Grants and Schemes news from 2025
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- December 2025
Boiler Upgrade Scheme closes to applicants
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme closed to new applicants in England and Wales on 31 December 2025, ending a grant worth up to £7,500 towards a heat pump.
NGN reports Centres for Warmth supporting thousands across the North of England this winter
Northern Gas Networks has marked a second winter of its Centres for Warmth programme, saying 20 funded community hubs have given thousands of people across the North of England warm space and energy advice.
Committee on Fuel Poverty response to Warm Home Discount consultation published
The Committee on Fuel Poverty has published its response to the government consultation on continuing the Warm Home Discount Scheme, covering England, Scotland and Wales.
Consultation on moving Warm Home Discount cost recovery to the unit rate opens
The government has opened a consultation on moving recovery of Warm Home Discount costs, £39 on a typical dual fuel bill, from the standing charge to the unit rate from April 2026.
Cumberland Council reports Warm Homes initiative savings and scheme dates
Cumberland Council reports 589 households approved for free energy-saving home improvements under ECO4 Flex between August 2024 and October 2025, with 387 homes upgraded and average annual bill savings of £1,516.
ECO4 cost recovery consultation launched
The government has opened a consultation on amending the ECO4 Order so that public grant funding can pay energy suppliers for the scheme, running until 5 January 2026.
ECO4 Delivery Guidance version 3.2 published
Ofgem published version 3.2 of its ECO4 delivery guidance on 8 December 2025, clarifying when non-compliant measures are rejected and how rural areas are defined in Scotland.
Four more EV models qualify for maximum £3,750 Electric Car Grant discount
Four more electric car models now qualify for the maximum £3,750 Electric Car Grant discount, doubling the number of vehicles in the top band to eight.
North East Mayor launches free energy advice service for the region
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has launched North East Warm Homes, a free energy advice service funded by the North East Combined Authority as part of a £4m initiative.
Welsh Government committed £1.5 million to warm hubs
The Welsh Government has committed £1.5 million in its 2025 to 2026 budget to support more than 400 warm hubs across Wales, building on £4 million of investment since 2022.
Winter Heating Payment payments begin from December 2025
Social Security Scotland is to begin making Winter Heating Payments of £59.75 for winter 2025/26 from December 2025, with most payments made automatically to eligible households in Scotland.
- November 2025
Autumn Budget announces ECO4 will end on 31 March 2026
The Autumn Budget confirmed that the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) will close on 31 March 2026, while the Boiler Upgrade Scheme was left untouched despite speculation about cuts.
Chancellor delivers second Budget with mixed picture for built environment
The Chancellor's 26 November Budget confirms the Energy Company Obligation will end in April 2026, adds £1.5 billion to the Warm Homes Plan and shifts 75% of legacy Renewables Obligation costs off electricity bills.
Electric Car Grant extended to 2029-30
The autumn budget extended the Electric Car Grant to 2029-30 and added £1.3bn of funding, while confirming a pay-per-mile charge for electric vehicles from April 2028.
Government expands Boiler Upgrade Scheme to air-to-air heat pumps and heat batteries
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has extended the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to cover air-to-air heat pumps and heat batteries, with £2,500 grants for each in England and Wales.
Consumer Scotland responds to WHD continuation consultation
Consumer Scotland has told the UK government it supports continuing the Warm Home Discount beyond March 2026 but wants automatic data matching, earlier payments and a centralised helpline in Scotland.
Energy Systems Catapult publishes report on next generation of warm home schemes
Energy Systems Catapult has published a report calling for the next generation of warm home schemes to be consumer-centred, delivered through area-based partnerships and focused on health outcomes.
Consultation on continuing the Warm Home Discount Scheme closed
The government has confirmed the Warm Home Discount will run for a further five years to 2030/31, after a consultation that closed on 20 November 2025 drew 93 responses.
Energy UK publishes response to DESNZ consultation on continuing the Warm Home Discount
Energy UK has told the government that the Warm Home Discount should run for five more years, grow to at least £1.5 billion and be paid for from taxation rather than energy bills.
Trust publishes WHD consultation response
The British Gas Energy Trust has published its response to the consultation on continuing the Warm Home Discount, backing the scheme but calling for a larger rebate and multi-year funding.
