Announcements by government ministers and energy companies give the impression that funding is readily available to everyone for energy saving measures.
The reality is very different and there is not a universally available pot of money with your name on it.
Here’s a summary of the situation in February 2024. There are strings attached to all these schemes and not everyone qualifies.
Private sector homes
The Great British Insulation Scheme is meant to part-fund energy saving measures in homes. In reality, only loft insulation and cavity wall insulation are ever funded through the scheme. I am not aware of anyone having solid wall or under-floor insulation funded through this scheme. Nor glazing nor airtightness.
The government’s referral portal is here – https://www.gov.uk/apply-great-british-insulation-scheme
E-ON are known to be more responsive than most energy suppliers – https://www.eonenergy.com/energy-efficiency-grants/great-british-insulation-scheme-gbis.html
If you receive a leaflet through the door offering you funded measures, then tread carefully and get three quotes if you can.
The Energy Company Obligation is meant to offer up to 100% funding to low-income or vulnerable households. In reality, only loft insulation and cavity wall insulation are ever funded through the scheme. I am not aware of anyone having solid wall or under-floor insulation funded through this scheme. Nor glazing nor airtightness.
Boilers are only funded when replacing non-condensing boilers.
Solar may be funded but be aware that if you get solar through GBIS then it may block you from further funding for measures such as insulation which have greater impact. I am not in favour of subsidising solar power at the expense of insulation, but that’s what is currently happening.
Referral pathways are as above for GBIS.
These schemes are for private sector homes – including private landlords.
Off-gas low-income homes
Funding is theoretically available through HUGS to some off-gas homes, although the numbers are very low. https://www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/environment/energy-capital/home-upgrade-grants/
Social housing
Funding is available through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. The landlord applies, not the tenant. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/social-housing-decarbonisation-fund-wave-22
Heat pumps
Up to £7500 is available where a heat pump replaces a fossil fuel boiler. The installer claims the grant in the form of a voucher. https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme
Businesses
Funding is available through the WMCA although there are strings. https://www.wmca.org.uk/news/24m-scheme-to-help-west-midlands-businesses-reduce-energy-usage-and-bills/#:~:text=Businesses%20can%20get%20a%20free,or%20LED%20lighting%20and%20insulation.
Small business can also apply for the heat pump grant.
Charities
Funding is available for charities delivering front-line services through the VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme https://www.groundwork.org.uk/vcseenergyefficiency/
As part of my service to my paying customers, I offer advice on finding suppliers of energy saving measures.
Featured image credit – Ian Cuthbert, Fovea Creative, for Good Work Coop / Birmingham Green Doors, part of BrumEnergy.