UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / July 03, 2025 / Energy Saving Genie is warning UK households that time is running out to benefit from the government-backed ECO4 energy grant scheme. The grant scheme isn’t expected to be maintained indefinitely, meaning that households should check their eligibility now before they miss out on support. 

While the ECO4 scheme is officially scheduled to run until 31 March 2026, the nature of the funding is very different from typical government grants. As the name suggests, the Energy Company Obligation is not a voluntary support scheme but an obligation; a legal requirement for energy companies to deliver a set number of home energy improvements. Once those targets are fulfilled, their obligation is complete, and the funding will begin to dry up.

“We’re already seeing early signs of pressure on funding availability, and we expect access to become increasingly limited as we move towards the end of 2025,” says Kate Hallewell, Founder of Energy Saving Genie. 

The ECO4 scheme is designed to improve the energy efficiency of UK homes by offering grant-funded upgrades that reduce emissions and cut energy bills. These improvements can include loft or cavity wall insulation, heating system replacements, and a range of other measures aimed at reducing fuel poverty and making homes easier and more affordable to keep warm.

Despite the scale of the scheme, many households are still unaware that they may qualify. Eligibility is broader than people assume, and households may meet the criteria if someone in the home receives income support, employment-related benefits, tax credits, or is living with a health condition such that could be triggered or exacerbated by cold housing conditions.

Energy Saving Genie, which helps UK residents access ECO4 and other government funding schemes, offers a free online grant checker to guide users through the process and help them access critical support. The tool includes smart prompts that help individuals recognise whether their personal circumstances may qualify, even if they previously assumed otherwise.

With energy prices still placing pressure on household budgets, securing energy-efficiency upgrades now could mean significant long-term savings. But with energy companies approaching their targets, the window for free support is closing fast. “The next six months will be crucial,” Hallewell adds. “We’re urging households not to wait until the funding is gone. If you think you might be eligible - or even if you’re not sure - it’s worth taking just a few moments to check. It could make all the difference this winter and beyond.”

For more information and to see if you may be eligible for financial assistance, check out Energy Saving Genie’s free online grant checker: energysavinggenie.co.uk/ECO4-Grant-Checker/quiz-home.html