DESNZ consulted on Boiler Upgrade Scheme changes and published government response
The government has published its response to a consultation on the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, setting out changes that include new grants for air-to-air heat pumps and heat batteries.
Government response to Part 1 of the consultation published
The government has published its response to Part 1 of its Boiler Upgrade Scheme consultation, confirming £2,500 grants for air-to-air heat pumps and heat batteries among a set of eligibility changes.
Ofgem publishes detailed proposals for the Debt Relief Scheme
Ofgem has set out detailed proposals for a one-time Debt Relief Scheme to write off energy debt built up during the crisis, with phase one expected to support up to 200,000 households.
Audit results show widespread faults in ECO4 and GBIS wall insulation
Government audit results published in January 2026 found that 92% of external wall insulation and 27% of internal wall insulation installations under ECO4 and GBIS had at least one major technical non-compliance.
Scottish Government announces almost £1 million extra funding for energy debt advice services
The Scottish Government has allocated £944,000 in additional funding to three advice organisations to expand energy debt support, announced by Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan at the start of Talk Money Week.
Energy Bills and the Price CapScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Autumn Budget confirms end of green levy and ECO4 funding
The 2025 Autumn Budget confirmed the end of the green levy and with it ECO4 funding, closing council-run ECO4 Flex schemes and stopping new applications.
Budget 2025 announces end of ECO funding in March 2026
The government announced at Budget 2025 that funding for the Energy Company Obligation would end in March 2026, with ECO measures continuing until the end of 2026.
Budget scraps ECO funding mechanism and adds Warm Homes Plan funding
The Budget ended the levy that funded the Energy Company Obligation and added £1.5 billion to the Warm Homes Plan, taking the parliamentary commitment to £14.7 billion.
Cold Weather Payment winter period opens
The 2025 to 2026 Cold Weather Payment period has opened, running from 1 November 2025 to 31 March 2026 and paying £25 for each seven-day spell of very cold weather.
Connected for Warmth insulation programme ran from March 2023 to November 2025
Agility has reported that its Connected for Warmth insulation scheme, backed by the National Grid energy efficiency fund, ran from March 2023 to November 2025 and insulated thousands of homes in England and Wales.
Electric car grant extended to 2030 with extra funding
The electric car grant has been extended to 2030 with an extra £1.3m of funding, alongside £200m for chargepoint roll out, as a pay-per-mile charge for electric vehicles was announced from 2028.
Full Business Case for Boiler Upgrade Scheme extension approved by InvestCo
The full business case for extending the Boiler Upgrade Scheme was approved by the Project Investment Committee in November 2025, with Treasury approval following in January 2026.
Government consultation response sets out BUS changes
Ofgem's annual report on the Boiler Upgrade Scheme confirms the April 2026 rule changes that followed the government's November 2025 consultation response, alongside £560.3 million paid since launch.
Government response confirms £2,500 grants for air-to-air heat pumps and heat batteries under the BUS
The Government has confirmed £2,500 grants for air-to-air heat pumps and heat batteries under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, with applications expected to open from 2026.
OVO customers receive Warm Home Discount payments 19 months late
Thousands of OVO customers waited more than 19 months for Warm Home Discount payments for winter 2023/24, with the supplier paying £2,765,200 in compensation to affected households.
StepChange responds to DESNZ consultation on continuing the Warm Home Discount scheme
StepChange has welcomed government plans to extend the Warm Home Discount for five more winters from 2026/27, while warning that the payment has barely risen since 2011 and calling for a national energy debt relief scheme.
Warm Home Discount scheme opens for 2025-26 winter
The Warm Home Discount has opened for winter 2025-26, giving eligible households in England, Wales and Scotland a one-off £150 reduction on their energy bill.
- October 2025
Government confirms MCS as sole certification scheme for clean heat measures under five schemes
DESNZ has confirmed it plans to mandate MCS as the sole certification scheme for clean heat measures across five government schemes, with MCS installers moving to a redeveloped scheme during 2026.
