Government Grants for Home Energy Improvements
Available schemes in England and Wales · Last updated: March 2026
Grant amounts, eligibility criteria, and scheme names change regularly. Always verify current details at gov.uk before applying.
ECO4 — Energy Company Obligation
FreeECO4 funds free insulation and heating upgrades for low-income households. Energy companies are obligated by the government to deliver these improvements at no cost to qualifying homeowners and tenants.
Covers: Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, boiler replacement, heat pumps
Who qualifies: Receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, or certain other benefits — OR referred by local authority
How to apply: Contact your energy supplier or search "ECO4" on gov.uk
Great British Insulation Scheme
Free or subsidisedThe Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) provides free or heavily subsidised loft insulation and cavity wall insulation for homes rated EPC D–G. Unlike ECO4, eligibility is based on your property's EPC rating — not your income.
Covers: Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation
Who qualifies: Properties with EPC D, E, F, or G rating in England and Wales
How to apply: Search "Great British Insulation Scheme" on gov.uk
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
£7,500 grantThe Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers a £7,500 grant toward the installation of an air source or ground source heat pump. The grant is claimed by your approved installer and deducted from your bill — you don't need to apply yourself.
Covers: Air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps
Who qualifies: Properties in England and Wales replacing a gas or oil boiler. Installer must be MCS-certified.
How to apply: Find an MCS-certified installer and they handle the claim
Local authority schemes
Many local councils run their own energy efficiency schemes, often using funding from the Warm Homes Fund or the Local Authority Delivery scheme. Check your council's website for area-specific grants. Some areas have specific programmes for older housing stock or high fuel-poverty areas.
Which scheme is right for me?
| Scheme | Based on | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| ECO4 | Income / benefits | Low-income households needing insulation or heating |
| GBIS | EPC rating (D–G) | Any homeowner with a lower-rated property wanting insulation |
| BUS | Property type | Replacing a gas/oil boiler with a heat pump |
Find an approved installer
For ECO4 and GBIS, contact your energy supplier or search the government portal. For the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, use an MCS-certified installer — they handle the grant claim on your behalf.
Find local installers — coming soonFrequently asked questions
What is the ECO4 scheme?
ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) funds free insulation and heating upgrades for low-income households. It is delivered by energy companies. You may qualify if you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or other qualifying benefits, or if you are referred by your local authority.
What is the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) offers free or subsidised loft and cavity wall insulation for properties rated EPC D–G, regardless of income. Apply through the gov.uk portal.
How much is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant?
£7,500 toward an air or ground source heat pump. The grant is applied by the approved installer, not the homeowner. Available for properties in England and Wales replacing a gas or oil boiler.
Can landlords access ECO4 funding?
Yes — landlords can access ECO4 if their tenant qualifies for the scheme. The improvement is made to the property and the grant covers the cost.