Ofgem approved the standard uplift innovation measure IM 026 as a substantial innovation measure on 24 October 2024, following an application made under TAP101. The approval is recorded in Ofgem's published list of approved innovation measures for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme1.
Under ECO4, Ofgem is required to publish a description of each innovation measure, the date it was approved, and whether it is a standard or substantial innovation measure1. When a product already deliverable as a standard innovation measure is approved for delivery as a substantial innovation measure, Ofgem publishes that approval and the date the application was approved1. This allows other obligated suppliers delivering measures meeting the innovation measure description to notify them as an innovation measure, and lets suppliers and the supply chain see what has already been approved1.
Ofgem states that where a previously approved innovation measure with a standard uplift has been approved to accrue a substantial uplift following evaluation and recommendation from the TAP, a new notification number is created under which the measure details are contained1. When an application is approved for a product already listed under a standard innovation measure to be delivered as a substantial innovation measure, Ofgem creates a new innovation measure number and description for that product; any other products listed under the standard innovation measure remain there unless it is demonstrated that they also fall within the new substantial measure description1.
"On 24 October 2024 the standard uplift innovation measure IM 026 was approved as a substantial innovation measure."
The published list covers innovation measures approved under both ECO3 and ECO4, including key characteristics, date of approval, whether standard or substantial, additional requirements, and any products that can be delivered as that innovation measure1. The document does not state which technology or product IM 026 covers, and this has not been reported in the material available1.
Installation requirements apply to all innovation measures. They must be installed in accordance with PAS 2030:2023 or MCS standards and PAS 2035:2023, unless approved as certified by an organisation accredited to ISO/IEC 17065:20121. The earlier version of the document specified PAS 2030:2019 and PAS 2035:20192. All innovation measures must be lodged with TrustMark (or an equivalent) and delivered by TrustMark (or an equivalent) registered businesses, and installed in accordance with Building Regulations and any relevant Agrément certificate1.
Why it matters for households
ECO4 innovation measures are routes through which less common or newer insulation and heating technologies can be delivered to homes under the Energy Company Obligation. A substantial innovation measure carries a different uplift from a standard one, which affects how suppliers account for the measure under the scheme1. For a household, the practical effect is that a technology approved at substantial level can be notified and delivered as an innovation measure by obligated suppliers, subject to the same installation, lodgement and building regulation requirements that apply to all innovation measures1. Ofgem states that approval of an innovation measure does not confirm that installation methods and designs are fully compliant with the latest PAS requirements, and that the Retrofit Coordinator and installers must satisfy themselves that a measure is suitable for a given property before installation1. Ofgem also states it cannot guarantee any claims made in respect of the innovation measures listed1.
What happens next
The approval took effect from 24 October 20241. Ofgem's published list is updated in versions; the version covering this approval is dated November 20242, and a later version dated February 2026 records subsequent changes to product listings under other innovation measures1. No further steps specific to IM 026 are set out in the published material1.
Sources2 cited
- ECO4 Innovation: Approved innovation measures, ofgem.gov.uk
- ECO4 Innovation: Approved innovation measures, ofgem.gov.uk