Government response to Part 2 of the consultation published
The government has confirmed that MCS will become the sole certification scheme for clean heat installations under four grant schemes, publishing its response to Part 2 of a consultation on 31 October 2025.
IMD data update creates new eligible postcode list
An October 2025 update to the Indices of Multiple Deprivation has produced a new set of eligible postcodes for the Warm Homes: Local Grant, with the previous 2019-based list retained until the end of the first delivery year.
Citizens Advice publishes research on low-income homeowners and retrofit
Citizens Advice research published on 23 October 2025 finds upfront cost and perceived risk deter low-income homeowners in England and Wales from energy efficiency upgrades, and sets out design considerations for future schemes.
Which? urges government to remove heat pump adoption barriers
Which? has published Sustainability Tracker findings showing heat pump ownership among homeowners at three per cent and called on the government to remove the barriers holding consumers back.
Let's Talk Energy Fund opens for 2025-26
Charis has opened the Let's Talk Energy Fund for 2025-26, offering up to two free energy-efficient appliances and advice to households struggling with energy bills.
NAO publishes report on energy efficiency installations under the Energy Company Obligation
The National Audit Office has published a value for money report finding clear failures in the design and consumer protection system of ECO4 and GBIS, covering faulty wall insulation and suspected fraud.
Which? responds to NAO report on faulty insulation
Which? has called the National Audit Office's findings on faulty insulation a damning indictment of a failed scheme, urging government action to remedy damage and prevent a repeat.
National Insulation Association publishes response to ECO4 extension consultation
The National Insulation Association has told a government consultation that an ECO4 extension should only proceed with a matching rise in supplier targets, and that the Great British Insulation Scheme should end as planned.
British Gas Energy Support Fund reopens on day of 2% price cap rise
The British Gas Energy Trust has reopened its largest energy debt fund, offering grants of up to £2,000 to British Gas customers, on the day energy bills rose by 2%.
Energy Saving Trust responds to Treasury consultation on VAT relief for energy saving materials
The Energy Saving Trust has told the Treasury that battery storage retrofitted to existing solar should be zero-rated for VAT, and that the relief should extend to EV chargepoints, thermal storage, water source heat pumps and smart heating controls.
Great British Insulation Scheme closed to new applicants
The Great British Insulation Scheme, which offered free or discounted insulation to households, closed to new applicants in October 2025, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
MCS responds to DESNZ consultation on extending ECO4
MCS has published its response to the government consultation on extending ECO4, backing a nine-month extension with stronger consumer protections, as Consumer Scotland also files its own supportive response.
Most Child Winter Heating Payments made automatically from early October 2025
Most Child Winter Heating Payments in Scotland are being made automatically from early October 2025, with the one-off payment set at £255.80 for winter 2025/26.
NAO report uncovers serious failings in ECO and GBIS
The National Audit Office found serious failings in home insulation funded by the Energy Company Obligation and the Great British Insulation Scheme, with external wall insulation the worst affected.
National Audit Office releases report on energy efficiency installations under the Energy Company Obligation
The National Audit Office has published a report on failures with solid wall insulation installed under the Energy Company Obligation, drawing a call from the Energy Saving Trust for stronger consumer protection.
Warm Home Discount letters to be posted between October and December 2025
Energy UK has told households that eligible people will receive a physical letter between October and December 2025 confirming a £150 Warm Home Discount, and warned against scam texts and emails.
Warm Homes Plan full details expected from DESNZ
The full Warm Homes Plan is not expected from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero until October 2025, with £13.2 billion committed across this parliament.
- September 2025
Warm Home Discount scheme for winter 2025 to 2026 opens
The Warm Home Discount for winter 2025 to 2026 opens in October 2025, with eligibility criteria for England and Wales published by the government on 30 September 2025.
Citizens Advice responds to consultation on extending ECO4 end date
Citizens Advice has backed a government proposal to extend the ECO4 grant scheme past March 2026, warning that a shorter timeframe would leave households facing a cliff edge.
Consultation on extending the ECO4 end date closes
The government consultation on extending the ECO4 end date beyond 31 March 2026 closed on 25 September 2025, with the insulation industry opposing an extension that does not raise supplier targets.
