Last updated: 11 September 2026
The UK government funds several schemes that can cover the full cost of insulation, heat pumps, and boiler replacements. Check which grants you qualify for — it takes 30 seconds.
The picture changed twice this year. The Great British Insulation Scheme closed to new applications on 31 March 2026, and ECO4 ends on 31 December 2026 with no ECO5 to follow. Here is what is genuinely open today, and how long each route lasts.
| Scheme | Who it's for | What you get | Open until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm Homes: Local Grant England |
Lower-income households in privately owned or privately rented homes rated EPC D–G. Income under £36,000, or one of six qualifying benefits, or a postcode in the two most income-deprived deciles | Insulation, low-carbon heating, heating controls and solar — fully funded for eligible households, delivered by your council | March 2028 |
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme England & Wales |
Any property owner replacing a heating system. No income or benefits test; a valid EPC is required | £7,500 towards a heat pump, £9,000 for oil and LPG homes off the gas grid until 31 March 2027, £5,000 biomass, £2,500 air-to-air. You pay the balance | March 2030 |
| ECO4 England, Scotland & Wales |
Households on qualifying benefits, or referred by their council through LA Flex, in an EPC D–G home | A whole-house package of insulation and heating, fully funded. The work must be completed before the deadline — see what replaces ECO4 | 31 December 2026 |
| Warm Home Discount Great Britain |
Pension Credit recipients and other low-income households, through your energy supplier | £150 off your electricity bill — separate from any home-improvement grant | Reopens October 2026 |
| Warmer Homes Scotland Scotland |
Households in Scotland — the Warm Homes: Local Grant does not apply north of the border | Funded heating and insulation measures, plus free impartial advice, through Home Energy Scotland | Ongoing |
| Nest Wales |
Households in Wales. Welsh homes also keep the Boiler Upgrade Scheme | Free advice for anyone in Wales, and funded home energy improvements for those who meet the criteria — nest.gov.wales | Ongoing |
The Great British Insulation Scheme closed to new applications on 31 March 2026 and has not reopened. Verified against GOV.UK and Ofgem on 11 September 2026 — always confirm current rules on gov.uk before committing to anything.
| Scheme | Worth Up To | Who Qualifies | Covers | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECO4 | £10,000+ | Benefits recipients, EPC D-G | Insulation, boilers, solar, heat pumps | Dec 2026 |
| Boiler Upgrade | £7,500 | Any homeowner with valid EPC | Heat pumps only | Mar 2030 |
| GBIS | £3,000-£5,000 | Council tax A-D, EPC D-G | Cavity wall & loft insulation | Mar 2026 |
| Warm Home Discount | £150 | Pension Credit / low income | Electricity bill discount | Annual |
| VAT Relief | 20% saving | All UK homeowners | Solar, heat pumps, insulation, batteries | Mar 2027 |
Grant values and end dates based on current government policy as of 11 September 2026. Subject to change — always verify at gov.uk.
UK homeowners can claim £1,000s in free government energy grants in 2026. The main schemes are: ECO4 (free insulation, boilers and solar panels for benefit recipients — average £4,200 per household), the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (£7,500 towards heat pumps), GBIS (closed to new measures on 31 March 2026), and the Warm Home Discount (£150 off electricity bills). Enter your postcode to check what you qualify for.
You should run the checker now if you receive benefits, own an older or poorly insulated home, are looking at a heat pump, or want to know whether ECO4, GBIS, or local council routes fit your property.
Useful next reads: grants for homeowners, grants for pensioners, and can you stack energy grants?.
Current status (31 May 2026): The current split matters: ECO4 now runs to 31 December 2026, GBIS closed to new measures on 31 March 2026, Boiler Upgrade Scheme values changed from 28 April 2026, and business solar is not covered by household grant rules. Businesses should check local grants, SEG, tax allowances and sector routes.
Do not use household grant rules for a business, school, charity, farm, warehouse or office roof. Route commercial enquiries through the business solar pages instead.
UK energy grants are government-funded programmes that pay for home energy improvements — insulation, boilers, heat pumps, and solar panels — at no cost to eligible homeowners. Three main schemes operate in 2026:
There is no single homeowner grant any more — there are four or five narrower ones, and which applies depends on your situation rather than on the measure you want. Work through the list below in order.
If you are not sure which of those fits, the eligibility checker compares the live routes for your postcode in about a minute. Nobody is guaranteed a grant, and no legitimate scheme asks an eligible household to pay upfront.
Each scheme targets different households and improvements. Many homeowners qualify for more than one — see which grants can you stack? and keep an eye on every 2026 scheme deadline, tracked.
Free insulation, boiler replacements, and heating upgrades for low-income and vulnerable households. Runs until 31 December 2026.
Cavity wall and loft insulation for homes in lower council tax band energy grants. No benefits required — wider eligibility than ECO4. Closed to new applications on 31 March 2026 — see what replaced it.
Grants towards air source and ground source heat pumps. Your MCS-certified installer applies on your behalf. Funded to 2030.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) requires large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements in eligible homes. It's the largest domestic energy efficiency scheme in the UK, covering everything from loft insulation to first-time central heating systems.
Formerly known as ECO+, GBIS targeted insulation upgrades and closed to new measures on 31 March 2026. New applicants should check ECO4, LA Flex, Warm Homes, local council routes and supplier-led insulation support instead.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides upfront capital grants to help homeowners replace fossil fuel heating with low-carbon alternatives. The £7,500 grant significantly reduces the cost of installing an air source or ground source heat pump.
Common questions about ECO4, GBIS, and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Can't find your answer? Enter your postcode and we'll help.
Use Great British Energy — enter your postcode to see which grants you qualify for. Free.
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