On 13 April Ofgem published its decision on the scoring methodology for the fourth phase of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4). This follows its August 2021 part 1 scoring methodology consultation which covered full project scores and the overall approach to scoring, and the December 2021 part 2 scoring methodology consultation which covered measure-specific partial project scores, including notification of measures, changes to existing measures, and new measures. Having considered the consultation responses, Ofgem has decided to proceed with the majority of its proposals. This will see a move away from the measure-specific ‘deemed scoring’ approach to calculate lifetime bill savings used for ECO3, and towards a whole-house approach based on annual savings. This involves a dual scoring system approach consisting of full project scores (based on the starting and finishing intermediate Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) bands) and partial project scores. This is intended to balance the whole-house approach to manage risks raised by the supply chain around payment timeframes, and the impact of single measure failing on the remainder of a project. Ofgem also plans to implement two application routes for new scores under ECO4 - the standard alternative methodology route for technologies that do not fit within an existing ECO measure type, and the new ‘data light’ (DL) route for technologies not recognised under SAP which do not fit within an existing ECO measure. The latter will allow for the creation of scores in instances where there is less extensive evidence on a technology that demonstrates space heating saving. The regulator considers that providing new technologies with two available routes to enter the scheme could help overcome existing barriers to wider SAP inclusion and support developments in the energy efficiency market. Ofgem plans to publish new measure guidance to provide further details.