DESNZ consults on continuing the WHD to 2031
DESNZ has opened a consultation on extending the Warm Home Discount for a further five years, from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031, keeping the rebate scheme running beyond its current period.
Ofgem publishes response to DESNZ consultation on extending ECO4 end date
Ofgem has published its response to the price cap aspects of the government's consultation on extending the ECO4 energy efficiency scheme beyond its current end date.
Grand Committee considers Warm Home Discount (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Lords Grand Committee has agreed regulations expanding the Warm Home Discount, removing the high cost to heat threshold so that around 2.7 million more households qualify for the £150 rebate this winter.
Green Alliance publishes report making the case for a social tariff to address fuel poverty
Green Alliance has published a report modelling three social tariff designs, arguing percentage discounts on gas and electricity bills would support fuel poor households better than the Warm Home Discount.
DESNZ publishes consultation on continuing the Warm Home Discount Scheme
DESNZ has consulted on continuing the Warm Home Discount beyond 31 March 2026, setting out three options for Scotland for the 2026/27 scheme period.
WHD expansion changes come into force
Changes to the Warm Home Discount that remove the high-cost-to-heat threshold for one eligibility group and raise spending targets took effect in September 2025, Ofgem's scheme year 14 report confirms.
- August 2025
Consultation on extending the ECO4 end date opens
The government has opened a consultation on extending the ECO4 energy efficiency scheme beyond its 31 March 2026 end date, proposing an extension of between six and nine months.
Scottish charity THAW Orkney saves clients thousands in energy bills
THAW Orkney, part-funded by the British Gas Energy Trust, reports saving clients a collective £50,000 in energy payments and more than £116,000 in income gains in the last year.
British Gas Energy Trust reopens White Goods Fund
The British Gas Energy Trust has reopened its White Goods Fund, which last year supplied 2,148 appliances such as fridges, cookers and washing machines to households in England, mainland Scotland and Wales.
Government issues reminder to Warm Home Discount eligible households
The government has told households eligible for the Warm Home Discount to check the right person is named on their electricity account by Sunday 24 August to receive £150 automatically.
ECO4 Delivery Guidance version 3.0 published
Ofgem published version 3.0 of its ECO4 Delivery Guidance on 7 August 2025, adding definitions for hybrid heat pumps and updates on ECO4 Flex administration, solar PV and RdSAP 10.2.
Resolution Foundation publishes research on how the Warm Homes Plan should target spending
The Resolution Foundation says the £13.2 billion Warm Homes Plan should target grants by household income and spend on insulation and solar rather than heat pumps.
Welsh Government budgets £35 million for Nest scheme this financial year
The Welsh Government has budgeted £35 million this financial year for the Warm Homes Nest scheme, published alongside figures showing 340,000 Welsh households in fuel poverty in October 2024.
British Gas Energy Trust reopens Individuals and Families Fund
The British Gas Energy Trust has reopened its Individuals and Families Fund, offering up to £1,700 towards energy debt for households on prepayment or credit accounts with suppliers that run no scheme of their own.
DESNZ consultation on the future of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme closed
A government consultation on the future of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme has closed, with industry bodies using it to press the case for hybrid heating systems to qualify for grants.
DESNZ consulted on extending the ECO4 end date
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero consulted in August 2025 on extending the ECO4 end date, and the policy decision extends the scheme by nine months to 31 December 2026.
Shared ground loop GSHPs may be approved as innovation measures
Ofgem guidance confirms that from 1 August 2025 energy suppliers may apply for shared ground loop ground source heat pumps to be approved as an innovation measure under ECO4.
- July 2025
Amendment legislation became law and rural area classifications changed
The Electricity and Gas (Energy Company Obligation) (Amendment) Order 2025 became law on 29 July 2025, changing how rural areas are classified for ECO4 and altering installation standards and smart meter advice duties.
Ofgem publishes ECO4 Measures table version 4.0
Ofgem has published version 4.0 of the ECO4 Measures table, the document listing which energy efficiency measures can be installed under the fourth Energy Company Obligation scheme.
Plymouth Energy Community opens walk-in energy advice hub on Union Street
Plymouth Energy Community has opened a walk-in energy advice hub in the Genesis Building on Union Street, funded by Wales & West Utilities through its Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance fund.
