Financial help to improve home energy efficiency and support to pay energy bills is available to eligible households.
Search for assistance by postcode in England and Wales on the Simple Energy Advice website. Information on help in Scotland can be found below. Some schemes are available to tenants as well as homeowners.
UK -wide Support Schemes
Energy Efficiency Improvements:
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a GB-wide scheme through which energy companies are obliged to install energy efficiency measures in the homes of those who need them most (households receiving income or health-related benefits, or with a low income are prioritised). This includes loft and wall insulation, and boiler replacement. Eligibility varies depending on local authority region so search for local schemes using the link above, or contact your local authority.
Local authorities may have low-cost loans or home improvement grants to help pay for energy efficiency improvements. Contact details for local councils can be found here Find your local council – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Energy efficiency is usually the responsibility of the Private Sector Housing team within the local authority.
The UK government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme will provide grants of £5,000 – £6,000 to encourage property owners in England & Wales to install low carbon heating systems such as heat pumps. The scheme will run from April 2022 to 2025 and be open to domestic and small non-domestic properties.
Help to pay energy bills:
The Winter Fuel Payment offers between £100 and £300 to help with energy bills in winter. It is for people who were born on or before 26 September 1955 and receive the State Pension or another social security benefit.
The Cold Weather Payment is £25 to help with bills after seven days of sub-zero conditions for people receiving certain benefits.
The Warm Home Discount, is a one-off discount of £140 on winter electricity bills or prepay meter top-up for those who claim the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, or are on a low income (eligibility applies). Many electricity suppliers are part of the scheme – check here for individual supplier’s eligibility criteria.
Some local authorities also administer crisis support schemes for households struggling to pay bills.
Help across the nations
England:
The Sustainable Warmth Competition offered local authorities funding starting in early 2022, completing in March 2023, to upgrade energy inefficient homes of low-income households in England. To find out if a local authority has been successful in receiving funding, please check Sustainable Warmth Competition – successful local authorities – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Contact the local authority to find out how to apply.
Scotland:
Home Energy Scotland offers advice and support to eligible households, including free or subsidised installation of heating and insulation, on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Wales:
The Nest scheme offers a range of free, impartial advice and, subject to eligibility, a package of free home energy efficiency improvements such as a new boiler, central heating or insulation.
Essential repairs for homes in Wales can be funded through a home improvement loan to pay for work to make homes warm, safe and secure. Interest-free loans of up to £35,000 are available for those who are eligible. The loans are managed by local authorities.
Download our Household grants and funding PDF