With energy bills soaring and the push for greener living stronger than ever, the UK government offers two standout schemes—ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)—to help homeowners and tenants upgrade their homes for free or at a low cost. Both aim to boost energy efficiency, cut heating costs, and reduce carbon emissions, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. So, how do you decide which is right for you? Let’s break down ECO4 and GBIS, compare their benefits, and help you figure out which scheme fits your needs.
What is ECO4?
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is the fourth phase of a long-running government initiative, running until March 2026. It’s designed to tackle fuel poverty and improve the least energy-efficient homes across the UK. Funded by energy suppliers, ECO4 takes a “whole-house” approach, offering a range of upgrades to make your home warmer and cheaper to run.
Who’s Eligible for ECO4?
- Homeowners or private tenants (with landlord permission).
- Low-income households or those receiving benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Child Tax Credit.
- Homes with an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G—the least efficient properties.
- Income threshold: Under ECO4 Flex, households earning less than £31,000 may qualify via local council referral.
What Can You Get?
- New gas boilers or first-time central heating systems.
- Air source heat pumps or solar panels.
- Insulation (loft, cavity wall, solid wall).
- Funding up to £20,000+ for extensive retrofits, depending on your home’s needs.
ECO4 is ideal if you need a comprehensive overhaul—think replacing an old, inefficient boiler while also insulating your walls.
What is GBIS?
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), launched in 2023 and also running until March 2026, is a £1 billion program focused squarely on insulation. Unlike ECO4’s broad approach, GBIS delivers single, cost-effective insulation measures to a wider pool of homeowners, making it simpler and faster to access.
Who’s Eligible for GBIS?
- Homeowners in council tax bands A-D (England) or A-E (Scotland/Wales).
- Homes with an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G.
- No benefits required—open to more households than ECO4.
- Private tenants and landlords can apply (with permission), and some social housing qualifies.
What Can You Get?
- Loft insulation.
- Cavity wall insulation.
- Heating controls (e.g., thermostats) as a secondary measure for low-income homes.
- Average savings of £310 per year on energy bills.
GBIS is perfect if your home just needs a quick insulation boost rather than a full heating system upgrade.
ECO4 vs. GBIS: Key Differences
Let’s put them side by side to see how they stack up:
| Feature | ECO4 | GBIS |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Whole-house energy efficiency | Single insulation measures |
| Eligibility | Low-income, benefits, or ECO4 Flex | Broader—council tax bands A-E, no benefits needed |
| Upgrades Offered | Boilers, heat pumps, insulation | Loft/cavity wall insulation, controls |
| Funding | Up to £20,000+ (varies by need) | Covers one measure, may require contribution |
| Best For | Major retrofits | Quick, targeted insulation fixes |
Which Scheme is Right for You?
Choosing between ECO4 and GBIS depends on your situation. Here’s how to decide:
Go for ECO4 If:
- You’re on benefits or low income: ECO4 prioritizes fuel-poor households.
- Your home needs a big upgrade: If your boiler’s on its last legs or you lack central heating, ECO4’s comprehensive support is a game-changer.
- You want maximum savings: With potential bill reductions of £400+ annually, ECO4’s multi-measure approach delivers big results.
Example: A family on Universal Credit with an EPC rating of F and an outdated boiler could get a new heat pump and insulation—fully funded.
Go for GBIS If:
- You don’t qualify for ECO4: Not on benefits? GBIS’s broader eligibility might still cover you.
- You just need insulation: If your heating’s fine but your loft leaks heat, GBIS is a quick fix.
- You want simplicity: One measure, less hassle—perfect for busy homeowners.
Example: A homeowner in council tax band C with an EPC of D could get free loft insulation, saving £310 a year with minimal effort.
Can You Use Both?
In some cases, yes! If you qualify for ECO4’s heating upgrades and GBIS’s insulation, you could layer the benefits. Check with your installer—some providers coordinate both schemes.
How to Apply
- Check Eligibility: Use online tools on gov.uk or a provider’s site to see if you qualify for ECO4, GBIS, or both.
- Find a Provider: Contact a Trustmark-registered installer or your energy supplier.
- Get Assessed: A free home assessment determines what upgrades you need.
- Sit Back: If approved, the work’s done at no cost (or low cost for GBIS in some cases).
Why Act Now?
Both ECO4 and GBIS have limited funding and run until March 2026. With demand high, slots fill up fast—waiting could mean missing out. Plus, with energy prices unpredictable, upgrading now locks in savings sooner.
Final Thoughts
ECO4 and GBIS are golden opportunities to make your home warmer, greener, and cheaper to run. If you’re in dire need of a full energy overhaul and meet the income criteria, ECO4 is your best bet. If you’re after a straightforward insulation boost and don’t qualify for ECO4, GBIS has you covered. Either way, these schemes are a win for your wallet and the planet—so why not see which one’s right for you today?