ECO4 Flex Scheme

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government energy efficiency scheme run by Ofgem.

Find out more about the Energy Company Obligation (ECO)

Energy Company Obligation phase 4 (ECO4)

This scheme is now in its 4th phase. ECO4 will be a four-year scheme and is intended to run from 01 April 2022 to 31 March 2026.     

The main aim of ECO4 is to support low income and vulnerable households to install energy saving measures and improve the efficiency of the lowest rated homes. This is to help the government’s fuel poverty and net zero commitments.     

Participating local authorities can refer households they consider to be living in fuel poverty or on a low income and vulnerable to the effects of living in a cold home.  

Who is eligible

• You are living in the district of Colchester. 
• You are a homeowner, private tenant or landlord (landlords may be asked to contribute towards the costs of installed measures).  
• Your property has an energy efficiency rating of bands D-G, the total household income is less than £31,000 and/or you receive a qualifying benefit. This cap applies irrespective of the property size, composition, or region.    
  • the £31,000.000 household income criteria may NOT apply in certain circumstances, such as health condition routes. Better Housing, Better Health (BHBH) will advise you if this applies to your application    
• Your property has an energy efficiency rating of bands D-G and you have been identified by your doctor or GP as low income and vulnerable, with an occupant whose health conditions may be impacted further by living in a cold home.    
• Your property has an energy efficiency rating of bands D-G and identified by Colchester City Council as a vulnerable household and are not already eligible under any other scheme.   
• If your household income is ABOVE £31,000.00 and you do not have a qualifying health condition, you are advised to apply through  The Great British Insulation Scheme ( GBIS) through NEF, using the link  below 

How to apply 

All application are being handled by our Managing Agents, Better Housing, Better Health (BHBH).

To apply, either call 0800 107 0044 or apply online.

What happens next

After making your referral request online, or calling the BHBH contact number, an advisor will run an initial eligibility assessment on the phone. This will include questions about the household as well as the residents occupying it.  

After initial eligibility has been verified, NEF will pass your personal data to one of the installers (contractors) they work with to book a survey for your property. This happens after the advisor takes data consent to pass your details to the installer.  

You will be told the name of the contractor/installer that will be contacting you: if unsure, please check with BHBH again. 

Installers (contractors) will then get in touch to schedule the date and time for this survey to take place. 

Once the survey is done by the installer and measures are agreed, the installer (contractor) asks for additional paperwork to be able to process the application. The installer will advise on the timeline when measures are expected to be delivered. 

The Energy Efficient Homes team at Colchester City Council are also available for any queries or questions regarding how to apply, contact us. 

All applications for ECO4 should be made through Better Housing, Better Health on 0800 107 0044 or www.bhbh.org.uk

ECO4 Flex: information for suppliers and contractors 

Colchester City Council has appointed National Energy Foundation (NEF) as its Managing Agent for ECO4 Flex. Only declarations submitted to and by NEF can be considered for funding, no declaration requests made directly to Colchester City Council will be accepted. 

All interested suppliers should first be onboarded with NEF- fees apply. Full details can be found here: NEF Supplier Network - National Energy Foundation