Rising energy prices, cold homes, and poor insulation have pushed millions of UK households into fuel stress. To address this, the UK government introduced the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)—a nationwide initiative designed to make homes warmer, cheaper to run, and more energy-efficient.
This guide explains what the Great British Insulation Scheme is, why it exists, who qualifies, how much it costs, and what has changed since 2022 and 2023. We’ll also explore the new insulation rules in the UK and how GBIS fits into the wider government energy strategy.
Whether you’re a homeowner, tenant, or landlord, this article gives you the full picture—without sales pressure or confusion.
What Is the Great British Insulation Scheme?
What Is the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a UK government-backed energy efficiency programme designed to help households improve their home insulation at a reduced cost—or, in many cases, completely free.
Although it is a government initiative, GBIS is not run directly by the government. Instead, it is administered by Ofgem and delivered through major UK energy suppliers such as Octopus Energy, British Gas, E.ON, EDF, and other obligated providers. Under the scheme, these energy companies are legally required to fund insulation improvements for eligible households.
In simple terms:
Energy suppliers pay for insulation upgrades in qualifying homes—not the homeowner.
What Does the Great British Insulation Scheme Cover?
When asking what is the Great British Insulation Scheme designed to provide, the answer is simple: targeted insulation upgrades that deliver immediate energy savings.
The scheme focuses mainly on single insulation measures, including:
- Loft insulation
- Cavity wall insulation
- Solid wall insulation
- Underfloor insulation
- Room-in-roof insulation
These measures are chosen because they offer high impact, fast installation, and long-term reductions in heat loss.
Who Is the Great British Insulation Scheme For?
The Great British Insulation Scheme primarily targets homes with poor energy efficiency, typically properties with EPC ratings of D, E, F, or G. Many of these homes are older, harder to heat, and more expensive to run—making insulation upgrades essential rather than optional.
By improving insulation, GBIS helps households:
Improve overall comfort and property efficiencycally those with EPC ratings of D, E, F, or G.
Keep homes warmer for longer
Reduce energy consumption
Lower heating bills
What Is the Purpose of GBIS?
Understanding the purpose of the Great British Insulation Scheme helps explain why it focuses on insulation rather than boilers or heating systems.
The main goals of GBIS are:
1. Reduce Household Energy Bills
Poorly insulated homes lose heat quickly, forcing households to spend more on heating. Insulation reduces heat loss, meaning lower energy consumption and smaller bills.
2. Tackle Fuel Poverty
Millions of UK households struggle to heat their homes affordably. GBIS prioritises low-income and vulnerable households, helping them stay warm without financial strain.
3. Improve the UK’s Housing Stock
A large percentage of UK homes are old and inefficient. GBIS aims to raise the average EPC rating across the country, starting with the worst-performing properties.
4. Support Net-Zero Targets
Improving insulation reduces carbon emissions by cutting energy use. GBIS supports the UK’s long-term commitment to achieving net-zero emissions.
Unlike previous schemes, GBIS focuses on quick, high-impact upgrades rather than complex, whole-house retrofits. This allows suppliers to reach more homes faster.
Great Britain Insulation Scheme: Timeline & Background
To fully understand GBIS, it helps to look at how it evolved.
Great Britain Insulation Scheme 2022: The Foundation
In 2022, the UK faced:
- Soaring gas prices
- Rising inflation
- A growing energy affordability crisis
At the time, the government introduced ECO+, a short-term insulation support scheme. However, ECO+ had:
- Limited scope
- Confusing eligibility rules
- Low uptake
This highlighted the need for a simpler, broader insulation scheme.
Great Britain Insulation Scheme 2023: Official Launch
The Great British Insulation Scheme launched in 2023, replacing ECO+.
Key improvements included:
- Wider eligibility beyond only low-income households
- Clear focus on insulation rather than heating systems
- Greater involvement from major energy suppliers
- Stronger quality controls for installers
By the end of 2023, GBIS had become one of the UK’s primary home energy efficiency programmes.
What Changed After 2023?
Since launch, the scheme has evolved:
- Suppliers gained flexibility in how they deliver measures
- Some households became eligible for more than one insulation upgrade
- Quality standards were tightened to reduce poor workmanship
These changes aimed to increase uptake while protecting consumers.
What Are the New Insulation Rules in the UK?
The new insulation rules in the UK play a major role in how GBIS operates and who qualifies.
1. EPC Rating Requirements
GBIS targets homes with EPC ratings D, E, F, or G. Homes already rated C or above are usually excluded.
2. Council Tax Band Limits
Eligibility is partly based on council tax bands:
- England: Bands A–D
- Scotland & Wales: Bands A–E
This ensures support is focused on modest-value properties.
3. PAS 2030 & PAS 2035 Standards
All installations must comply with:
- PAS 2030 (installation quality)
- PAS 2035 (whole-home retrofit assessment)
These standards were strengthened after previous government schemes suffered from poor-quality installations.
4. TrustMark Requirement
Installers must be TrustMark-registered, giving households access to dispute resolution if something goes wrong.
These rules are designed to protect consumers and ensure insulation improvements are safe, effective, and long-lasting.
Great British Insulation Scheme Eligibility Explained
One of the most searched questions is “Great British Insulation Scheme eligibility”—and it’s also where most confusion exists.
Who Can Apply?
GBIS is open to:
- Homeowners
- Private tenants (with landlord consent)
- Social housing tenants
- Landlords (for eligible properties)
You do not need to be on benefits to qualify under the general eligibility group.
Property Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, a property must usually:
- Have an EPC rating of D–G
- Fall within the eligible council tax band
- Be technically suitable for insulation
Some properties—such as certain flats or non-standard buildings—may be excluded after a survey.
Low-Income & Flex Eligibility Routes
Households may also qualify through:
- Means-tested benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, etc.)
- Local Authority Flex referrals
- Indicators of fuel poverty or vulnerability
This allows councils and suppliers to support households that don’t meet standard criteria but still need help.
Why Some Applications Are Rejected
Common rejection reasons include:
- EPC rating already too high
- Property unsuitable for insulation
- Supplier quota already filled
- Incorrect or outdated EPC data
Understanding these factors upfront can save time and frustration. If you want to learn more fallow our latest blogs