The Great British Insulation Scheme
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a UK government initiative designed to improve the energy efficiency of homes across England, Wales, and Scotland
GBIS is a UK government initiative aimed at improving the energy efficiency of homes in England, Wales, and Scotland. Administered by Ofgem, the scheme provides support for home insulation measures to reduce energy bills and tackle fuel poverty. Previously known as ECO+, GBIS focuses on delivering single insulation upgrades to the least energy-efficient homes.
Why Should You Apply for the Great British Insulation Scheme?
1. Lower Energy Bills: Insulating your home can significantly reduce your energy bills by keeping your home warmer in the winter. The UK government estimates that homes receiving insulation upgrades through the scheme can save around £300-400 annually on their energy bills.
2. Enhance Comfort: Proper insulation helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature, making your home more comfortable throughout the year. No more chilly winters or overly warm summers inside your home!
3. Reduce Carbon Footprint: By improving your home’s energy efficiency, you’ll be contributing to the UK’s Net Zero by 2050 goal. Insulating your home reduces the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling, thereby lowering carbon emissions.
4. Health Benefits: Insulating your home can prevent dampness and reduce the occurrence of mold and mildew, which are associated with various health issues, including respiratory problems.
5. Increase Property Value: An energy-efficient home is more attractive to potential buyers and can increase your property’s market value. Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) rating improvements are beneficial when selling your property.
Key Details of the Scheme
Eligibility:
- General Group: Homeowners and tenants living in properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D to G, and within Council Tax bands A-D in England or A-E in Scotland and Wales.
- Low-Income Group: Households receiving certain benefits, such as Child Benefit, Pension Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit, among others.
Insulation Measures Covered: The scheme includes various insulation types such as cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation (internal or external), loft insulation, flat or pitched roof insulation, underfloor insulation, and room-in-roof insulation. In some cases, secondary measures like room thermostats or boiler programmers are also available for low-income households.
Eligibility Criteria
General Group:
- Homeowners or tenants living in properties with an EPC rating of D to G.
- Properties within Council Tax bands A-D in England or A-E in Scotland and Wales.
Low-Income Group:
- Households receiving certain benefits such as Child Benefit, Pension Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit, among others.
Insulation Measures Covered
The GBIS scheme offers support for various types of insulation, including:
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- Internal Wall Insulation
- External Wall Insulation
- Loft Insulation
- Flat or Pitched Roof Insulation
- Underfloor Insulation
- Room-in-Roof Insulation
Energy Company Support
The GBIS places an obligation on medium and large energy companies to deliver energy efficiency measures. This is part of the UK’s broader strategy to meet its climate targets and improve energy efficiency in homes. The scheme is an extension of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) framework, which legally mandates energy companies to support energy-saving measures
The Energy Company Obligation Scheme
The ECO scheme is a UK government initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions and tackling fuel poverty by improving the energy efficiency of homes
The ECO4 scheme is a UK government initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions and tackling fuel poverty by improving the energy efficiency of homes. It is the fourth phase of the ECO scheme, which started in 2013. The scheme primarily targets low-income households and those in vulnerable situations to help them reduce their energy bills and improve their living conditions.
Here are some key points about the ECO4 scheme
- Eligibility: ECO4 focuses on households in receipt of certain means-tested benefits, those identified as fuel poor, and other vulnerable households. Eligibility criteria include income thresholds and specific benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and Child Tax Credit.
- Measures Covered: The scheme funds a range of energy efficiency improvements, including insulation (loft, cavity wall, solid wall), heating system upgrades (boiler replacements, heat pumps), and installation of renewable energy technologies.
- Funding and Delivery: Energy suppliers with more than 150,000 customers are obligated to deliver energy efficiency measures to eligible households. These suppliers fund the improvements, and the costs are recovered through customer bills.
- Objective: The primary goals of ECO4 are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, help households save on energy bills, and alleviate fuel poverty by making homes warmer and more energy-efficient.
- Timeline: ECO4 is set to run from April 2022 to March 2026. During this period, it aims to support the installation of energy efficiency measures in millions of homes.
