Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)

  • The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a national energy efficiency scheme delivered by large energy suppliers under government regulation.

    It is not a direct government grant. Instead, it operates through legal obligations placed on energy suppliers to improve insulation in eligible homes.

    The scheme focuses on reducing heat loss and improving the energy efficiency of properties with lower energy performance.

    GBIS is delivered under environmental and social obligations placed on large energy suppliers by the UK government.

    Official scheme overview (Ofgem):
    https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/great-british-insulation-scheme

  • The Great British Insulation Scheme is time-limited.

    GBIS is scheduled to run until 31 March 2026, with all installations required to be completed by that date.

    In practice, access routes may close earlier to allow time for surveys, approvals, and installation work to be carried out before the scheme ends.

    NUVOE includes GBIS to explain how national insulation funding has operated and how successor schemes are likely to be structured.

    Official GOV.UK guidance:
    https://www.gov.uk/apply-great-british-insulation-scheme

  • Under GBIS, eligible properties may receive support for insulation measures such as:

    • Loft insulation

    • Cavity wall insulation

    • Solid wall insulation

    • Underfloor insulation

    • Other insulation measures where technically appropriate

    The scheme is focused on insulation only.
    It does not fund heating systems, solar panels, or other energy technologies.

    The specific measures available depend on property suitability and delivery rules.

  • GBIS has typically been available where both property and household criteria are met.

    This has usually included:

    • Properties with a lower Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, often D, E, F, or G
      and

    • A qualifying household route, such as:

      • Receipt of certain benefits

      • Meeting income-related criteria

      • Referral through a local authority flexibility route

    Eligibility has depended on both the household and the property, not one factor alone.

  • A property or household may be less likely to qualify if:

    • The home already meets higher energy efficiency standards

    • The property is not suitable for the recommended insulation measures

    • The household does not meet any qualifying route used by delivery partners

    • Local funding for specific measures has already been allocated

    These outcomes reflect scheme rules and delivery constraints, not installer preference.

  • Eligibility under GBIS has typically been assessed using a combination of:

    • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) data

    • Household income or benefit status

    • Local authority referral criteria

    • Technical suitability of the property for insulation

    Because GBIS is delivered through energy suppliers and delivery partners, eligibility routes and priorities can vary by area and funding phase.

    Ofgem scheme administration:
    https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/great-british-insulation-scheme

  • GBIS is a national scheme delivered locally.

    This means:

    • Energy suppliers with GBIS obligations work with approved delivery partners

    • Delivery partners assess properties and arrange installations

    • Households do not apply directly to central government

    Delivery routes differ depending on location and current funding availability

  • There is no single central government application form for GBIS.

    Households have typically accessed support by:

    • Contacting their local council to ask about insulation schemes or referral routes

    • Being contacted by, or approaching, an energy supplier or delivery partner participating in GBIS

    Official GOV.UK guidance on applying:
    https://www.gov.uk/apply-great-british-insulation-scheme

  • For official information and local delivery options, households can contact:

    NUVOE does not process applications or arrange installations.
    Our role is to explain how the scheme works so households can approach the appropriate official route with clarity.

    • GBIS has not been available to every household automatically

    • A low EPC rating alone has not guaranteed eligibility

    • Measures are selected based on scheme rules, not homeowner preference

    • Availability has varied by region and funding phase

    Understanding these limits helps manage expectations.

  • For the most up-to-date and authoritative details, refer to:

    NUVOE explains how national energy support schemes work in practice.
    Official sources provide policy and regulatory detail.