What is the ECO4 Scheme?

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is a government-mandated programme that requires the largest energy suppliers in the United Kingdom to fund energy efficiency improvements in low-income and fuel-poor households. Running since 2022 and scheduled to continue until March 2026, ECO4 represents one of the most significant opportunities for Hull residents to receive free home energy upgrades worth thousands of pounds.

Under ECO4, major suppliers including British Gas, EDF, E.ON, OVO Energy, Scottish Power, and Octopus Energy are legally required to allocate funding for measures that improve the energy performance of qualifying homes. These measures include solar panel installations, loft and cavity wall insulation, external wall insulation, air source heat pumps, and first-time central heating systems. The aim is to raise each property's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating by at least one band, reducing both energy bills and carbon emissions.

ECO4 is specifically targeted at households on lower incomes or receiving certain means-tested benefits. Properties with poor energy efficiency ratings (EPC band D, E, F, or G) are prioritised, as these homes stand to gain the most from energy improvements. Hull, with its substantial stock of older terraced and semi-detached housing, has one of the highest concentrations of eligible properties in Yorkshire.

YEERS is a fully approved ECO4 installer, accredited under MCS, TrustMark, and PAS 2035. We have completed hundreds of ECO4-funded installations across Hull and East Yorkshire, helping local households cut their energy bills permanently at no personal cost. Our team handles every stage of the process, from the initial eligibility check through to the completed installation and post-installation monitoring.

ECO4 Eligibility for Hull Residents

To qualify for ECO4 in Hull, you typically need to meet two criteria: you must receive a qualifying benefit, and your property must have a low EPC rating. Here are the benefits that can make you eligible:

Specific Hull areas with especially high ECO4 eligibility include Bransholme, Orchard Park, Greatfield, Longhill, Preston Road, and the Holderness Road corridor. These areas feature older housing stock with poor thermal performance, making residents strong candidates for fully funded upgrades. Additionally, Hull City Council operates an LA Flex pathway that can refer households who do not receive qualifying benefits but who are identified as living in fuel poverty.

What You Can Get Through ECO4 in Hull

ECO4 funds a wide range of energy efficiency measures. The specific upgrades you receive depend on your property's current condition and what will deliver the greatest improvement to its EPC rating. Here is what is available:

How to Apply Through YEERS

Applying for ECO4 through YEERS is straightforward. We manage the entire process so you do not have to deal with energy companies, paperwork, or Ofgem directly. Here is how it works:

Hull Council Areas with Highest Eligibility

While ECO4 is available across all of Hull, certain areas have significantly higher concentrations of eligible properties due to the age and type of housing stock. If you live in any of the following areas, there is a strong chance your property qualifies:

Hull City Council actively participates in the LA Flex referral pathway, which means even if you do not receive one of the qualifying benefits listed above, the council may still be able to refer you to the ECO4 scheme if your household is considered vulnerable to fuel poverty. Contact YEERS and we can advise whether the LA Flex route may work for your circumstances.

Combining ECO4 with Other Savings

ECO4 can be combined with other government incentives to maximise your savings. Here are the most valuable combinations for Hull residents:

Frequently Asked Questions

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