- Targeted Support: The scheme particularly focuses on “worst-first” properties, prioritizing homes with the lowest energy efficiency ratings (EPC ratings of D, E, F, and G).
Net zero by 2050
The ECO4 scheme is part of the UK’s broader strategy to meet its carbon reduction targets and transition towards net-zero emissions by 2050, while also addressing social issues related to energy affordability and living conditions.
Applying for the ECO4 scheme is a smart and impactful decision for several reasons. Primarily, it provides an invaluable opportunity to enhance the energy efficiency of your home, leading to significant reductions in energy bills. By taking advantage of this government-backed initiative, you can access funding for essential improvements like insulation, heating system upgrades, and renewable energy installations, all of which contribute to a warmer and more comfortable living environment.
Moreover, these energy efficiency measures not only alleviate the financial burden of high energy costs but also contribute to reducing carbon emissions, playing a vital role in combating climate change. By participating in the ECO4 scheme, you are not only investing in your own home’s comfort and financial health but also contributing to a broader effort to achieve the UK’s net-zero emissions target.
Means Tested Benefits
Households receiving certain means-tested benefits may be eligible. These benefits can include, but are not limited to:
- Income Support
- Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
Local Authority Flexibility
LA Flex, is a component of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme that allows local authorities to broaden the eligibility criteria for energy efficiency improvements
The LA Flex component of the ECO4 scheme allows local authorities to identify and assist households that may not meet the standard ECO4 eligibility criteria but are still in need of support. By leveraging LA Flex, local authorities can ensure that a broader range of households, especially those in vulnerable situations, receive the necessary support to improve their home's energy efficiency, reduce energy bills, and enhance overall comfort.
Local Authority Flexibility, commonly referred to as LA Flex, is a component of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme that allows local authorities to broaden the eligibility criteria for energy efficiency improvements. This flexibility enables local authorities to identify and assist households that may not meet the standard ECO4 eligibility criteria but are still in need of support. Here are the key aspects of LA Flex:
Purpose of LA Flex
- Broaden Reach: To ensure that more households in need, particularly those not covered by the standard ECO4 criteria, can benefit from energy efficiency measures.
- Targeted Assistance: To provide support to specific groups identified by local authorities as vulnerable or at risk of fuel poverty, even if they don’t qualify through traditional means-tested benefits.
How LA Flex Works
- Local Authority Involvement: Local authorities can use their local knowledge and data to identify households that would benefit from energy efficiency improvements.
- Eligibility Criteria: Local authorities set their own eligibility criteria, which can include factors such as income levels, health conditions, age, and other indicators of vulnerability.
- Declarations: Local authorities issue declarations for households they have identified as eligible under LA Flex. These declarations allow energy suppliers to include these households in their ECO4 obligations.
Typical LA Flex Criteria
While each local authority can set its own criteria, common factors considered may include:
- Households with a total income below a certain threshold.
- Residents with health conditions exacerbated by cold living conditions (e.g., respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions).
- Households with young children or elderly residents.
- Properties with low energy efficiency ratings (EPC ratings of D, E, F, or G).
Benefits of LA Flex
- Inclusivity: Ensures a more inclusive approach to tackling fuel poverty and improving energy efficiency by capturing those who might be missed by standard criteria.
- Local Customization: Allows local authorities to address specific local needs and circumstances, creating a tailored approach to energy efficiency improvements.
- Enhanced Impact: Helps achieve broader environmental and social benefits by improving more homes, reducing carbon emissions, and lowering energy bills for a wider range of households.
By leveraging LA Flex, local authorities can play a crucial role in enhancing the reach and effectiveness of the ECO4 scheme, ensuring that more vulnerable households receive the support they need to improve their living conditions and reduce energy costs.
Insulation Measures Covered
The GBIS scheme offers support for various types of insulation, including:
- Solar Panels
- First Time Central Heating
- Heating Controls
- Air Source Heat Pumps
- Central Heating Upgrades
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- Internal Wall Insulation
- External Wall Insulation
- Loft Insulation
- Flat or Pitched Roof Insulation
- Underfloor Insulation
- Room-in-Roof Insulation
