Energy Saving Guides
What the Warm Homes Plan means for you
The £15bn Warm Homes Plan offers low-interest loans for solar, heat pumps and insulation. Here is what is confirmed and what to do now.
Government Grants
Up-to-date information on UK energy efficiency grants and funding in 2026. ECO4, Boiler Upgrade Scheme, Great British Insulation Scheme, and local council grants.
185 articles
Featured video
Free Government Grants Calculators
Latest Government Grants Articles
Boilers & Heating
Heat pump grants going up to £9,000 in July
From July 2026 the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant rises to £9,000, but only for off-gas-grid homes. Here is who qualifies and what to do.
Government Grants
What does eco4 scheme cover?
The ECO4 scheme covers energy-efficiency improvements for low-income and vulnerable households, including insulation, heating upgrades, and renewable technologies, funded by obligated energy suppliers (GOV.UK, 2026). Key Takeaways 1ECO4 funds insulation, heating upgrades, and renewables until March 2026. 2Cavity wall insulation can save £285 per year per Energy Saving Trust. 3Eligibility requires EPC rating D-G and […]
Government Grants
Is the OZEV electric vehicle grant still available in the UK?
The OZEV electric vehicle (EV) home charge grant was replaced by the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) in 2022, and as of 2026, the EVHS is closed to new applications for homeowners, with only limited support remaining for flat owners and rental tenants (GOV.UK, 2026). Key Takeaways 1OZEV grant ended for homeowners in April 2022. […]
Government Grants
How do council insulation schemes differ from ECO4?
The most significant difference is that ECO4 is a government-mandated scheme delivered by energy suppliers, while council insulation schemes are locally administered programmes often funded separately through the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG). ECO4 targets low-income and fuel-poor households in specific council tax bands, whereas council schemes can cover a broader range of homes, including those […]
Government Grants
Are there UK grants for retrofitting listed buildings?
The UK government does not offer a single nationwide grant specifically for listed building retrofits, but multiple funding streams are available through local authorities and heritage bodies. The most relevant source is the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme, which can cover insulation and heating upgrades for listed buildings if the owner meets eligibility criteria, though […]
Government Grants
What grants exist for off-grid UK homes?
The main grant for off-grid UK homes is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which offers £7,500 for an air source heat pump or £7,500 for a ground source heat pump, and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme, which can fund insulation and heating upgrades for eligible low-income households not connected to the gas grid (GOV.UK, […]
Government Grants
Do landlords have to fit EPC band C by 2028 UK?
No, the requirement for landlords to fit EPC band C by 2028 in England and Wales has been scrapped by the UK government. The planned Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) upgrade from EPC E to EPC C was cancelled in September 2023 (GOV.UK, 2026). Landlords currently only need an EPC rating of E or above […]
Government Grants
Can private renters apply for ECO4 in the UK?
The short answer is yes, but only with your landlord’s written permission. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme allows private renters to apply for energy-efficiency improvements, but the property owner must consent to the work. Ofgem states that ECO4 targets households in fuel poverty or on low incomes, including private tenants, provided the landlord agrees […]
Government Grants
What are the current Smart Export Guarantee rates in the UK in 2026?
The current Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) rates in the UK for 2026 vary by supplier, but typical payments range from 3p to 15p per kilowatt-hour (kWh) exported, with the median rate around 5.5p/kWh, according to Ofgem’s latest SEG report (Ofgem, 2026). Key Takeaways 1Median SEG rate in 2026 is 5.5p/kWh according to Ofgem. 2Octopus Energy […]
Government Grants
What is the Warm Home Discount in the UK in 2026?
The Warm Home Discount in the UK for 2026 is a one-off £150 payment applied to your electricity bill, with eligibility based on your income and property’s energy costs (GOV.UK, 2026). It is not a cash payment, you receive it automatically if eligible. Key Takeaways 1The 2026 warm home discount is a £150 automatic payment, […]
Government Grants
Who is eligible for HUG2 social housing grants in the UK?
The Home Upgrade Grant phase 2 (HUG2) is available to owner-occupiers and private tenants in England living in off-gas-grid homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G, and a gross household income below £31,000. Eligibility is determined by your local authority, which manages HUG2 funding for low-carbon heating and […]
Government Grants
What is the ECO4 income threshold for the UK in 2026?
The ECO4 income threshold for the UK in 2026 is an annual household income of £31,000 or less, as set by the government’s Energy Company Obligation scheme (GOV.UK, 2026). Key Takeaways 1ECO4 income threshold is £31,000 annual household income in 2026. 2Automatic eligibility for Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Income Support recipients. 3Threshold applies to […]
Government Grants
What is the UK Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant amount in 2026?
The UK Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers homeowners a fixed grant of £7,500 towards the cost of installing an air source heat pump in 2026, according to the latest government guidance (GOV.UK, 2026). This amount applies to all eligible heat pump installations, including ground source heat pumps which also receive £7,500, and biomass boilers which […]
Government Grants
How to qualify for eco4?
The main route to qualify for ECO4 is through receiving a means-tested benefit and living in a home with a poor Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, typically D or below, as set by the UK government’s scheme rules (GOV.UK, 2026). Key Takeaways 1You must receive a means-tested benefit like Universal Credit or Pension Credit. 2Your […]
Government Grants
How to get eco4 leads?
The most effective way to get ECO4 leads is to register with Ofgem-approved installers and list your property on the Great British Insulation Scheme, which generated over 300,000 installations in 2025 (DESNZ, 2026). Key Takeaways 1Check your EPC rating (D to G) and benefits eligibility first. 2Contact your energy supplier's ECO team for a free […]
Government Grants
How to get eco4 funding?
