ECO4 is Ending?
What will happen when ECO4 ends?
You may have seen headlines and heard whispers that ECO4 is going to end — and that’s true. The official end date is approaching. But what exactly does “ending” mean? Is the scheme being replaced? Extended? What will come after ECO4? Below is what is known so far, what is being proposed, and what you, as a homeowner or landlord, should be doing now.
When will ECO4 end?
ECO4 (the fourth phase of the Energy Company Obligation) is currently scheduled to end on 31 March 2026. This end date comes from official documentation from the UK Government and is consistently cited in Ofgem guidance.
However, there are indications that the Government is consulting on extending ECO4 beyond this date by 6-9 months, depending on certain conditions. This possible extension has been proposed in recent policy consultations. The extension might allow more time to deliver outstanding improvements and to provide continuity as new schemes are prepared.
Another complicating factor: ECO4 might end earlier than March 2026 in some cases. If obligated energy suppliers reach their target delivery of energy efficiency measures before the end date, the scheme could be considered ‘complete’ for some purposes.
What happens after ECO4?
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
Running in parallel to ECO4 is the GBIS (Great British Insulation Scheme, formerly called ECO+). It is scheduled to end the same day as ECO4—31 March 2026. GBIS focuses largely on insulation measures and is intended as a complement to ECO4, particularly to reach households that may not otherwise qualify under ECO4’s full range of eligibility.
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
Though not yet formally announced, many analysts, industry bodies, and government sources are referring to a likely successor scheme often called ‘ECO5.’ What we know (or suspect) about ECO5 includes:
- It’s expected to begin shortly after ECO4 ends (so potentially from April 2026)
- It likely will build on the lessons of ECO4 and GBIS
- Refining eligibility, possibly broadening access, and continuing funding of energy saving/retrofit measures.
- While the full list of measures isn’t confirmed, it is expected to continue supporting insulation, heating upgrades
- There will perhaps be more emphasis on renewable technologies and consumer protections
What's under discussion now?
As of mid-to-late 2025, the Government is actively consulting on the future of ECO4 and how it transitions into the next phase of energy efficiency support. One of the main proposals being considered is whether to extend ECO4 beyond its current end date of March 2026. The extension under discussion would run for an additional six to nine months, allowing more time to deliver outstanding measures and provide continuity while new schemes, such as a potential ECO5, are established.
Another key area of consultation is how to handle the obligations of energy suppliers. Policymakers are considering ways to allow suppliers to carry over part of their ECO4 commitments into whatever scheme succeeds it. This flexibility would help deal with supply chain challenges and ensure there is no sudden break in delivery once ECO4 officially concludes.
Alongside these operational issues, the Government is also focusing on consumer protection and accountability. Proposals include strengthening auditing processes, improving quality assurance for installations, and enhancing the ways the scheme’s impact is measured. The aim is to ensure that the benefits of ECO4 are not just delivered in numbers, but also in terms of quality, safety, and long-term performance.
What you need to do
Given that ECO4 is officially scheduled to end (with possible extension), but nothing is set in stone regarding what comes after, here are action steps to take:
Check Your EPC Rating now
Assess Eligibility under current ECO4 / GBIS criteria
Follow Consultation Updates
Final Thoughts
ECO4 isn’t officially over yet—but its end is approaching, and what follows might not offer exactly the same terms. The Great British Insulation Scheme ends with ECO4, and while ECO5 is likely, the details are still being formed. For homeowners and landlords, now is not the time to wait. If your property qualifies for energy efficiency improvements, acting sooner rather than later maximises your chances of receiving free or subsidised upgrades.
No one knows all the details of what happens after ECO4 ends, but what is clear is this: delays increase risk of missing out. If you’re eligible, get started now, before the window closes.
