If your home is cold, draughty, or expensive to heat, the Great British Insulation Scheme could be one of the last major grants available to cut those costs. The scheme is expiring in March 2026, so this is your last chance to apply.
Below is a clear, homeowner-friendly breakdown of what the scheme covers, who it helps, and how to apply while there’s still time.
What the scheme actually is
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is the government’s final big push to help households install simple, high-impact insulation measures. It sits alongside ECO4, the long-running Energy Company Obligation, but is designed to reach a wider mix of households, not only those on the very lowest incomes.
The aim is straightforward: help people in cold homes install basic insulation such as loft, cavity wall or underfloor insulation, in order to:
- bring down heating bills,
- reduce heat loss,
- and improve EPC ratings in the least efficient homes.
Government estimates suggest around 400,000 homes could still benefit.
Why this matters now
Millions of UK homes have poor insulation, and the majority lose heat far faster than they should. Citizens Advice estimates more than 31 million people live in homes that don’t meet modern insulation standards.
Because GBIS ends in 2026, this is one of the final opportunities to get support before funding stops, and households must pay the full cost themselves.
Who can qualify?
You may qualify even if you’ve been turned down for other grants.
GBIS has two eligibility groups:
1. Low income group
You’ll usually qualify if:
- your home has an EPC of D or worse, and
- you receive a means-tested benefit, live in very inefficient social housing, or are referred through a local authority or energy supplier.
This group can receive the highest level of support and may get full funding.
2. General group
You could still qualify if:
- you live in council tax bands A–D in England, A–E in Scotland, or A–C in Wales, and
- your home has an EPC of D or worse.
This is the scheme’s “wider reach” category, designed to help households who don’t meet strict ECO4 criteria but still struggle with cold homes.
Renters can apply too
Private renters can access the scheme, but the landlord must give permission for the installation. (There are extra rules for rental properties.)
What insulation can you get?
The scheme covers one insulation measure per household. Options include:
- Loft insulation
- Cavity wall insulation
- Solid wall insulation (internal or external)
- Underfloor insulation
- Flat or pitched roof insulation
- Solid floor insulation
- Park home insulation
- Room-in-roof insulation
If you’re in the low-income group, you may also be able to apply for additional upgrades through ECO4.
How much support could you receive?
Funding depends on your home, EPC rating, and which group you fall into.
Some households receive full funding, others get a significant contribution with a top-up.
Homes with EPC D or below are the main focus, roughly half of all UK homes fall into this category.
Why it’s worth applying
Improving insulation isn’t glamorous, but it’s one of the fastest ways to cut a home’s running costs. According to national modelling, raising homes to EPC C or better could help:
- reduce energy bills across the UK by £24 billion,
- prevent hundreds of thousands of cases of respiratory and mental health issues linked to cold homes.
Whether you’re planning to stay put or preparing to sell, insulation is one of the highest-impact home upgrades you can make.
How to apply
Applications go through approved installers or energy suppliers. Many households start by:
- Checking their EPC rating: Search on UK Property Looker
- Confirming their council tax band
- Answering a quick eligibility check: Most installers can do this in minutes.
- See list of participating suppliers: section below
Once you’re eligible, an assessor will visit your home to confirm which insulation measure is most suitable.
Participating energy suppliers
British Gas
Supports GBIS and ECO4 with nationwide coverage.
Website: britishgas.co.uk
E (Gas & Electricity)
Smaller supplier involved in ECO/GBIS delivery.
Email: James.thornicroft@e.org
Website: e.org
E.ON UK
Offers assessments and installs through its ECO/GBIS team.
Tel: 0333 202 4422
Email: ECOhome@eonenergy.com
Website: eonenergy.com
Ecotricity
Participates in GBIS with a focus on insulation measures.
Email: compliance@ecotricity.co.uk
Website: ecotricity.co.uk
EDF Energy
Accepts applications from eligible households across the UK.
Email: ECO@edfenergy.com
Website: edfenergy.com
Octopus Energy
Provides GBIS-funded insulation through its retrofit team.
Tel: 0808 164 1088
Email: eco@octoenergy.com
Website: octopus.energy
Outfox the Market
GBIS participation via partnered installers.
Tel: 0800 103 2702
Email: hello@outfoxthemarket.co.uk
Website: outfoxthemarket.co.uk
OVO Energy
Runs its own eligibility checks under ECO4 and GBIS.
Email: ECO@ovoenergy.com
Website: ovoenergy.com
ScottishPower
Supports insulation upgrades for eligible households.
Website: scottishpower.co.uk
So Energy (including ESB Energy)
Participates in GBIS through partner installers.
Website: so.energy
Utility Warehouse
Offers insulation measures for qualifying customers and non-customers.
Website: uw.co.uk
Utilita Energy
Focuses on support for low-income and vulnerable households.
Website: utilita.co.uk
A final thought
Schemes like this don’t come around often. If your home is cold or expensive to heat, and especially if it’s EPC D or below, it’s worth taking five minutes to check if you’re in scope before GBIS closes.