Government launches the Great British Insulation Scheme

Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said:

“We are determined to help families keep their homes warm through the winter months and save on their energy costs.

“Our Great British Insulation Scheme will help hundreds of thousands of people, including some of the most vulnerable in society, get the upgrades their homes need, while cutting their energy bills.”

Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said:

“Boosting the energy efficiency of homes creates the best long-term protection against fuel poverty for the most vulnerable.

“That’s why we are helping families with extra support to make their homes warmer, while saving hundreds on energy costs.”

This support will run alongside the existing Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, which offers free home energy efficiency improvements, such as insulation, heat pumps and solar panels to families on low incomes.

Customers will be able to use a new online checker for the Great British Insulation Scheme, to find out if they are eligible. The tool will ask a series of questions - including how they heat their home, whether their home has solid or cavity walls, and if they are receiving any benefits.

A separate checker has also been launched for the Home Upgrade Grant, which the government believes could help as many as 25,000 off-the-gas-grid homes that have an EPC rating of D to G. People can find out if they qualify for energy efficiency support - ranging from insulation and draft proofing to new windows and doors, as well as heat pumps and solar panels.

Customers using the online tools will then be referred to either their energy supplier, for support from the ECO programme and Great British Insulation Scheme, or their local council for the Home Upgrade Grant, to take the next step in making their home more energy efficient.

Mike Thornton, chief executive, Energy Saving Trust said:

“Improving the energy efficiency of our homes is a vital part of addressing both the energy crisis and climate emergency.

“By reducing demand for fossil fuels it provides a triple win long-term solution for cutting energy bills, decreasing carbon emissions and improving energy security.

“The launch of the Great British Insulation Scheme is therefore a welcome development as it will mean more households are eligible for financial support for insulation measures and comes at a crucial time as we approach the colder winter months.”