High energy bills and the drive to reach net-zero mean that many homeowners, landlords and tenants are looking for ways to make their homes more energy efficient. The good news is: there are a variety of grants, subsidies and schemes across the UK designed to help with that. Below we explain the main ones as of 2025, who’s eligible, and how to apply.

Why these grants are important now

  • Energy costs are volatile, and improving efficiency is one of the most reliable ways to reduce bills long-term.

  • Many older homes have poor insulation or inefficient heating systems, making them expensive to run and uncomfortable.

  • The UK government has committed to decarbonising heat and improving housing stock—these grants help bridge the cost gap.

  • For many households on lower incomes or in fuel poverty, grants are often the only feasible route to upgrades.

Key UK energy grants & schemes (2025)

Below is a breakdown by scheme, region, and type of upgrade. Note: rules and availability change, so always check the most current government or local authority websites.

Scheme What it supports Who’s eligible / crucial criteria How much funding / what you can get Important notes / caveats
ECO4 / Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Insulation, heating improvements, retrofit upgrades Households receiving certain means-tested benefits, or in social housing, or in low-efficiency homes (EPC D–G) Wikipedia+1 Varies by measure and need. Often full or partial funding. Energy Saving Trust+2Resi+2 The scheme runs until 31 March 2026. Wikipedia
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) / formerly ECO+ Insulation measures (loft, cavity, solid wall, underfloor etc.) Homes with lower EPC ratings (D or below), with priority for lower income / benefit claimants snugg.com+3Wikipedia+3Energy Saving Trust+3 Can be free (or heavily subsidised) insulation for qualifying homes E.ON Next+2Wikipedia+2 This scheme is set to run until March 2026. E.ON Next+2Energy Saving Trust+2
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) Low-carbon heating: heat pumps, biomass boilers Homeowners or self-builders replacing fossil fuel heating (not new builds, except self-builds) Find a Grant+2Resi+2 Up to £7,500 for air-source or ground-source heat pump, or up to £5,000 for biomass boiler in some circumstances Find a Grant+2Resi+2 The installer must be registered with the scheme; works must comply with criteria. Resi+1
Warm Homes: Local Grant (England only) Energy efficiency & low carbon heating upgrades in low-income privately owned homes Income usually ≤ £36,000/year, home must have EPC D–G, must be privately owned or rented (with landlord agreement) GOV.UK The grant pays for agreed improvements (insulation, heat pumps, smart controls etc.), you don’t pay for the works if eligible GOV.UK Not available across all local authorities—depends on funding and local delivery. GOV.UK
Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) For off-gas grid households, combining insulation & low carbon heating Homeowners in England, off the gas grid, low income, and home with poor EPC rating snugg.com+2House of Commons Library+2 Subsidy or full funding for a package of measures including insulation, heat pumps etc. House of Commons Library+1 Only in designated local authority areas. Check coverage in your region.
Scotland – Home Energy Scotland / Warmer Homes etc. Insulation, heating, advice, low carbon tech Homeowners and private tenants in Scotland, qualifying by income, EPC, type of home etc. Grants or loan support for insulation,