Big Suppliers Are Closing ECO4 Early — What Routes Are Still Open

Even the big names are shutting their ECO4 doors Here's something most UK households don't know: two of the country's biggest energy suppliers have already stopped accepting new ECO4 applications — even though the scheme itself runs until 31 December 2026. What happened British Gas now tells visitors to its ECO scheme page: "Sorry, applications for the ECO and GBIS schemes are now closed. We're no longer accepting new applications for these government schemes." EDF went further back — it stopped accepting new ECO4 applications in early March 2026, saying it needed the time to process installations already in progress. Does this mean ECO4 has ended? No. The ECO4 obligation still runs until 31 December 2026 (per Ofgem and GOV.UK). What you're seeing is supplier cutoffs: each obligated supplier has a quota to hit, and when their funding runs out or their books are full, they close the door early. The biggest brands often close first. Other obligated suppliers and accredited installers may still have capacity — but that capacity is shrinking, not growing. Why this matters if you qualify Waiting until December to check eligibility is a gamble. By then, the biggest supplier routes are likely to be gone entirely, and the remaining installers may be booked out finishing their current work. Under ECO4: Eligibility does not guarantee funding or an install Funding is limited and allocated as suppliers hit their targets Supplier doors close when they're full — regardless of the scheme's official end date The households that get funded are the ones whose paperwork is already in before the doors close. What's still open ECO4 through other suppliers and installers — some obligated suppliers and TrustMark-registered installers may still have capacity. You can contact any obligated supplier; you don't need to be their customer. LA Flex — if you're not on qualifying benefits, your local council's Flex route may still open a door for households struggling with energy costs. Boiler Upgrade Scheme (£7,500–£9,000) — completely separate from ECO4 and unaffected by these closures. If you're considering a heat pump instead of a boiler repair, this grant is applied through your MCS-certified installer. Check now, not in December If your boiler is old, inefficient or faulty and someone in your household receives a qualifying benefit (or you might qualify through LA Flex), don't wait for the final deadline — the practical deadline is whenever the remaining capacity fills up. Use our Free Eligibility Check form, or WhatsApp us on +44 7367 065216 — free, no obligation. Fairway Energy is an independent eligibility-enquiry service, not the government, an official grant administrator or an installer. Grants are subject to eligibility, property assessment and available funding.