Relief for Manchester Households in 2025
With energy prices still high across the UK, thousands of families in Manchester and Greater Manchester face the daily challenge of heating their homes affordably. Many properties — from terraced homes in Hulme to flats in Salford Quays are still running on outdated, costly heating systems.
Thankfully, the ECO4 scheme, delivered in partnership with trusted providers like Reliant Energy Solutions and supported by organisations such as the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), is here to help. Eligible households in Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Bolton, and Oldham can now access free boiler replacements, heat pumps, solar panels, and insulation upgrades — all aimed at lowering bills and improving living conditions.
The Problem: Fuel Poverty Across Greater Manchester
Research from the Greater Manchester Poverty Action Group reveals that nearly 20% of households in the region are living in fuel poverty. In neighbourhoods such as Moston, Levenshulme, and Rochdale, residents often struggle with:
- Old gas boilers that waste energy
- High electric-only heating bills
- Low EPC ratings that make properties hard to heat
- Poor insulation in older terraced and council homes
Manchester City Council has acknowledged the growing crisis and is actively encouraging eligible residents to apply for ECO4 grants through accredited providers like Reliant Energy Solutions.
ECO4: The Solution for Manchester Homes
The ECO4 scheme, managed nationally by Ofgem and locally promoted through the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, aims to tackle both carbon emissions and fuel poverty.
In partnership with Stockport Council, Salford City Council, and Bolton Council, ECO4 funding covers:
- Free boiler replacements for inefficient systems
- Air source heat pumps, reducing bills by up to 50%
- Hybrid heating systems where suitable
- Loft and cavity wall insulation to retain heat
- Solar PV panels for clean electricity
- Smart heating controls for efficient management
In Oldham, for example, Reliant Energy Solutions has already delivered upgrades to over 300 homes, with reported savings of £600–£1,000 annually per household.
Who Can Apply in Greater Manchester?
To qualify for ECO4 in areas like Salford, Bury, and Stockport, applicants generally need to:
- Have a low household income or receive benefits such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or Pension Credit.
- Live in a home with a low EPC rating (E or below).
- Be a private tenant, housing association tenant, or homeowner.
- Secure landlord consent for rented properties.
- Work with accredited installers such as Reliant Energy Solutions, a trusted Manchester-based provider.
Organisations like Citizens Advice Manchester and Stockport Homes are also offering guidance to residents on how to apply and maximise their ECO4 benefits.
Spotlight: Why Heat Pumps Are Key for Manchester
With many Manchester properties off the gas grid — especially in Bolton, Wythenshawe, and Oldham — air source heat pumps are becoming the most recommended solution.
- They are three times more efficient than traditional electric heaters.
- They support the UK’s transition to Net Zero.
- Combined with solar PV, they can significantly reduce dependency on the grid.
For instance, a family in Salford Quays cut their annual heating bills by 40% after upgrading to a heat pump with ECO4 support.
Local Case Study: Real Change in Hulme
Mrs. Khan, a single parent in Hulme, was paying more than £1,800 a year to heat her small home with electric-only heaters. After applying via Reliant Energy Solutions under the ECO4 scheme:
- She received a fully funded air source heat pump and loft insulation.
- Her annual energy bills fell by £750.
- Her home’s EPC rating improved from F to C.
Her children now enjoy a warmer home, and she no longer worries about choosing between heating and food.
Frequently Asked Questions: Deep-Dive Expert Answers
Q1. What is the best heating system for ECO4 applicants with electric-only heating?
The top choice is an air source heat pump. It’s far more efficient than direct electric heating and can reduce bills by up to 50%. In some cases, high-retention storage heaters or hybrid systems may be considered, but heat pumps are the preferred solution across Manchester.
Q2. Can I get a grant for an electric boiler under ECO4?
Only in exceptional cases. The scheme prioritises low-carbon solutions, so an electric boiler is rarely funded unless a heat pump is not technically possible.
Q3. What are the eligibility requirements for ECO4 if I have no gas supply?
- Electric-only heating system.
- EPC rating of E or below.
- Income or benefits criteria met.
- Landlord consent if you’re a private tenant.
- Installation carried out by accredited providers such as Reliant Energy Solutions.
Q4. How much could I save by switching to a heat pump?
Savings typically range from £500–£1,000 annually for a standard 2‑bed Manchester home, with reductions in energy bills of 30–50%.
Conclusion: Strategic Planning for ECO4 Success
The ECO4 scheme offers Manchester households a real opportunity to tackle fuel poverty while preparing for the future of carbon tracking through systems like the Carbon Passport.
Here’s a practical framework to make the most of ECO4 support:
- Assess your current heating system and EPC rating.
- Gather documents (income, benefits, tenancy, or ownership proof).
- Apply for a free assessment via reliantenergysolutions.co.uk/apply-now
- Prioritise air source heat pumps, but explore hybrid systems if needed.
- Combine upgrades — add insulation, solar panels, and smart controls for maximum impact.
- Act quickly — ECO4 funding is limited, and early applications secure the best support.
With the guidance of Reliant Energy Solutions, Manchester families can enjoy warmer homes, lower bills, and a greener future. Don’t wait — start your ECO4 application today.
Check your eligibility now with Reliant Energy Solutions and secure your free heating upgrade.
