Private Sector Grant Funding
There are many grant funding routes available for energy efficiency improvements for homeowners and private sector landlords. Many are widely available, whilst some can be reliant on ‘means testing’.
Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4)
Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) is a grant funding programme that looks to improve the property as a whole, taking a fabric first approach. Improving the insulation at the property ensures that any energy efficient heating solution works at its best, costing you less to heat your home.
ECO4 offers 100% grant funding to homes on low incomes. There are several ways to qualify and it is not necessary to be on a means tested benefit.
Owned and rented homes qualify for ECO4.
ECO4 ends in 2026.
Home Upgrade Grant 2 (HUG2)
Home Upgrade Grant 2 (HUG2) is a grant funding programme for homes that do not use mains gas for heating their homes. Insulation must be improved before any heating or renewable technologies are installed.
HUG2 offers up to 100% grant funding for homes on low incomes, where gross household income is less than £31,000 and where the EPC is rated D, E, F or G.
Owned, and privately rented (i.e. landlords with four rental properties or fewer), homes are eligible.
HUG2 funding is open until 2026.
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is grant funding support for single measure insulation upgrades in homes, such as loft, cavity wall and flat roof insulation.
GBIS offers up to 100% grant funding for all homes (note: some restrictions in place for the rented sector) in Council tax band A – D with an EPC rating of D, E, F and G.
GBIS is open to applications until 2026
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The UK Government Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) (as at March 2024) provides up to £7,500 towards an air source heat pump or a ground source heat pump, or up to £5,000 towards a biomass boiler.
Installers must be Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited, and you will need to have made insulation improvements to your home including loft and cavity wall insulation.
This grant funding stream is not means tested and ends in 2028.