Could you get money to make your home cheaper to run?
You might be able to get money from a grant or scheme if you spend a lot on energy because:
- your home lets too much heat out and too much cold in,
- your boiler or heating system is old,
- you do not have heating controls (like thermostatic radiator valves) or,
- your home is not on the mains gas grid.
The money can pay for some or all of the work needed to make your home less costly to heat.
Government-backed schemes for homes that cost a lot to run (energy efficiency schemes)
Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)
Where is the scheme available?
England, Scotland and Wales
Measures included
All or some of the costs towards:
- Boiler repairs and upgrades
- Electric heating repairs and upgrades
- District heating connection
- Heating control upgrades
- Solar panels
- Insulation
- Draught proofing
- Double glazing installation and improvements
Who is eligible?
- Homeowners with EPC rating of D, E, F, or G
- Private renters with EPC rating of E, F or G
- Social Housing tenants with EPC rating of E, F or G
Customers receiving one of the following benefits:
- Income based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit Savings Credit
How to apply
Contact your energy supplier directly if you are a homeowner or private renter.
Contact your local council if you are a social housing tenant to check if they have signed up to the scheme.
Nest
Where is the scheme available?
Wales
Measures included
All or some of the costs towards:
- Boiler repairs and upgrades
- Insulation
- Solar panels
Who is eligible?
Homeowner or private renter
AND
A member of the household receives means tested benefit AND the EPC rating is E, F or G
OR
A member of the household has a chronic health condition, a low income is received AND the EPC rating is D, E, F or G
How to contact
Call Nest on 0808 808 2244
Home Energy Scotland
Where is the scheme available?
Scotland
Measures included
Expert knowledge and advice on:
- Expert knowledge and advice on:
- Saving energy and keeping warm at home
- Funding options including Scottish Government grants and interest free loans
- Installing renewable energy at home
- Greener travel including electric vehicles and e-bikes
- Cutting water waste
Who is eligible?
Anyone living in Scotland can access Home Energy Scotland free advice and support.
How to contact
Call Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 or email.
NI Direct
Where is the scheme available?
Northern Ireland
Measures included
Expert knowledge and advice on:
- Advice if you’re struggling to pay your energy bills
- Central heating
- Energy efficiency
- Energy saving grants
- Insulation
- Renewables
Who is eligible?
Anyone living in Northern Ireland can access NI Direct free advice and support
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is help from the government to make your home warmer and cheaper to heat. It gives you money towards a new low-carbon heating system, like a heat pump. You can get up to £7,500 off the cost.
Who is eligible
You might be able to get this help if:
- You own your home
- You live in England or Wales
- You are replacing an old heating system like gas, oil, or electric heating
- Your home has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Important things to know:
- It does not matter how you pay for energy
- You usually cannot apply if you rent your home or live in social housing
- Some homes (like most new builds) are not included
How to apply
You do not apply yourself. Instead:
- Find a trained (MCS-certified) installer
- They check your home and give you a quote
- They apply for the grant for you
- The money is taken off your bill, so you pay less
The installer must complete the work within a set time after applying.
