026 has been pushed back by nine months. However, it's important to understand that the ECO4 end date of December 2026 is final — the government has been clear there will be no further extensions and no successor supplier obligation.
Extending the ECO4 End Date — What the Government Said
The decision on extending the ECO4 end date was published on 23 January 2026 in the government's consultation response. The consultation ran from August to September 2025 and received 215 responses from suppliers, installers, consumer groups, and local authorities. The overwhelming consensus supported the extension to give the supply chain more time to deliver. For the official position, see Extending the ECO4 end date (gov.uk).
What Has Changed?
In August 2025, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) consulted on extending the ECO4 end date. The consultation received 215 responses. The government published its response confirming the following:
| Decision | Detail |
|---|---|
| ECO4 end date | Extended 9 months — now ends 31 December 2026 |
| GBIS end date | Unchanged — ends as planned on 31 March 2026 |
| Successor obligation | None — no successor supplier obligation after ECO4 |
| Additional funding | Government committed £1.5 billion extra to the Warm Homes Plan |
| Obligation targets | Unchanged — suppliers must meet existing targets |
| Innovation Measures | No new applications during extension; existing uplifts honoured |
Source: Extending the ECO4 end date: government response (gov.uk)
Why Was ECO4 Extended?
The extension serves three main purposes:
- Give suppliers more time to meet targets — Many obligated energy suppliers had not yet met their ECO4 obligations by the original deadline
- Allow remediation of poor-quality installations — Following concerns raised by the National Audit Office about substandard solid wall insulation work
- Avoid a delivery gap — Without a successor scheme in place, ending ECO4 abruptly would have left a gap in support for fuel-poor households
What Is ECO4?
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government scheme that requires medium and large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements in qualifying homes. ECO4 is the fourth iteration, running since July 2022.
Under ECO4, suppliers must promote measures that help low-income, fuel-poor, and vulnerable households reduce their energy consumption. The most common measures are loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and heating system upgrades. In Wales, the Nest scheme provides similar support through the Welsh Government.
ECO4 by the Numbers
- Since ECO began in 2013: Approximately 4.4 million measures installed in 2.6 million properties
- Under ECO4 specifically: Around 949,800 measures in approximately 280,100 households
- Estimated carbon savings from ECO4: Around 0.38 MtCO2e per year
No Successor Scheme — What Happens After December 2026?
This is the most significant change for homeowners to understand. As announced in the November 2025 Budget:
There will be no successor supplier obligation to ECO4.
Instead, the government has redirected funding towards grant-based support:
- £1.5 billion in additional grant funding committed to the Warm Homes Plan
- Total Warm Homes Plan investment brought to just under £15 billion
- The government describes this as "the biggest energy efficiency programme in British history"
For homeowners, this means:
- ECO4 is your last chance to get supplier-funded upgrades under this model
- After December 2026, you'll need to apply through government-funded schemes instead
- The Warm Homes: Local Grant is the primary replacement — check your eligibility
Will There Be a Gap Between ECO4 Ending and New Funding?
This is a question many homeowners are asking — and the answer appears to be yes, there may be a gap.
The government's Warm Homes Plan Technical Annex (published 21 January 2026) states that the additional £1.5 billion capital delivery route is planned "from 2027/28 onwards". Since ECO4 ends on 31 December 2026, and the UK financial year 2027/28 begins in April 2027, this means there could be a gap of several months where the new funding stream has not yet begun.
The Warm Homes: Local Grant is already operational and accepting applications. However, the broader successor funding to replace ECO4's supplier obligation model is not expected until the 2027/28 financial year at the earliest.
This is why applying for ECO4 now — while confirmed funding is available — is strongly recommended. This is especially important for pensioners and older homeowners who may be most affected by a gap in support. Once suppliers meet their targets, there is no obligation to install more, even before December 2026.
Source: Warm Homes Plan: Technical Annex (gov.uk, 21 January 2026)
GBIS Ends as Planned — 31 March 2026
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) will not be extended alongside ECO4. It ends on 31 March 2026 as originally planned.
The government's reasoning:
- GBIS "has not met expectations" in terms of delivery
- Mid-scheme changes were already made to reassign ECO4 delivery to GBIS targets
- Keeping the deadline gives clarity to suppliers and delivery partners
For more details, read our guide: GBIS Has Ended — Here's What Replaces It.
What Homeowners Should Do Now
If You Haven't Applied for ECO4 Yet
Apply as soon as possible. The extension gives suppliers more time, but it doesn't increase the total number of installations they're obligated to deliver. Once suppliers meet their targets, they have no obligation to install more — even before December 2026. Some councils like Hull and Nottingham have dedicated teams to help you apply.
