Although many home efficiency improvements are relatively cheap to buy, some of the most effective measures like boilers, heat pumps and cavity wall insulation can cost thousands of pounds.
Such costs put these upgrades out of reach for those on low incomes who are the most vulnerable to fuel poverty.
So, a range of Government, private and charitable home energy saving grants are available for residents and properties that meet scheme eligibility criteria.
Energy Supplier Grants & Offers
UK energy suppliers are obligated to support eligible residents with funding to reduce their energy consumption through efficiency upgrades.
Energy Company Obligation Scheme
The ECO (Energy Company Obligation) scheme is delivered by energy suppliers, although some local authorities can refer to the scheme too.
The current ECO 4 supports home energy efficiency measures for those considered to be in fuel poverty and lasts until 31st March 2026.
How to Apply for ECO
You can find eligibility requirements and a list of contact details for all suppliers on the Ofgem website.
Great British Insulation Scheme
Run by Ofgem and designed to work alongside ECO grants, the Great British Insulation scheme will provide loft and cavity wall insulation upgrades to the least energy efficient homes when it launches in mid 2023.
At the time of writing, scheme details are still being finalised, but eligibility criteria will be divided into two groups which will receive different levels of support.
How to Apply for GBIS
Contact your energy supplier for the latest updates on this scheme.
Government and Local Authority Home Energy Saving Grants
The government is providing £12 billion in Help to Heat schemes through installers, councils and energy companies. The main schemes available to distribute funding are below.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The scheme provides funding grants to cover part of the cost of replacing oil, gas or electric heating installations with a low carbon heat pump or biomass boiler.
How to Apply
Find out more on the Gov.uk website.
Connected for Warmth Scheme
Connected for Warmth receives funding from Government and private schemes to install heating and insulation measures for free to eligible residents.
How to Apply to Connected for Warmth
Visit the scheme website for details on the two available schemes. One for insulation and another for air source heat pumps.
Home Energy Scotland Grants and Loans
If you live in Scotland and meet eligibility requirements, HES offers grants, loans, or a combination to fund energy saving improvements.
How to Apply for HES
To find out who can apply, visit the grants and loans page or search for funding in your area using the Funding Finder tool.
Nest Scheme (Wales)
Nest offers free energy saving advice and efficiency improvements to low income households funded by the Welsh Government.
How to Apply for Nest
Visit the Nest website to apply.
Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme
NISEP provides grants for energy saving upgrades such as energy efficient boilers, heating, loft insulation and insulation.
How to Apply for NISEP
For full eligibility criteria and application instructions, visit the NISEP website.
Charitable Grants and Funding
British Gas Energy Trust
An independent charitable trust set up and funded by British Gas to support families and individuals who are struggling to pay their bills across England, Wales and Scotland.
Two different grant schemes are available to write-off up to £1,500 of domestic gas and/or electricity debts:
- Individuals and Families Fund (closes March 2024) — Open to both customers and non-customers of British Gas who meet eligibility criteria.
- British Gas Energy Support Fund — Open to eligible British Gas customers who are in or facing fuel poverty.
How to Apply
Visit the BGET grants page, review the eligibility criteria, and click the ‘apply now’ link to complete the online application form.
Charis Energy Fund
Charis is an administrator of funding and grants, on behalf of companies, local authorities and charities.
How to Apply
You can see which schemes are currently open or coming soon on the individual applications page.
