The Great British Insulation Scheme: what is it and who’s it for?

The Great British Insulation Scheme is a government initiative that’s all about insulating your home. It works alongside another government energy-efficiency scheme called ECO4. 

Draughty homes lose heat fast, and it costs more to keep them warm. Some sources say the UK’s housing is among the least energy efficient in Europe. This new scheme, with more than £1 billion behind it, will help around 300,000 households across the country with the cost of installing new home insulation.

If you’re eligible to get insulation through the scheme, you might get it for free or at a reduced cost. This’ll depend on the type of insulation you need and your property type.

What’s included under the scheme

The Great British Insulation Scheme focuses on all types of home insulation. If you’re eligible, you’ll get support with one type of insulation for your home. We’re currently offering support for cavity wall and loft insulation.

Who’s eligible for the scheme

There are 2 eligibility groups under the Great British Insulation Scheme – a general group and a low-income group, both with different levels of support. Whichever group you belong to, you don’t need to be an OVO customer to apply for the scheme through us.

The general group

To access the Great British Insulation Scheme, you’ll need to:

• Live in and own a home in council tax bands A to D in England, or A to E in Scotland and Wales

• Have an EPC rating of D or below

• If you're eligible, you’ll get one insulation upgrade and you’ll typically need to pay a contribution towards the install.

The low-income group

To get free insulation through the Great British Insulation Scheme, you’ll need to:

• get means-tested benefits (see below).

• have an EPC rating of D or below

• If you're eligible, you’ll get one insulation upgrade and you might get heating controls too. These upgrades will typically be free. If you’re in private rented accommodation, your EPC must be band D or E.

Eligible benefits for the Great British Insulation Scheme

• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)

• Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

• Income Support

• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit

• Working Tax Credit

• Child Tax Credit

• Universal Credit

• Housing Benefit

• Pension Credit Saving Credit

• Child Benefit (maximum income levels apply – see below)

• Warm Home Discount payment

Customer Testimonials

"We thought it was an excellent service. From the booking service, the installation workmen - everyone was very friendly and helpful"

"The company who carried out the installation were efficient and professional at every stage of the process."

"Such a great scheme and a great shame it's not more well known - I've been telling friends and family about ever since I signed up and they didn't know anything about it. Everyone involved was really friendly, and communication was clear throughout. "

How to apply for the Great British Insulation Scheme

As of 14/10/2025 OVO are no longer accepting applications for the Great British Insulation Scheme.