Government updates House on systemic issues in solid wall insulation delivery under ECO4 and GBIS
The Government has told the House that solid wall insulation installed under ECO4 and GBIS shows widespread, systemic failures, with 92% of audited external wall installations carrying a major technical non-compliance.
Government allocates £650 million for Electric Car Grant offering discounts up to £3,750
The government has allocated £650 million to an Electric Car Grant giving discounts of up to £3,750 on new electric cars priced at or under £37,000, with funding running to the 2028/29 financial year.
Energy Systems Catapult report finds ECO4 failing health-vulnerable households
Energy Systems Catapult has published a report finding that ECO4 is not reaching health-vulnerable households in cold homes, with only four of 42 surveyed homes qualifying for fully funded work.
Which? warns of fake DWP energy support scam texts
Which? has warned that scammers impersonating the Department for Work and Pensions are texting householders fake energy grant offers of £200 to £300, with links to malicious websites.
Council publishes Statement of Intent for ECO4 and GBIS
West Lindsey District Council has published its July 2025 Statement of Intent setting out the full eligibility criteria for ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme Flex routes.
Eligibility criteria for Warmer Homes Scotland widened
The Scottish Government has widened the eligibility criteria for Warmer Homes Scotland, so more households can qualify for energy-saving improvements and previous unsuccessful applicants may now be successful.
- June 2025
ECO4 Measures Table version 4.0 published
Ofgem has published version 4.0 of the ECO4 Measures Table, changing the treatment of solar PV, room-in-roof insulation and shared-ground-loop district heating connections.
Ofgem published its consultation decision
Ofgem has confirmed how it will administer mid-scheme changes to ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, after 18 responses to its April 2025 consultation.
Warm Homes: Local Grant funding opens via Oxfordshire County Council
Oxfordshire County Council is now accepting applications for the Warm Homes: Local Grant, offering fully funded energy efficiency upgrades to low income households at risk of fuel poverty.
Warm Home Discount (Amendment) Regulations 2025 laid before Parliament
The Warm Home Discount (Amendment) Regulations 2025 were laid before Parliament on 19 June 2025, with a correction slip issued on 4 July, to widen eligibility for the £150 rebate from winter 2025-26.
Chancellor confirms £13.2 billion for warm homes plan
The Chancellor confirmed £13.2 billion for the Warm Homes Plan at the June 2025 spending review, covering home energy efficiency spending from 2025-26 to 2029-30.
Which? publishes response to DESNZ consultation on Boiler Upgrade Scheme and clean heat certification
Which? has published its response to the government's consultation on the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and clean heat certification, backing MCS as sole certifier and calling for regulation of third party agreements.
UK Government expands Winter Fuel Payment eligibility criteria
The UK Government announced in June 2025 that it was expanding the criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment, after the payment had been changed to a means-tested benefit in 2024.
ECIU analysis warns cutting Warm Homes Plan funding could cost households over £1.4 billion a year
ECIU analysis warns that limiting the Warm Homes Plan to 300,000 upgrades could leave 4.7 million households without average bill savings of around £300 a year.
Buildings Retrofit Pilot opens for applications
The West Midlands Combined Authority has opened its £167 million Buildings Retrofit Pilot to applications from councils, housing associations and public sector bodies, targeting up to 14,000 of the region's oldest and coldest homes.
Domestic batteries added as eligible measure under WH:SHF
Domestic batteries installed alongside solar panels became an eligible measure under the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund in June 2025, were paused that November, and can be installed again from 2 February 2026.
IGEM responds to Boiler Upgrade Scheme consultation Part 1
IGEM has told the government that hybrid heating systems should qualify for Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants, arguing the current exclusion is a missed opportunity, and that air-to-air heat pumps should not.
Ofgem proposes debt relief scheme opening in summer/autumn 2025 and closing in spring 2026
Ofgem has proposed a debt relief scheme for households that built up energy bill arrears during the energy crisis, open from summer or autumn 2025 to spring 2026.
Spending Review 2025 commits to the Warm Homes Plan
The 2025 Spending Review commits a further £13.2 billion to the Warm Homes Plan between 2025-26 and 2029-30, funding insulation, heating and solar upgrades intended to cut household bills.
