The Great British Insulation Scheme is still open for applications in 2026
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a government-funded programme that helps homeowners in England, Scotland, and Wales pay for insulation. It is run by Ofgem, the energy regulator. As of 2026, the scheme has not been closed or suspended.
No, the Great British Insulation Scheme is not closed and remains open for applications in 2026. It provides free or funded insulation for homes with low energy performance.
- GBIS remains open for applications in 2026, no closure announced.
- Targets homes with EPC ratings D to G for insulation upgrades.
- Eligibility depends on council tax band and property energy efficiency.
- Funded measures include loft, cavity wall, and solid wall insulation.
- Apply directly through your energy supplier or GOV.UK portal.
- The Great British Insulation Scheme is still open for applications in 2026
- How the Great British Insulation Scheme works in practice
- Who qualifies for the Great British Insulation Scheme in 2026
- Quick numbers costs, savings, and installation figures
- Is the Great British Insulation Scheme closed? The direct answer for homeowners
- How to verify an installer and ensure your insulation is certified
The scheme remains open for new applications. It is delivered through energy suppliers who are legally required to meet annual insulation targets under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) framework. You can apply directly through your supplier or via the GOV.UK portal (GOV.UK, 2026).
How the Great British Insulation Scheme works in practice
The scheme focuses on homes with low energy performance. It targets properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G. An EPC measures how energy efficient a home is, with A being the best and G the worst.
Eligible households can receive fully or partially funded insulation measures. Common measures include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, or solid wall insulation. Your energy supplier processes the application and arranges installation through a certified contractor. Ofgem sets annual delivery targets for each supplier to ensure the scheme meets its national goals (Ofgem, 2026).
Who qualifies for the Great British Insulation Scheme in 2026
Eligibility depends on two main factors: your property’s energy efficiency and your household income or location. Your home must have an EPC rating between D and G. You must also be in council tax band A to D in England, or A to E in Scotland and Wales (GOV.UK eligibility checker, 2026).
The scheme prioritises homes that have not previously received insulation through ECO or other government programmes. No upfront payment is required for most qualifying households. The cost is covered by the energy supplier’s obligation under the scheme. If you are not sure whether you qualify, you can use the online eligibility checker on GOV.UK.
Quick numbers costs, savings, and installation figures
| Measure type | Average installed cost (supplier-reported) | Typical annual energy bill saving (EST estimate) | Average installation time (supplier data) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loft insulation | £300 – £600 | £200 – £300 | 1 – 2 hours |
| Cavity wall insulation | £500 – £1,500 | £250 – £400 | 2 – 4 hours |
| Solid wall insulation (internal) | £4,000 – £8,000 | £400 – £600 | 2 – 3 days |
| Solid wall insulation (external) | £8,000 – £15,000 | £400 – £600 | 3 – 5 days |
Figures are based on Energy Saving Trust insulation savings data and Ofgem GBIS delivery reports (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). Actual costs and savings vary by property size and heating system.
Is the Great British Insulation Scheme closed? The direct answer for homeowners
No, the scheme is not closed. It is actively accepting new applications from eligible households in 2026. The scheme was extended in 2025 and remains funded until at least 2027, according to government announcements (DESNZ, 2026).
Homeowners can apply directly through their energy supplier or via the GOV.UK portal. There is no deadline for applications in 2026, but funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis within each supplier’s annual delivery target. If you think you might qualify, it is advisable to apply sooner rather than later.
how to check your EPC rating and find your council tax band
How to verify an installer and ensure your insulation is certified
All insulation work under the Great British Insulation Scheme must be installed by a certified contractor. The contractor must be registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or TrustMark. MCS certifies installers of energy efficiency technologies, while TrustMark is a government-endorsed quality scheme for home improvements (MCS installer register, 2026).
For cavity wall insulation specifically, the installer must be part of the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA) scheme. CIGA provides a 25-year guarantee for cavity wall insulation work. You should check the MCS or TrustMark register online before hiring. The scheme will not pay for uncertified work, and you may be left with no guarantee if you use an unregistered installer (TrustMark, 2026).
what to do if your insulation installer is not certified
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the Great British Insulation Scheme is not closed. It remains open for applications in 2026, as confirmed by GOV.UK and Ofgem.
You qualify if your home has an EPC rating between D and G and you are in council tax band A to D in England, or A to E in Scotland and Wales, per GOV.UK eligibility criteria.
The scheme covers fully or partially funded insulation measures such as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and solid wall insulation, as specified by Ofgem.
You can apply directly through your energy supplier or via the GOV.UK portal. No upfront payment is needed for most qualifying households, according to the scheme rules.
Yes, for most eligible households, the insulation is fully funded by your energy supplier under the scheme, with no upfront cost required.
