An electric storage heater grant gives eligible off-gas households new high heat retention storage heaters, often with free solar panels, at no cost under the ECO4 scheme. You may qualify if you own your home or rent privately, have an EPC rating of E, F or G, use electric heating and receive a qualifying benefit, or meet your council’s LA Flex criteria. ECO4 closes on 31 December 2026, so apply early.
Check your eligibility in 60 seconds!
Electric storage heaters are the most common way to heat homes without mains gas in the UK. They charge up overnight on cheaper off-peak electricity, store the heat in dense ceramic bricks, and then release it through the day. Modern high heat retention storage heaters (HHRSH) hold heat for longer and use smart controls, so you rely less on peak-rate electricity than with older models. In addition, almost all the electricity they use becomes heat, so they are close to 100% efficient at the point of use.
Around 15% of households in Great Britain are not connected to the gas grid, and many rely on old, costly electric heating. Under ECO4, eligible off-gas households can replace old storage heaters with new high heat retention models and often get free solar panels as well, fully funded by energy suppliers. Where your home is suitable, an air source heat pump may be offered instead; however, storage heaters are the usual choice where a heat pump cannot be fitted.
| Scheme | ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) |
|---|---|
| What you get | New high heat retention storage heaters, controls and installation, often with free solar panels |
| Cost to you | £0 for eligible households |
| Who qualifies | Off-gas homes with electric heating, EPC E–G, on qualifying benefits or LA Flex |
| Where | England, Scotland and Wales |
| Deadline | ECO4 closes 31 December 2026 |
Sources: Ofgem ECO4, GOV.UK Warm Homes Plan.
Here are the main benefits of a free storage heater upgrade under ECO4:
Under ECO4 LA Flex, your local council can refer you for a fully funded heating upgrade even if you don’t claim benefits. You usually need to meet one of these routes:
If you’re struggling with energy bills or health in a cold home, LA Flex makes it possible to get support even if you don’t claim benefits.
Yes. Storage heaters need an off-peak tariff to be cost-effective, because they charge up when electricity is cheapest:
If you are not on an off-peak tariff yet, your installer can advise on switching.
With electric storage heaters, you charge them at night on the cheap rate and enjoy the stored heat all day.
Almost 100% Efficient, With Lower Carbon Emissions
Modern high heat retention storage heaters turn nearly every unit of electricity into usable heat, so almost nothing is wasted. Moreover, when you pair them with free solar panels under ECO4, more of your heating runs on clean, self-generated electricity.
Storage heaters are often the best choice for homes without a mains gas supply.
Applying for the ECO4 grant through ECO Energy Packs is quick and simple:
To start, use our free online form. It takes about 60 seconds to see if you qualify.
Next, a PAS 2035 assessor surveys your home to confirm the right heaters and whether solar panels are suitable.
Finally, certified installers fit your new storage heaters and any solar panels, fully funded by ECO4, and show you how to use the controls.
ECO4 can cover the full cost for eligible households. This includes new high heat retention storage heaters, heating controls and installation, and often free solar panels where your home is suitable. As a result, eligible households pay nothing.
You may be eligible if your home is off the gas grid, uses electric heating, has an EPC rating of E, F or G, and someone in the household receives a qualifying benefit. Otherwise, LA Flex can cover you on low-income or health grounds.
ECO4 mainly targets off-gas homes like yours. You can get new electric storage heaters if a heat pump is not suitable, and in many cases free solar panels as well. Together, they lower your heating bills and carbon emissions.
No. Everything is funded under the ECO4 scheme, including the survey and installation by PAS 2035-certified professionals. You pay nothing, not even survey or admin charges.
ECO4 has been extended and now closes on 31 December 2026. However, supplier funding is first come, first served and can run out earlier, so apply as soon as possible.
Usually, yes. High heat retention storage heaters are better insulated and have smarter controls, so they keep heat for longer and waste less. Therefore, you rely less on expensive peak-rate electricity. Actual savings depend on your home and tariff.
Yes, if your home is suitable. ECO4 often favours heat pumps, and the home survey decides which option fits. If you do not qualify for ECO4, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £7,500 towards a heat pump in England and Wales.
Yes, storage heaters work best on an off-peak tariff such as Economy 7 or Economy 10, because they charge overnight when electricity is cheaper. If you are not on one yet, your installer can advise on switching.
Most storage heater installations take one to two days, depending on the number of rooms. If solar panels are included, they are usually fitted within a similar timeframe.