Spending review announces Boiler Upgrade Scheme growth over four years
The June 2025 spending review confirmed that funding for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme will rise each year to 2029/30, as polling for a trade body found few households willing to pay the remaining cost of a heat pump.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed for winter 2025/26
The Government confirmed on 19 June 2025 that the Warm Home Discount would be expanded for winter 2025/26, removing the high-cost-to-heat test so that any household on a qualifying means-tested benefit is eligible.
- May 2025
E3G publishes briefing on economic case for Warm Homes Plan
E3G briefing says delivering the £13.2bn Warm Homes Plan would raise GDP, create 9,000 skilled jobs a year, cut bills for 3 million households and reduce gas imports.
Grant Aerona products approved under ECO4 Innovation
Three Grant Aerona air source heat pump products were approved under ECO4 innovation measure 037, with the date of approval given as 16 May 2025 in Ofgem's register.
Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund replaced with Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund
The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund has been replaced by the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, which funds local authorities and social housing landlords to improve energy performance in England.
Version 4 Statement of Intent withdrawn
Edinburgh City Council has withdrawn its 2024 Statement of Intent for ECO4 and GBIS flexible eligibility, replacing it with Version 5 and confirming the scheme closes in April 2026.
Committee recommends long-term retrofit funding to at least 2035
The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee has called on the Government to set out long-term funding for home retrofit running to at least 2035, warning that short-term schemes have failed to give households and installers confidence.
ECA and 53 businesses urge Government to honour £13.2bn Warm Homes Plan commitment
The Electrical Contractors' Association has joined 53 businesses and trade bodies in signing a letter urging the Government to honour its manifesto commitment to invest £13.2bn in the Warm Homes Plan.
- April 2025
Consultation on Boiler Upgrade Scheme amendments and clean heat certification opens
The government has opened a two-part consultation on changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and on making MCS the sole certification scheme for clean heat installations.
Government announces consultation on expanding Boiler Upgrade Scheme and skills investment
The Government has opened a consultation on expanding the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and pledged up to 18,000 extra training places for retrofit installers, in an announcement welcomed by trade body NAPIT.
Which? responds to Government plans to expand home heating grant options
Which? has responded to government proposals to widen the options for home heating grants, saying they could help more consumers switch to sustainable heating and bring in more trustworthy installers.
Version 3 added smart thermostat scores
Ofgem has added scores for smart thermostat measures to Version 3 of the Great British Insulation Scheme scores matrix, the first time heating controls have carried scores under the scheme.
Committee on Fuel Poverty response to Warm Home Discount expansion consultation published
The Committee on Fuel Poverty has published its response to the government consultation on expanding the Warm Home Discount Scheme for 2025 to 2026, covering England, Scotland and Wales.
Energy Saving Trust publishes report on what the UK needs from the Warm Homes Plan
The Energy Saving Trust has published a five-pillar report setting out what the UK Government needs to do to deliver the Warm Homes Plan and its target of retrofitting five million homes.
Nesta and BIT publish trial findings on coordinated low-carbon heating offers
A trial of 5,525 UK homeowners finds that coordinated neighbourhood switching to low-carbon heating does not raise uptake on its own, but adding 0% interest financing does.
ECO4 and GBIS mid-scheme administration consultation opened
Ofgem opened a consultation on 7 April 2025 on how it will administer mid-scheme changes to ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, publishing its decision on 26 June 2025.
Government confirms mid-scheme changes to GBIS and ECO4
The government has confirmed mid-scheme changes to the Great British Insulation Scheme and ECO4, allowing two insulation measures per project and ECO4 delivery to count towards GBIS targets.
Ofgem publishes draft guidance update summary
Ofgem has published draft guidance and a consultation on how it will administer mid-scheme changes to ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, with responses due by 12 May 2025.
Over 44 million GBP of household energy efficiency funding announced
More than 44 million GBP has been allocated to cut emissions from buildings and help households save on energy bills, including 30 million GBP for three heat network projects.
