Making your home energy efficient is not just an eco-friendly choice, anymore. It’s actually a financially smart move! The UK offers several schemes aimed at helping households reduce their energy bills through energy-saving measures.
Sometimes, it can be a little confusing working out how to get started. Here’s a brief explanation of some of the major schemes available today; ECO4, Eco Flex, The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) and the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG).
Read to the end for a shortcut to applying for free insulation grants just a few minutes!
ECO4 Scheme
What is the ECO4 Scheme?
The ECO4 grant scheme is designed for low-income and vulnerable households to enhance their energy efficiency. This initiative supports the installation of various energy-saving measures which are, in many cases, fully funded by energy providers.
What is Included?
Included in this scheme are measures like loft and wall insulation, heat pumps, solar energy panels, electric storage heaters, double glazing, and boiler upgrades.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility is primarily for households receiving benefits such as Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA), Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support (IS), and several others.
ECO Flex Scheme
What is Eco Flex?
The ECO Flex scheme is an extension of the ECO4 scheme, designed to help families that do not meet the standard ECO4 eligibility requirements, focusing on low-income households living in fuel poverty.
What is Included?
The scheme allows for local authorities to select specific energy efficiency changes, which could include any of the upgrades offered under ECO4, such as loft and wall insulation, heat pumps, solar energy panels, electric storage heaters, double glazing, and boiler upgrades.
Who is Eligible?
Residents in low-income households (earning less than £31,000 per annum) who do not receive any of the qualifying benefits under ECO4 but are still living in fuel poverty.
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
What is GBIS?
GBIS aims at making homes more efficient by retaining heat through loft and cavity wall insulation, ultimately helping residents save on energy bills.
What is Included?
The main focus is on loft insulation and cavity wall insulation, offering a quick and straightforward way to keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility requires an EPC rating of D-G and residency in eligible council tax bands. The program caters to both general and low-income groups, with varying degrees of funding support.
Home Upgrade Grants (HUGs)
What is the HUG?
The Home Upgrade Grant supports low-income households living off the gas grid, aiming to improve energy efficiency through various installations.
What is Included?
Eligible households can benefit from energy efficiency improvements and clean heating systems, including insulation and low-carbon heating alternatives.
Who is Eligible?
Homeowners on a low income, living off the main gas grid, with an EPC rating of D to G.
How do I apply for any of these schemes?
Applying for any of these grants can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be!
By filling out our quick and easy eligibility form, Residential Energy Services will assess your situation against all the criteria for the above schemes, simplifying the application process.
This unified approach makes applying for funding quicker and more accessible, helping you to improve your home’s energy efficiency with minimal hassle.
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