How the Great British Insulation Scheme affects UK homes
Introduction
The Great British Insulation Scheme is a UK government energy-efficiency initiative designed to reduce household energy use and bills by improving home insulation. The topic matters because residential heat loss is a major driver of high energy consumption and emissions; targeted insulation measures can help households save money and contribute to the nation’s Net Zero ambitions.
Main body
What the scheme does
Known also as the Great British Insulation Scheme and formerly referred to as ECO+, the programme focuses predominantly on insulation as a single measure. It aims to provide free or subsidised insulation work for eligible homes, making loft, cavity and other insulation more accessible. The scheme is intended to directly lower energy demand in homes and reduce bills for households that receive measures.
Background and administration
The scheme builds on the legacy of earlier UK energy-efficiency programmes such as the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), the Carbon Emission Reduction Target (CERT) and the Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP). Ofgem administers the Great British Insulation Scheme, carrying forward aspects of ECO4 with a continued focus on the least energy-efficient homes.
Funding and purpose
Government funding for the scheme is allocated to promote energy-efficiency measures, support households in reducing their energy bills and contribute to the UK’s Net Zero targets. The initiative responds to long-standing calls for renewed support for home insulation: in its “Cost of NOT zero in 2022” report, the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit stated, “The UK was on an upward trajectory with home insulation until 2013 when government support schemes were cut.” The new scheme is intended to address that gap.
Who can benefit
The scheme targets homeowners and tenants in less energy-efficient properties. By prioritising homes with poor insulation, the programme aims to direct resources to those most in need of improvements and most likely to see immediate savings on energy bills.
Conclusion
The Great British Insulation Scheme represents a focused effort to improve home insulation across the UK. For readers, the significance is practical: eligible households may access free or cheaper insulation to reduce energy costs and improve comfort. In wider terms, widespread uptake of insulation measures is expected to support the UK’s progress towards Net Zero and to address a noted decline in domestic insulation since 2013. Continued administration by Ofgem and alignment with ECO4 priorities should help target support where it is most needed.
