By providing eligible homeowners with free insulation grants, the Great British Insulation Scheme can offer a real and lasting improvement to both warmth and comfort in your home, all while saving money on your energy bills.
Who is actually entitled to this funding? How do you go about getting it? Read on for everything you need to check to make sure you are eligible.
What is the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS?)
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a government initiative designed to improve homes across the country. With a focus on cost-effective measures, such as loft insulation, solid wall insulation and cavity wall insulation, this scheme aims to benefit over 300,000 households.
By prioritising these insulation methods, GBIS aims to help you save money on your energy bills. Insulation acts as a barrier to heat loss, keeping your home warmer during the winter and cooler during the summer. This not only enhances comfort but also reduces the need for excessive heating or cooling, resulting in significant savings.
Am I eligible for the government’s Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS?)
To be eligible for GBIS grant funding, there are two requirements that must be met.
1. Your Energy Performance Certificate rating (EPC)
First, your house must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with a rating from D to G. What is an EPC? An EPC is a document that shows the energy efficiency and environmental impact of a property. It assesses aspects such as insulation, heating systems, and energy usage.
A low EPC rating indicates that your house lacks energy efficiency and may require improvements in insulation and heating systems. By improving your home’s energy efficiency, you can reduce energy consumption, lower utility bills and contribute to a greener environment. Therefore, having a low EPC rating is a clear indication that you may benefit from better energy efficiency to enhance both your living comfort and the overall sustainability of your home.
2. Your regional Council tax band
To determine the appropriate tax band for your property, it depends on the region you reside in. In England, eligible tax bands range from A to D, in Scotland, they range from A to E, and in Wales, tax bands range from A to E.
You can find out which tax band your property falls under by consulting the relevant local authorities or visiting the official government website for more information.
How much could you save with a Great British Insulation Scheme grant?
With these new measures under the Great British Insulation Scheme, households can expect to save up to around £310 a year on their energy bills. By adding loft insulation to your home, you have the potential to unlock even greater savings. In fact, depending on your house, your energy bills can be reduced by anything between £330 and £590. Not only will you be saving money, but you will also contribute to a more energy-efficient and sustainable home.
Can landlords benefit from the Great British Insulation Scheme?
It is crucial to prioritise energy efficiency measures for buy-to-let properties. By upgrading the EPC rating to a minimum of C by 2025, landlords not only comply with regulations but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
Implementing new energy efficiency measures ensures that rented property consumes less energy, reducing its environmental impact and lowering utility costs. Additionally, failure to meet the required EPC threshold may result in penalties or restrictions on renting out properties.
To support landlords, the Great British Insulation Scheme offers assistance to properties with EPC ratings of D or below that are not currently supported by government-run funding schemes.
Think you’d benefit from free insulation upgrades?
Residential Energy Services is passionate about supporting those in eligible households to get their needed help. We are here to boost assistance for individuals with the lowest incomes, while also extending support to a wider range of households living in the least energy-efficient homes in the country.
Check your eligibility first and let us help you on your journey to a free insulation grant.