The most direct way to get ECO4 funding is to contact a government-approved installer registered with Ofgem, who will assess your home and apply on your behalf (GOV.UK, 2026). You cannot apply directly to the scheme; it is delivered through energy suppliers. Key Takeaways 1Contact a TrustMark-registered installer to apply on your behalf. 2Check you […]
Government Grants
What does eco4 mean?
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is the fourth phase of a UK government scheme that requires larger energy suppliers to fund energy-efficiency improvements for low-income and vulnerable households, targeting an average saving of around £300 per year on heating bills (GOV.UK, 2026). Key Takeaways 1ECO4 is the fourth phase of the UK government's Energy Company […]
Government Grants
What does eco4 cover?
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) covers free or heavily subsidised energy-efficiency upgrades for low-income and vulnerable households in England, Scotland and Wales, including insulation, heating systems and renewable technologies, with a total value of up to £25,000 per property depending on eligibility (GOV.UK, 2026). Key Takeaways 1ECO4 funds free insulation, heating and renewables up to […]
Government Grants
What does eco4 stand for?
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is the fourth phase of the UK government’s scheme to help low-income and vulnerable households improve energy efficiency, with a total funding pot of £4 billion (GOV.UK, 2026). ECO4 stands for Energy Company Obligation 4, a mandated programme requiring larger energy suppliers to fund insulation, heating upgrades, and renewable measures […]
Government Grants
How does eco4 work?
The ECO4 scheme provides free energy-efficiency upgrades to low-income and vulnerable households, targeting a reduction in heating costs and carbon emissions. It is legally mandated by the UK government and administered by energy suppliers, with the latest phase running until March 2026 (GOV.UK, 2026). Key Takeaways 1Eco4 is a government scheme for free energy upgrades […]
Government Grants
How long will eco4 last?
The ECO4 scheme will run until 31 March 2026, with applications accepted up to that date and installations completed by 30 June 2026 (GOV.UK, 2026). This is the final phase of the Energy Company Obligation, so homeowners must act before the deadline to secure funded energy-efficiency improvements. Key Takeaways 1ECO4 ends 31 March 2026 for […]
Government Grants
How to set up eco4life camera?
The answer to how to set up an eco4life camera is to download the eco4life app, create an account, plug in the camera, and follow the in-app pairing instructions, typically completed in under 10 minutes (GOV.UK, 2026). This process does not require a surveyor or professional installation. That makes it accessible for most homeowners. Key […]
Government Grants
How to become an eco4 provider?
To become an ECO4 provider you must be a registered energy supplier or an authorised installer working through a TrustMark-registered scheme. Ofgem reports that over 20 suppliers and 500 installer organisations are currently active in the ECO4 scheme (Ofgem, 2026). Key Takeaways 1Partner with a licensed energy supplier or join a TrustMark scheme. 2Installers need […]
Government Grants Glossary
Government Grants FAQ
The main grants available in 2026 are the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (7,500 pounds for heat pumps), the Great British Insulation Scheme (free or subsidised insulation), ECO4 (energy efficiency measures for low-income homes), and the Home Upgrade Grant (for off-gas-grid properties). Eligibility varies by income, benefits, property type, and location.
Contact an MCS-certified heat pump installer who will apply on your behalf. You need a valid EPC for your property, and the installation must replace an existing fossil fuel heating system. The 7,500 pound voucher is deducted from the installer quote. The scheme is available in England and Wales.
Yes. The ECO4 scheme and Great British Insulation Scheme can provide free cavity wall and loft insulation if you receive qualifying benefits or live in a property in council tax bands A to D. Contact your local council or an ECO installer to check eligibility.
You may also like
Government Grants
UK energy efficiency grants (2026)
Government Grants for Home Energy Improvements The UK government offers several grant schemes to help homeowners improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Combined, these schemes can fund £10,000-£25,000 of improvements depending on eligibility. Over 3 million UK homes have benefited from government energy efficiency schemes since 2013. Available Grants at a Glance Scheme Maximum […]
Government Grants
Great British Insulation Scheme eligibility (2026)
Millions of UK homes remain poorly insulated, with draughty lofts, unlined cavity walls, and solid brick walls bleeding heat into the atmosphere year-round. The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. It funded insulation measures only and never covered windows or glazing. The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. It […]
Government Grants
Home Upgrade Grant Explained for Off-Gas-Grid Properties
Off-gas-grid homes in England face some of the highest domestic energy costs in the country. Without access to mains gas, millions of households rely on oil, LPG, electric storage heaters, or solid fuel to heat their homes, fuels that are typically more expensive per unit of energy and harder to switch away from without significant […]
Government Grants
ECO4 scheme free insulation and heating (2026)
Every year, millions of UK households live in cold, poorly insulated homes that cost far more to heat than they should, not because of personal choice, but because the upfront cost of energy efficiency improvements is simply out of reach. The ECO4 scheme exists specifically to change that. It is one of the most substantial […]
Government Grants
Council Tax Energy Efficiency Discounts Available in 2026
The relationship between your home’s energy efficiency and your local council tax bill is one that relatively few UK homeowners think to explore, yet for those in the right local authority area, it can result in a genuine reduction in one of the most unavoidable annual household costs. With energy costs still a significant concern […]
Government Grants
How to Check Which Energy Grants You Are Eligible For
More UK households than ever stand to benefit from government energy grants in 2026, yet a significant number of eligible homeowners never claim them, simply because they do not know where to look or assume they will not qualify. The UK’s main energy efficiency programmes have distributed billions of pounds worth of support, and yet […]