The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) allowed homeowners to apply for funding to cover insulation upgrades at their home. It aimed to improve energy efficiency in homes across the UK, helping to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions. The scheme began in April 2023 and closed to new installations on 31 March 2026. You can apply for a free home battery or see other funding options.
Eligibility
To qualify for free insulation through the GBIS, homeowners had to meet specific criteria.
For one eligibility route, the property had to be in council tax bands A to D in England, or A to E in Scotland and Wales, and have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below. Other routes were through being in receipt of certain benefits, on a low income, or with a health condition exasperated by the cold. However, eligibility did not guarantee installation, as energy suppliers or installers made the final decision.
Why Homeowners with Savings Could Apply
The scheme was designed to maximise participation to ensure a significant reduction in national energy consumption and carbon emissions. Limiting access based on income or savings would hinder these broader environmental and energy goals.
Older and poorly insulated homes contribute heavily to energy inefficiency. GBIS aimed to ensure more homes met modern energy efficiency standards, regardless of the financial standing of the occupants. Even high income households can live in energy-inefficient homes (especially older properties).
Schemes like GBIS aim to remove barriers to action. For many, even those with savings, the upfront cost of insulation improvements can deter action. By offering subsidies or discounts, the government ensures greater uptake.
The Great British Insulation Scheme wasn’t solely about helping low-income households—it was about creating systemic improvements in energy efficiency nationwide. By allowing homeowners of varying financial statuses to qualify, the government aimed to ensure that more homes contributed to reduced emissions, lower energy bills, and a greener future for the UK.
What to Expect
After someone applied to GBIS, an installer would contact them to schedule a property survey. During the survey, a retrofit assessor created a floor plan of the home and took various photographs and measurements. Based on this assessment, a retrofit coordinator designed the project. They confirmed eligibility and, if the household chose to proceed, arranged the installation.