What's Happening With Home Energy Funding
There are some important changes to how home energy upgrades are funded in the UK. Here's a clear, straightforward summary of what's available now and what's coming next.
What's Available Right Now
ECO4 — Extended to December 2026
The main government energy efficiency scheme has been extended by 9 months. If you're eligible, there's still time to get funded upgrades including boiler replacements, insulation, smart controls, and ventilation improvements.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
Grants of up to £7,500 for property owners replacing fossil fuel heating with heat pumps. Available in England and Wales.
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
Ending as planned on 31 March 2026. If you haven't applied yet, this window has now closed.
⚡ The Big Change
After ECO4 ends in December 2026, there will be no replacement supplier obligation scheme.
For over a decade, energy suppliers have been required to fund home energy upgrades for eligible households. That's how schemes like ECO have worked. The government has confirmed this model is ending.
Instead, the government is investing directly through the Warm Homes Plan — nearly £15 billion in capital investment, making it the biggest energy efficiency programme in British history.
What does this mean for homeowners?
- If you're eligible for ECO4 — act now. The scheme runs until December 2026, but demand is high and capacity is limited.
- The Warm Homes Plan will replace supplier-funded schemes with direct government grants, focused on low-income and fuel-poor households.
- If you don't qualify for funding — or don't want to wait — private upgrades through C&T Smart Energy with flexible finance are available right now.
Simple Timeline
ECO4 and BUS are open
Eligible homeowners can still access funded upgrades. C&T Smart Energy is available for private installations.
GBIS ended
The Great British Insulation Scheme closed as planned.
ECO4 ends
The last supplier obligation scheme closes. No replacement scheme has been announced.
Warm Homes Plan takes over
Government-funded grants replace supplier obligations. Details are still being confirmed — we'll update this page as they become available.
Our Honest Advice
If you think you might be eligible for ECO4, get in touch now. The scheme is open until December 2026, but as it winds down, capacity will tighten. We can check your eligibility quickly and at no cost.
If you're not eligible — or you'd rather not wait — our C&T Smart Energy team can design and install the right system for your home with flexible finance to spread the cost. Solar, battery storage, heat pumps, boilers, insulation, and smart controls — all available now.
Either way, your energy bills don't pause while you wait. Every month without proper insulation, an efficient heating system, or solar generation is a month of savings you don't get back.
Questions? Call us on 01792 44 66 46 or email us
Last updated: May 2026. Information based on the government's response to the ECO4 extension consultation.