Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) A Complete 2024 Guide

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), overseen by Ofgem, is a UK government initiative focused on energy efficiency. This scheme, which replaced the earlier ECO+ program, offers insulation improvements to help low-income households and homes with poor energy ratings (EPC bands D to G) lower their energy costs.

GBIS provides eligible homes with insulation options, including cavity wall, loft, and solid wall insulation, designed to make homes more energy-efficient and reduce heating bills. If you qualify, GBIS can help make a significant difference in your home’s comfort and your energy budget. Read on to understand GBIS eligibility, how to apply, and what to expect.

What’s Covered Here?

1. Overview of the Great British Insulation Scheme
2. Who Qualifies for GBIS?
3. How to Apply for GBIS
4. Application Process and Next Steps
5. What to Do if Your Application is Denied
6. Key Takeaways

What is the Great British Insulation Scheme?

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a government-led program to improve energy efficiency in homes with the lowest ratings. By targeting low-income and vulnerable households, as well as properties with lower EPC ratings, GBIS aims to address fuel poverty and support lower energy costs.

Managed by Ofgem, GBIS complements other government programs, like ECO4, and requires medium and large energy companies to implement insulation measures. Launched in April 2023, GBIS will run until April 2026, providing eligible households with vital insulation support to reduce their energy bills.

Who is Eligible for the Great British Insulation Scheme?

GBIS eligibility falls into two main categories: low-income and general households.

Low-Income Group

To qualify, you must:

• Own or privately rent your home.
• Live in a property with an EPC rating of D or below (or E if renting).
• Receive certain government benefits, such as Child Benefit (income-restricted), Pension Credit, Income Support, or Universal Credit.

For social housing tenants with a total household income below £31,000, GBIS may also apply if you are at risk of fuel poverty.

General Group

To qualify, you must:

• Own or rent (privately or through a housing association) in Council Tax bands A to D in England or A to E in Scotland and Wales.
• Live in a property with an EPC rating of D or lower.

Eligible applicants in this group can apply for one type of insulation, such as loft or cavity wall insulation. However, only one type of insulation is available per applicant.

How to Apply for the Great British Insulation Scheme

Applying for GBIS involves several steps:

1. Eligibility Check Use Greener Grants Website online elegibility checker, providing details like your household information, energy supplier, and Council Tax band.
2. Once eligible, your our energy supplier will reach out within ten working days to schedule a survey. If you don’t hear back, follow up with Greener Grants.
3. Application Management Our energy supplier will coordinate with a TrustMark-accredited installer for a home assessment and arrange for necessary installations.

Types of Insulation Available Under GBIS

GBIS offers several insulation options, tailored to reduce heat loss in various parts of your home:

• Cavity Wall Insulation: For homes built between 1920 and 1990, insulation is applied between walls to retain warmth.
• Loft Insulation: Prevents up to 25% of heat loss through the roof.
• Solid Wall Insulation: Provides internal or external insulation for solid walls.
• Roof and Floor Insulation: Options for both pitched and flat roofs, as well as underfloor insulation, are available.
• Specialized Insulation: Includes park home insulation, solid floor insulation, and room-in-roof insulation for attic spaces.

What to Expect After Applying

After submitting your application, your energy supplier will appoint a TrustMark-certified installer to conduct a home assessment. The installer will assess your home’s needs, determine suitable insulation measures, and schedule installation dates. You must agree to the recommended improvements to proceed.

Rejected Applications What Next?

If your application doesn’t meet GBIS eligibility, you may still qualify for insulation support through the ECO Flex scheme. This program allows local councils to provide energy efficiency assistance to vulnerable residents and low-income households in their communities.

For ECO Flex, your eligibility will depend on your property’s EPC rating and criteria like age, income, health, and location. Contact your local council to check if they participate in ECO Flex and whether they can offer support.

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Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) A Complete 2024 Guide

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), overseen by Ofgem, is a UK government initiative focused on energy efficiency. This scheme, which replaced the earlier ECO+ program, offers insulation improvements to help low-income households and homes with poor energy ratings (EPC bands D to G) lower their energy costs.

GBIS provides eligible homes with insulation options, including cavity wall, loft, and solid wall insulation, designed to make homes more energy-efficient and reduce heating bills. If you qualify, GBIS can help make a significant difference in your home’s comfort and your energy budget. Read on to understand GBIS eligibility, how to apply, and what to expect.