Household Support Fund extended with additional GBP 842 million for England
An additional GBP 842 million is being granted in England to extend the Household Support Fund by another 12 months, with local authorities using the funding to assist vulnerable households.
Mayor signs decision approving £53,470,024 Warm Homes Local Grant funding
The Mayor of London has approved the receipt and spending of £53,470,024 of Warm Homes Local Grant funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero for delivery in London between 2025 and 2028.
Bristol City Council and Bristol City Leap publish Warm Homes Plan
Bristol City Council and Bristol City Leap have published a joint five-year action plan for decarbonising the city's homes, setting out their roles across social housing, private housing, new build, heat networks, skills and citizen involvement.
Government launches consultation on expanding the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The government has opened a consultation on widening the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to cover air-to-air heat pumps and heat batteries, and to allow third-party ownership finance alongside grants.
Warm Homes: Local Grant date noted
Government guidance confirms the Warm Homes: Local Grant delivery window opened on 1 April 2025, with £500 million allocated to local authorities in England to fund energy efficiency measures and low carbon heating.
- March 2025
Boiler Upgrade Scheme scheduled to close
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme reaches its scheduled end on 31 March 2025, closing a three-year, £450m grant programme that paid up to £6,000 towards low carbon heating in England and Wales.
Deadline for claiming Winter Fuel Payment not paid automatically
The Department for Work and Pensions says eligible pensioners whose Winter Fuel Payment does not arrive automatically must claim it by 31 March 2025, after a winter of backdated claims.
Trust responds to Warm Home Discount expansion consultation
The British Gas Energy Trust has endorsed plans to widen the Warm Home Discount and scrap the high-cost-to-heat threshold, but warns 55% of fuel-poor households will still miss out on the £150 rebate.
Consumer Scotland responds to DESNZ consultation on expanding the Warm Home Discount Scheme 2025-26
Consumer Scotland has backed plans to widen the Park Homes Warm Home Discount to households that do not pay suppliers directly, but says the expansion needs new money rather than funds taken from energy advice work.
UK Power Networks announces partnerships to reduce fuel poverty for over half a million people by 2028
UK Power Networks is funding four not-for-profit organisations to deliver tailored support to vulnerable customers, aiming to reduce fuel poverty for more than half a million people by 2028.
Expression of interest window closed and funding allocated to eligible local authorities
The Warm Homes: Local Grant expression of interest window has closed, and every eligible English local authority that applied by the deadline has been allocated funding from the £500 million scheme.
Government allocates £1.8 billion to Warm Homes Plan
The government has allocated £1.8 billion under its Warm Homes Plan to fund energy efficiency upgrades in up to 170,000 low income households and social housing properties in England.
£400 million energy efficiency grant to launch in 2025
A £400 million energy efficiency grant for households in England will launch in 2025, the government has confirmed, with the scheme's design and name still to be announced.
BUS to close to new applicants after 2024/25
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme's final impact assessment states the scheme will have closed to new applicants after 2024/25, with £450 million committed over three years from spring 2022.
ECA and eight trade associations call for Warm Homes Plan funding
The Electrical Contractors' Association and eight trade associations representing 4,000 businesses have urged the government to honour its Warm Homes Plan funding commitment.
SY14 scheme year closes with record delivery and an overspend against budget
Ofgem's annual report shows suppliers delivered £595.2 million of Warm Home Discount support in scheme year 14, £18.2 million above the £577 million budget, with 3.41 million rebates issued.
- February 2025
Consultation on expanding the Warm Home Discount Scheme 2025 to 2026 published
The government has confirmed it will extend the Warm Home Discount in England and Wales to all households on means-tested benefits, but has dropped plans to widen the Park Homes scheme.
Government consults on expanding the Warm Home Discount
The government has opened a consultation on expanding the Warm Home Discount, proposing to bring around 2.7 million more households into the £150 scheme from next winter.
Government extends Warm Home Discount Scheme
Ofgem has confirmed the energy price cap will rise 6 per cent to £1,849 a year from April 2025, and noted a government extension to the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
Warmer Homes London launched by the Mayor in partnership with London Councils
Warmer Homes London launched on 7 February 2025, a Mayor of London and London Councils scheme using the Warm Homes: Local Grant to improve energy efficiency in homes across 31 boroughs.
