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ECO4 is the only one of these two schemes still accepting applications in June 2026. The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) closed to new applications on 31 March 2026 (GOV.UK). ECO4 runs until 31 December 2026 and covers the full cost of insulation and heating upgrades for eligible low-income households in EPC D-G rated properties (Ofgem). If you receive qualifying benefits or earn under £31,000, check ECO4 eligibility now. The Warm Homes: Local Grant has replaced GBIS for middle-income households.

How did ECO4 and GBIS compare?

Feature ECO4 GBIS
Status (June 2026) Open until Dec 2026 Closed (March 2026)
Target group Low-income on benefits Broader, property-based
Eligibility basis Benefits or income < £31,000 Council tax band A-D (England)
EPC requirement D, E, F or G D, E, F or G
Measures covered Insulation + heating Insulation only
Household cost Fully funded Sometimes small contribution
Solid wall insulation Yes No
Heating upgrades Yes (boilers, heat pumps) No
Approach Whole-house retrofit Single measure
Successor scheme Warm Homes Plan Warm Homes: Local Grant

Sources: Ofgem ECO4, Ofgem GBIS, GOV.UK.

What is ECO4 and who qualifies?

ECO4 is a government obligation on energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements in low-income and vulnerable households, covering the full cost of insulation and heating upgrades. It targets the least energy-efficient homes (EPC D-G) and aims to bring them up by at least two EPC bands.

You qualify for ECO4 if your property is rated EPC D, E, F or G and you meet one of these criteria:

Benefits route — you or someone in your household receives:

LA Flex route — your local authority has identified you as meeting their flexible eligibility criteria. This typically means household income under £31,000 per year, even without qualifying benefits (Ofgem).

Measures fully funded under ECO4 include:

ECO4 takes a whole-house approach. An assessor surveys your property and recommends a package of measures designed to improve your EPC rating by at least two bands. You do not pick individual measures; the scheme determines what your home needs.

What was GBIS and why did it close?

GBIS targeted a broader group of homeowners, including middle-income households not on benefits, and funded single insulation measures rather than whole-house upgrades. The scheme closed to new referrals on 31 March 2026 after energy suppliers met their delivery targets (GOV.UK).

GBIS eligibility was property-based rather than benefits-based:

Key differences from ECO4:

If you had a GBIS application in progress before March 2026, contact your energy supplier directly. Some suppliers are still completing installations from pre-existing referrals.

Still unsure which scheme applies to you?

What has replaced GBIS?

The Warm Homes: Local Grant is the main successor to GBIS, covering insulation and renewable energy measures for households earning under £36,000 with a property rated EPC D-G. It is administered by local authorities rather than energy suppliers, so availability and eligible measures vary by council area (GOV.UK).

Key details of the Warm Homes: Local Grant:

The Warm Homes Plan is the broader government framework that encompasses both ECO4’s successor and the Local Grant. The plan commits £13.2 billion to upgrade 5 million UK homes over the coming years.

Can you apply for both ECO4 and another scheme?

Yes. Some households qualify for both ECO4 and the Warm Homes: Local Grant, and it is worth checking eligibility for all available schemes. You cannot receive funding for the same measure twice, but you can receive different measures from different schemes.

For example, you might receive loft insulation through ECO4 and solar panels through the Warm Homes: Local Grant, if your council offers that combination. Your installer or local authority will coordinate to avoid duplication.

The current landscape of available grants (June 2026):

Scheme Status Best for
ECO4 Open until Dec 2026 Low-income households on benefits
Warm Homes: Local Grant Open until March 2028 Middle-income households (< £36,000)
Boiler Upgrade Scheme Open until 2028 Heat pump installation (any income)
Smart Export Guarantee Ongoing Solar panel owners (export payments)

Check with your local authority first, as they can often identify all the schemes you qualify for in a single assessment. Home Energy Quotes’ ECO4 guide has full details on the application process.

How do I apply for ECO4 before it closes?

The ECO4 application process works through approved installers and energy suppliers, not through a central government portal:

1. Check eligibility: Confirm you receive a qualifying benefit or meet your council’s LA Flex income criteria

2. Find an approved installer: Contact an ECO4-accredited installer who will carry out a property assessment

3. Property survey: A qualified assessor visits your home to determine your current EPC rating and which measures will improve it

4. Measures agreed: The installer proposes a package of upgrades designed to improve your EPC by at least two bands

5. Installation: Work is carried out at no cost to you. Typical installation takes 1-5 days depending on the measures

6. Post-installation EPC: A new EPC is lodged to confirm the improvement

The scheme closes to new installations on 31 December 2026. Given the lead time for surveys, approvals and scheduling, apply before autumn 2026 to ensure your installation is completed in time.

FAQ

Is ECO4 really free?

Yes, for eligible households. ECO4 is funded by an obligation on energy suppliers, not by taxpayers or the homeowner. There is no upfront cost, no loan, and no repayment. The energy supplier funds the installation through the installer. Some households on the LA Flex route may occasionally face a small contribution for premium measures, but this is uncommon.

I missed the GBIS deadline. What are my options?

Apply for ECO4 if you receive qualifying benefits or earn under £31,000. If your income is under £36,000, check the Warm Homes: Local Grant through your local authority or GOV.UK. If you do not qualify for either, you can still get competitive quotes for privately funded insulation, which typically pays for itself in 3-5 years through energy savings.

Can private tenants apply for ECO4?

Yes. Private tenants can apply, but the landlord must give written permission for the work. The landlord does not need to contribute financially. The measures are installed in the property, not linked to the tenant, so they benefit the property long-term. Council and housing association tenants can also apply, with their housing provider’s consent.

What EPC rating do I need for ECO4?

Your property must be rated EPC D, E, F or G. Properties rated E, F and G are prioritised. If your home is already rated C or above, it does not qualify because ECO4 targets the least efficient housing stock. You can check your current EPC rating for free on the EPC Register.

Will ECO4 be replaced after December 2026?

The government’s Warm Homes Plan is the long-term successor. Details of the exact scheme that replaces ECO4’s supplier obligation model are expected later in 2026. The commitment is to upgrade 5 million homes, so support for low-income households will continue in some form. Apply for ECO4 now rather than waiting for a future scheme that may have different eligibility criteria.

Do not miss the ECO4 deadline.

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