What’s Covered Here?

1. Overview of the Great British Insulation Scheme
2. Who Qualifies for GBIS?
3. How to Apply for GBIS
4. Application Process and Next Steps
5. What to Do if Your Application is Denied
6. Key Takeaways

What is the Great British Insulation Scheme?

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a government-led program to improve energy efficiency in homes with the lowest ratings. By targeting low-income and vulnerable households, as well as properties with lower EPC ratings, GBIS aims to address fuel poverty and support lower energy costs.

Managed by Ofgem, GBIS complements other government programs, like ECO4, and requires medium and large energy companies to implement insulation measures. Launched in April 2023, GBIS will run until April 2026, providing eligible households with vital insulation support to reduce their energy bills.

Who is Eligible for the Great British Insulation Scheme?

GBIS eligibility falls into two main categories: low-income and general households.

Low-Income Group

To qualify, you must:

• Own or privately rent your home.
• Live in a property with an EPC rating of D or below (or E if renting).
• Receive certain government benefits, such as Child Benefit (income-restricted), Pension Credit, Income Support, or Universal Credit.

For social housing tenants with a total household income below £31,000, GBIS may also apply if you are at risk of fuel poverty.

General Group

To qualify, you must:

• Own or rent (privately or through a housing association) in Council Tax bands A to D in England or A to E in Scotland and Wales.
• Live in a property with an EPC rating of D or lower.

Eligible applicants in this group can apply for one type of insulation, such as loft or cavity wall insulation. However, only one type of insulation is available per applicant.

How to Apply for the Great British Insulation Scheme

Applying for GBIS involves several steps:

1. Eligibility Check: Use the government’s online checker, providing details like your household information, energy supplier, and Council Tax band.
2. Locate a Certified Installer: Once eligible, your energy supplier will reach out within ten working days to schedule a survey. If you don’t hear back, follow up with your supplier.
3. Application Management: Your energy supplier will coordinate with a TrustMark-accredited installer for a home assessment and arrange for necessary installations.

Direct Applications: You can also apply directly with your energy supplier, especially if your supplier has over 150,000 customers, as they are required to participate in GBIS.

Types of Insulation Available Under GBIS

GBIS offers several insulation options, tailored to reduce heat loss in various parts of your home:

• Cavity Wall Insulation: For homes built between 1920 and 1990, insulation is applied between walls to retain warmth.
• Loft Insulation: Prevents up to 25% of heat loss through the roof.
• Solid Wall Insulation: Provides internal or external insulation for solid walls.
• Roof and Floor Insulation: Options for both pitched and flat roofs, as well as underfloor insulation, are available.
• Specialized Insulation: Includes park home insulation, solid floor insulation, and room-in-roof insulation for attic spaces.

Additional heating controls, such as thermostats, may be available as secondary measures when specific insulation is installed in low-income owner-occupied homes.

What to Expect After Applying

After submitting your application, your energy supplier will appoint a TrustMark-certified installer to conduct a home assessment. The installer will assess your home’s needs, determine suitable insulation measures, and schedule installation dates. You must agree to the recommended improvements to proceed.

Switching Energy Suppliers: You are free to switch suppliers at any time, including during your GBIS application process.

Rejected Applications: What Next?

If your application doesn’t meet GBIS eligibility, you may still qualify for insulation support through the ECO Flex scheme. This program allows local councils to provide energy efficiency assistance to vulnerable residents and low-income households in their communities.

For ECO Flex, your eligibility will depend on your property’s EPC rating and criteria like age, income, health, and location. Contact your local council to check if they participate in ECO Flex and whether they can offer support.

Key Takeaways

• GBIS aims to reduce energy costs by improving insulation in low-income households and homes with low EPC ratings.
• Medium and large energy suppliers are obligated to provide insulation upgrades under GBIS.
• Check eligibility online, and once approved, our energy supplier will start the application.
• Additional support may be accessible through the ECO Flex scheme for those who don’t qualify under standard GBIS criteria.

For more information, consult Ofgem’s official resources or your energy supplier’s website for details on GBIS and the support available to make your home warmer and more energy-efficient.