To check if you qualify:
- Use our eligibility checker for a quick assessment
- Contact your energy supplier directly to ask about ECO4 support
- Check with Ofgem for guidance
If You've Already Had ECO4 Work Done
The extension includes a focus on remediation of poor-quality installations. If you're concerned about the quality of work:
- Contact your installer or the energy supplier that funded the work
- Contact TrustMark, the government-endorsed quality scheme
- DESNZ has introduced stricter audits and enhanced supplier processes during the extension
If You're Also Interested in Other Support
You may qualify for multiple schemes simultaneously:
- Warm Homes: Local Grant — Free upgrades for low-income households in England (income under £36,000)
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme — Grants of up to £7,500 towards heat pumps (no income test)
- Compare all schemes to see what's available
Consumer Protection During the Extension
The government has acknowledged serious concerns about the quality of some ECO4 installations. During the extension period:
- Stricter compliance measures have been introduced
- Enhanced desk-based and on-site checks are being carried out
- Increased oversight of subcontractors has been implemented
- TrustMark continues to oversee quality assurance
- Ofgem administers the scheme and audits supplier compliance
Key Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 2022 | ECO4 began |
| August 2025 | DESNZ consultation on extending ECO4 |
| November 2025 | Budget confirms no successor obligation; £1.5bn extra for Warm Homes Plan |
| 31 March 2026 | GBIS ends |
| 31 December 2026 | ECO4 ends |
Frequently Asked Questions
When does ECO4 end?
ECO4 has been extended by nine months and will now end on 31 December 2026. The original end date was 31 March 2026. This was confirmed in the government's consultation response.
Why was ECO4 extended?
To give energy suppliers more time to meet their existing obligations and to allow for remediation of poor-quality installations. The extension does not increase the total obligations — suppliers simply have longer to deliver them.
Is there a replacement for ECO4?
There will be no successor supplier obligation after ECO4 ends in December 2026. Instead, the government has committed £1.5 billion in additional grant funding to the Warm Homes Plan. The Warm Homes: Local Grant is the primary replacement.
Can I still apply for ECO4?
Yes, ECO4 remains open until 31 December 2026. Contact your energy supplier or check your eligibility to see if you qualify.
Has GBIS been extended too?
No. The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) ends as planned on 31 March 2026. It has not been extended. See our guide: GBIS Has Ended — What Replaces It.
What happens to energy efficiency support after 2026?
The government's Warm Homes Plan, with just under £15 billion in capital investment, will continue to fund upgrades through the Warm Homes: Local Grant and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Were ECO4 targets increased with the extension?
No. Obligation targets remain at their current levels. The extension gives suppliers more time to meet existing targets, not expanded ones.
What if I had poor-quality work done under ECO4?
Contact your installer, your energy supplier, or TrustMark. The extension period includes strengthened compliance measures including stricter audits and independent inspections.
Will there be a gap between ECO4 ending and new funding?
Possibly. The government's Warm Homes Plan Technical Annex states that the additional £1.5 billion capital delivery route is planned "from 2027/28 onwards". Since ECO4 ends on 31 December 2026, there may be a gap of several months before the new funding stream begins. The Warm Homes: Local Grant is already available, but the broader successor funding is not expected until April 2027 at the earliest.
What is the ECO4 scheme end date in 2026?
The ECO4 scheme end date is 31 December 2026. The original end date of 31 March 2026 was extended by nine months following a government consultation in August–September 2025.
Will ECO4 be extended again after December 2026?
No. The government has confirmed there will be no further extensions to ECO4 and no successor supplier obligation. After December 2026, the Warm Homes: Local Grant becomes the main route to free home energy upgrades.
What does the ECO4 extension mean for homeowners?
The ECO4 extension gives you nine extra months — until 31 December 2026 — to apply for free energy efficiency upgrades funded by your energy supplier. However, once suppliers meet their existing targets, they are not obligated to install more. Apply as soon as possible rather than waiting until December. Check your eligibility now.
The Bottom Line
ECO4 is the last supplier-funded energy efficiency scheme in the UK — once it ends on 31 December 2026, there will be no replacement obligation on energy companies. If you're eligible, apply now rather than waiting, as suppliers may complete their obligations before the deadline. After ECO4, the Warm Homes: Local Grant becomes the main route to free home energy upgrades for low-income households.
ECO4 Grants in Your Area
ECO4 eligibility varies by council area. Check what's available where you live:
- ECO4 grants in Hull — One of the highest-qualifying areas in England
- ECO4 grants in Nottingham — High fuel poverty area with strong council support
- ECO4 grants in Manchester — Council-funded insulation available
- ECO4 grants in Newcastle — Warm Homes Local Grant active
- ECO4 grants in Bristol
- Energy grants by city — all areas
Related Articles
- Warm Homes Local Grant: Eligibility & How to Apply (2026)
- GBIS Has Ended — What Replaces It in 2026?
- Warm Homes Plan 2026: Complete Guide to the UK Programme
- Nest Wales: Free Boiler, Insulation & Solar Guide
- Free Loft Insulation Grants 2026
- Cavity Wall Insulation Grants 2026
- Energy Grants for Pensioners 2026
- Are Solar Panels Worth It in 2026? (Honest Answer)
- Are Solar Panels Worth It in the UK in 2026?
- Solar Savings Calculator — See How Much You Could Save
- Are Solar Panels Worth It in the UK in 2026?
- Solar Panel Grants UK 2026: Every Scheme Explained
Important: WarmHomeUK is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the UK Government, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, or Ofgem. Eligibility results are indicative and subject to official assessment. This content does not constitute financial or legal advice.
Written by Forhad Sarker
Forhad has worked inside the UK solar installation industry and now runs WarmHomeUK to make government grant information accessible. He tracks scheme changes across 300+ councils, reads the policy documents, and cross-references every guide against official gov.uk sources.