ENERGY · HOME ENERGY GRANTS UK
Home Energy Grants & Support Explained
A complete guide to UK home energy grants, insulation funding, heating upgrade schemes and bill support — including who qualifies and how to apply safely.
Quick summary
- Several government-backed schemes help fund insulation and heating upgrades
- Eligibility often depends on income, benefits or EPC rating
- Energy suppliers must deliver funding under the ECO scheme
- Additional support exists for households in fuel poverty
- Always apply through official or accredited channels
For information only
Improving your home’s energy efficiency can significantly reduce energy bills, improve comfort, and lower carbon emissions. However, major upgrades such as insulation, heating replacement or renewable installation can involve substantial upfront costs. To support households — particularly those on lower incomes or living in less efficient properties — the UK government, energy suppliers and local authorities operate a range of grants and support schemes. The system is complex. Different schemes apply in different regions. Eligibility rules vary. Some schemes are supplier-led, others council-led. Some are income-based; others are property-based. This guide explains: • The main national schemes • Who qualifies • What improvements are typically funded • How supplier hardship support works • How to avoid scams • Where to get official advice This is general information and not personal financial advice.
Why Energy Grants Exist
The UK housing stock is among the least energy efficient in Western Europe. Many properties were built before modern insulation standards.
Energy inefficiency increases:
- Household bills
- Fuel poverty risk
- Carbon emissions
- Pressure on the energy system
Grants aim to:
- Reduce long-term demand
- Improve living standards
- Protect vulnerable households
- Support net-zero climate targets
Support typically focuses on a “fabric-first” approach — improving insulation before installing low-carbon heating.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is one of the largest schemes.
Under ECO, larger energy suppliers are legally required to fund energy efficiency improvements for eligible households.
Improvements may include:
- Loft insulation
- Cavity wall insulation
- Solid wall insulation
- Boiler upgrades
- First-time central heating
- Heating controls
Eligibility often includes:
Huseholds receiving certain benefits
- Low-income households
- Homes with poor EPC ratings (typically D or below)
Local authorities can also refer households under flexible eligibility rules.
ECO is delivered by suppliers but installed by accredited contractors.
To check eligibility, contact:
- Your energy supplier
- Your local council
- GOV.UK
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme supports low-carbon heating installation.
It provides upfront grants for:
- Air source heat pumps
- Ground source heat pumps
- Biomass boilers (in limited circumstances)
Grants can be several thousand pounds, paid directly to installers.
Eligibility requirements typically include:
- Property located in England or Wales
- Valid EPC
- Minimum insulation standards met
The scheme is not income-based but focuses on supporting heat pump adoption.
Official information is available at GOV.UK.
Great British Insulation Scheme
This scheme targets properties with lower EPC ratings and council tax bands A–D in England (with equivalent in devolved nations).
It supports:
- Loft insulation
- Cavity wall insulation
It is designed to expand access beyond traditional benefit-linked eligibility.
Local Authority and Regional Schemes
Many councils run additional schemes, often funded by central government.
These may include:
- Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)
- Local Authority Delivery (LAD)
- Area-based retrofit programmes
Support may include:
- Insulation
- Heating system upgrades
- Ventilation improvements
- Solar panel installation
Availability varies by postcode.
Contact your local council’s energy or housing team for current programmes.
Help with Energy Bills and Debt
Energy efficiency grants are separate from bill payment support.
If you are struggling with bills, support may include:
- Supplier hardship funds
- Payment plans
- Prepayment meter support
- Energy debt write-off schemes
- Fuel vouchers (through charities or local authorities)
Speak directly to your supplier first.
If unresolved, contact:
Citizens Advice
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Energy advice helpline: 0808 223 1133
In Scotland: Home Energy Scotland
In Wales: Nest
In Northern Ireland: NI Energy Advice
Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount provides a one-off rebate on electricity bills for eligible households.
Eligibility typically includes:
- Pension Credit recipients
- Low-income households meeting certain criteria
The rebate is applied automatically for eligible core groups.
Check eligibility via GOV.UK.
Fuel Poverty and Priority Support
If you are vulnerable due to:
- Age
- Disability
- Health conditions
- Financial hardship
You may qualify for additional support, including:
- Priority Services Register
- Emergency credit
- Welfare support
Contact your supplier to register.
Application Process — What to Expect
Applying typically involves:
- Eligibility check
- Property assessment
- EPC review
- Installer survey
- Installation scheduling
Some schemes require income documentation.
Installers should be:
- TrustMark registered
- MCS certified (for renewables)
Never pay large upfront deposits for grant-funded work.
Avoiding Scams
Energy grants can attract fraudulent activity.
Be cautious if:
- Cold callers claim “government funding ending today”
- You are asked for bank details unexpectedly
- You are pressured to sign quickly
- The installer is not accredited
Always verify through:
- GOV.UK
- Your local council
- Your energy supplier
You can report scams to:
Action Fraud
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk
What If Your Application Is Rejected?
If refused:
- Ask for written explanation
- Confirm eligibility criteria
- Seek advice from Citizens Advice
If complaint relates to supplier delivery under ECO, escalate via supplier complaint process and potentially the Energy Ombudsman.
Energy Ombudsman
https://www.energyombudsman.org
Long-Term Strategy — Combining Support
The most effective approach often combines:
- Insulation upgrades
- Heating system improvements
- Smart controls
- Time-of-use tariffs
Reducing energy demand first usually improves the performance of heat pumps and renewables.
Key takeaways
- Multiple schemes exist with different eligibility rules
- ECO is supplier-funded and benefit-linked
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme supports heat pumps
- Councils may offer additional retrofit funding
- Always apply via official or accredited routes
- Bill hardship support is separate from efficiency grants
Can I apply if I own my home?
Yes. Many schemes are open to owner-occupiers if eligibility criteria are met.
Are grants available for renters?
Yes, but landlord consent is usually required.
Do I have to pay the grant back?
No. Grants do not usually require repayment, but always confirm terms.
Can I get both insulation and a heat pump grant?
Possibly, but schemes operate separately and have specific criteria.
Where should I start?
Check GOV.UK, contact your energy supplier, or speak to your local council energy team.
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