
With the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), you could be entitled to free home energy improvements, like cavity wall and loft insulation. This government scheme was launched in 2023 with the aim to tackle fuel poverty by making eligible homes more energy efficient to lower energy bills. However, the scheme is due to end in March 2026 so it’s worth finding out whether you are eligible for a house insulation grant while you still can.
Read on to learn more about the Great British Insulation Scheme, including potential benefits and eligibility criteria.
About the Scheme
The GBIS began as ECO+, an extension of the ECO4 scheme. While ECO4 took a whole-house approach, GBIS focuses on delivering single insulation measures to improve energy efficiency.
This Ofgem-administered scheme orders medium to large energy suppliers to provide home energy improvements that result in reduced energy consumption. It targets low-income and vulnerable households, as well as those living in homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), rated D-G and within Council Tax bands A-D in England and A-E in Scotland and Wales.
Home Energy Improvements
The energy-efficiency upgrades an energy supplier offers can vary, but should include some of the following measures:
● Flat or pitched roof insulation
● Room-in-roof insulation
● Underfloor insulation
● Solid floor insulation
If you qualify under the ‘low income’ group you could be eligible for additional home energy improvements, such as:
● Boilers (repair, upgrade or new)
● Electric storage heaters
● Other energy efficiency improvements (window glazing, draught proofing and quality external doors)
Energy Suppliers
All energy suppliers with more than 150,000 customers are required to offer improvements under the Great British Insulation and ECO schemes. Here is a list of the main energy companies that operate under the GBIS scheme:
● British Gas
● E
● E.on Next
● Ecotricity
● EDF Energy
● Octopus Energy
● Outfox the Market
● Ovo
● Scottish Power
● So Energy
● Utility Warehouse (managed by E.on Next)
Do I Qualify?
Eligibility for home energy improvements under the Great British Insulation Scheme depends on meeting specific criteria.
You may qualify for multiple home energy improvements under the ‘low income’ group if:
● You own your home or rent privately.
● Your home has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below (E for private rentals).
● Someone in your household receives qualifying benefits (e.g., pension credit, universal credit, child benefit with income limits) or your local council considers you low income (household income under £31,000) and vulnerable to cold.
● Social housing tenants may also qualify.
Alternatively, you may be eligible for a house insulation grant under the ‘general’ group if:
● You own or rent your home.
● Your property falls within council tax bands A–D (A–E in Scotland/Wales).
● Your home has an EPC rating of D or below.
North East Insulation Services
At North East Insulation Services, we specialise in delivering quality home energy improvements, including loft insulation, under the GBIS and ECO schemes. Our family-run business is passionate about sustainability and has over 10 years of experience in providing energy-saving upgrades across the UK.
To check your eligibility for a house insulation grant or to discuss your energy efficiency needs, please visit our website or contact us directly.
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