Energy Grants FAQ

According to government sources, the main UK energy grant schemes in 2025 are:

• ECO4 Scheme: Up to £15,000 for energy efficiency measures (GB-wide)
• Boiler Upgrade Scheme: £7,500 for heat pumps, £5,000 for biomass (England & Wales)
• Warm Homes Plan: Up to £30,000 for comprehensive upgrades (England, launched April 2025)
• Warmer Homes Scotland: Up to £27,000 for Scottish residents
• Local Authority schemes: Various council-specific programmes

Yes, in many cases you can combine schemes, but there are rules:

• ECO4 and Boiler Upgrade Scheme can sometimes be combined for different measures
• Local authority schemes may complement national programmes
• You cannot typically receive funding from multiple schemes for the same specific measure
• Scotland has separate schemes that may combine with ECO4
• Professional installers can advise on the best combination for your situation

This depends on the scheme and your specific situation:

• ECO4: Often fully funded for eligible households - no upfront cost
• Boiler Upgrade Scheme: Grant is deducted from installation cost - you pay the remainder
• Warm Homes Plan: May be fully funded for eligible households
• Some installers offer payment plans for any remaining costs
• Always get clear pricing information before work begins

Income thresholds vary by scheme:

• ECO4: Combined household income £31,000 or below (gross)
• Warm Homes Plan: Household income under £36,000 (gross)
• Boiler Upgrade Scheme: No income restrictions - available to all
• Scottish schemes: Various thresholds depending on household composition
• Many schemes also have benefit-based eligibility routes that don't require income assessment

EPC requirements vary by scheme:

• ECO4: Property must have EPC rating D, E, F, or G
• Boiler Upgrade Scheme: No EPC rating requirement
• Warm Homes Plan: Property must have EPC rating below Band C
• Scottish schemes: Typically target lower EPC rated properties
• If you don't have an EPC, one can usually be arranged as part of the assessment process

Tenants may be eligible, but it depends on the scheme and landlord permission:

• ECO4: Private tenants may be eligible with landlord consent
• Warm Homes Plan: Includes provisions for private tenants and social housing
• Boiler Upgrade Scheme: Tenants need landlord permission and involvement
• Social housing tenants should contact their housing provider directly
• Landlords can also apply for grants on behalf of their tenants

The application process varies by scheme:

• ECO4: Apply through an approved installer - they handle the application process
• Boiler Upgrade Scheme: MCS-certified installers apply on your behalf
• Warm Homes Plan: Applications through approved contractors
• You cannot apply directly to government - you must work with certified installers
• Our connection service can help you find qualified installers in your area

Timescales vary depending on the scheme and your specific situation:

• Initial assessment: Usually 1-2 weeks after installer visit
• Grant approval: Can take 2-8 weeks depending on scheme complexity
• Installation scheduling: 2-6 weeks after approval (varies by installer availability)
• Total process: Typically 6-16 weeks from first contact to completion
• Complex installations or multiple measures may take longer

Common documents required include:

• Proof of income (payslips, tax returns, benefit statements)
• Council Tax bill or statement
• Utility bills (gas and electricity)
• Property ownership documents or tenancy agreement
• EPC certificate (if available - can be arranged if needed)
• Bank statements (for some schemes)
• Photo ID

Your installer will provide a complete checklist for your specific application.

Typical grant installations include:

• Heat pump installation: Full system including outdoor unit, indoor components, and controls
• Insulation: Materials and professional installation with proper ventilation considerations
• System commissioning: Testing and optimization of all installed equipment
• User training: How to operate your new systems efficiently
• Warranties: Manufacturer warranties plus installer guarantees
• Certification: All required building control and MCS certificates

Most heat pump installations fall under permitted development rights:

• Air source heat pumps usually don't need planning permission for most properties
• Ground source heat pumps may require permission for ground works
• Listed buildings and conservation areas have special requirements
• Your installer will assess planning requirements during the initial survey
• Building regulations approval is typically required regardless of planning permission

Installation disruption varies by measure type:

• Air source heat pump: 1-3 days installation, heating off during work
• Ground source heat pump: 1-2 weeks due to ground works
• Insulation: 1-5 days depending on extent, some room access restrictions
• Solar panels: 1-2 days, minimal internal disruption
• Professional installers minimize disruption and provide temporary heating if needed
• Most work can continue around your daily routine with some planning