Ofgem publishes response to ECO4 and GBIS mid-scheme changes consultation
Ofgem has published its response to the government's consultation on mid-scheme changes to the Energy Company Obligation 4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme.
DESNZ consulted on proposals to expand the Warm Home Discount scheme
The government consulted in February 2025 on expanding the Warm Home Discount, a £150 electricity bill rebate, and confirmed in June that the wider eligibility rules would apply from winter 2025/26.
PCA and HOA call on government to review spray foam in schemes
The Property Care Association and Home Owners Alliance have asked the government to review whether spray foam insulation should stay within government insulation schemes, citing continuing problems for homeowners.
- January 2025
DESNZ announced a further £25 million, increasing the BUS Year 3 budget from £150 million to £205 million
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero added £25 million to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme's third-year budget on 30 January 2025, taking it to £205 million, with permission to over-allocate vouchers to £280 million.
West Midlands Mayor launches £167 million energy efficiency fund
The West Midlands Combined Authority has announced a £167 million energy efficiency fund to upgrade up to 14,000 low-income homes and spend £36 million on public buildings.
Lords debate on ECO4 and insulation schemes
Peers pressed the government on 29 January over suspended installers, who pays for repairs if firms fail, and how 65,000 households will be told about faulty solid wall insulation.
Nest publishes 2023-24 annual report
Nest has published its 2023-24 annual report, showing 4,816 Welsh households received home energy improvement packages and 12,809 received free energy saving advice.
Welsh Government sets out fuel poverty measures in written statement
Jane Hutt's 27 January written statement sets out Welsh Government fuel poverty spending on benefit take-up, crisis funds, fuel vouchers and the Warm Homes Nest scheme, and renews calls for standing charge reform.
DESNZ issues statement about potential issues with ECO and GBIS installations
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has issued a statement on potential problems with Energy Company Obligation and Great British Insulation Scheme installations, Ofgem has confirmed.
UK Government announces action on poor quality solid wall insulation under ECO4 and GBIS
The UK Government has announced action over poor quality solid wall insulation installed under ECO4 and GBIS, including suspending installers, with affected households to be contacted by Ofgem.
Government announces letters to solid wall insulation householders under ECO4 and GBIS
Miatta Fahnbulleh MP has told the House of Commons that letters will go to householders whose homes had solid wall insulation installed under ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme, with Ofgem running the mailout.
Government Statement announces Ofgem oversight and remediation plan for ECO4 and GBIS solid wall insulation
The Government has told Ofgem to oversee quality checks on all 65,000 solid wall insulation installations under ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, after audits found widespread poor work.
Government suspends 39 businesses from installing new solid wall insulation
The government has suspended 39 businesses from installing new solid wall insulation after TrustMark checks found substandard work under ECO4 and GBIS, and has told Ofgem to oversee repairs.
Air-to-air heat pumps become eligible for government grants
Nesta reports that air-to-air heat pumps are now eligible for government grants, with typical installation costs from £2,400 in a one bedroom flat to £8,800 in a four bedroom house.
Nesta publishes data-driven FAQ on heat pump grant eligibility
Nesta has published a data-driven FAQ setting out the heat pump grants and loans available across the UK as of January 2025, including £7,500 grants in England, Wales and Scotland.
Government plans to almost double Boiler Upgrade Scheme budget for the next financial year
The Minister for Energy Consumers said the Boiler Upgrade Scheme budget will be almost doubled in the next financial year, as industry data showed record renewable installations in 2024.
Trust highlights open energy debt grant funds for winter
The British Gas Energy Trust has highlighted two open energy debt funds offering grants of up to £2,000 to British Gas and non-British Gas customers in England, Scotland and Wales this winter.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme budget almost doubled to £296m
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme budget for grant vouchers will almost double to £296m next financial year, with an extra £30m added this year and planning rules for air source heat pumps relaxed.
DESNZ increased the BUS Year 3 budget to £205 million with permission to over-allocate to £280 million
The government raised the Boiler Upgrade Scheme's Year 3 budget twice, from £150 million to £205 million, and allowed Ofgem to over-allocate vouchers up to £280 million.