This scheme is now closed

If you completed an application before the 15th of October 2025, we're processing it and will get in touch with you.

If you didn't apply, you may still be eligible for the ECO4 scheme - check our ECO4 page for more information.

Although the scheme runs until 31st March 2026, registrations must be submitted well in advance of March 2026 to allow the installation to take place. This includes finding a suitable partner in your area who is able to survey your property, assess its eligibility and install the measures.

If you are struggling with your bills this winter, this page explains everything you can do to get control of your bills, and all the ways Octopus - and other organisations - can help.

Keep cosy and save money on your bills

You could reduce your energy bills with home insulation through the Great British Insulation Scheme.

If you’re eligible you could get loft or cavity wall insulation fitted at a heavily reduced price, or even better, completely free! And you don’t have to be an existing Octopus Energy customer to apply.

Why is insulation important?

Insulating your home and preventing heat loss from your walls and roof is one of the best things you can do to reduce your energy bills, keep your home warm and improve indoor air quality through better ventilation - as well as being much better for the planet.

Insulation can be a large upfront cost which a lot of people can't afford - which is where the Great British Insulation Scheme comes in.

What is the scheme and who’s it for?

The Great British Insulation Scheme is government funded and designed to help eligible groups of people install insulations in their home, which could help homes save on their energy bills. The fund aims to help around 300,000 people and could mean free or reduced costs for home insulation.

Good to know: If you’re eligible for the scheme, you’ll be able to get either loft or cavity wall insulation fitted, not both together. The installer will let you know the best type of insulation for your home.

Unlike other schemes the Great British Insulation Scheme will boost help for those on the lowest incomes as well as support a wider group of households who live in the least energy efficient homes in the country.

What changes will be made to my home?

The work needed will be bespoke for your home, but often we'll need to make small unnoticeable changes to insulate (keep warmth in) and ventilate (allow airflow so moisture can escape). We can usually do all the work in a single half-day appointment.

Ventilation

If your home needs more ventilation, we might:

Add extractor fans in your kitchen and bathroom (or any room with running water)
Add little vents to your windows that can be opened or shut
Shave 1cm off the bottom of your internal doors to allow a bit of healthy airflow

Insulation

For cavity wall insulation, we’ll need to drill several holes into the external brickwork of your home but they’ll be filled with plaster before we leave.

For loft insulation, we'll be working, as you might expect, in the loft so don't generally need to drill – but we’ll need you to remove any boarding before we arrive ready for us to install the insulation.

Am I eligible?

There are two groups who can apply for the Great British Insulation Scheme - a general group and a low-income group. The eligibility criteria for each group differ, so read carefully to see whether you qualify.

You don't need to be an Octopus Energy customer to apply for the scheme through us.

How to find your EPC rating and Council Tax Band

Blue Box

General Group

To be eligible for the general group, you must:

✅ live in a home in council tax bands A to D (England)

✅ live in a home in council tax bands A to E (Scotland and Wales)

✅ have an EPC rating of D to G (find your EPC)

✅ Private renters: your EPC must be in band D or E

If you qualify, you will receive one insulation upgrade and you may be required to contribute a small amount towards the installation costs.

Blue Box

Low Income Group

To be eligible for the low-income group, you must:

✅ receive qualifying benefits (see below)

✅ live in the least efficient housing

✅ have an EPC rating of D to G

This group will be eligible for lower cost or free insulation and owner occupied households could receive heating controls too.

Costs explained

You might need to pay a contribution toward the final cost (around 10%). All costs will depend on the work needed which can be different for every home. If there are any additional costs to be paid, your installer will talk you through them before any work is agreed to be carried out.

Low-income group qualifying benefits

You will need to have one or more of these benefits to qualify for the low-income group

Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Income Support
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
Universal Credit
Housing Benefit
Pension Credit Saving Credit
Child Benefit*

If you're in receipt of child benefits only*

Find your EPC rating:

Find your energy certificate if you live in Scotland, or if you live in England or Wales or ask your landlord or housing association.

What to expect if you applied

Home survey

One of our trusted installers will contact you to ask you about your home and book a home survey if they feel your home could benefit from some upgrades. They will arrange your in-home survey.

Book an install

The installer will recommend improvements to your home and share the costs with you (if there are any!). If you're happy they’ll book you in for an installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating?

You can find your energy certificate if you live in Scotland here, or if you live in England or Wales here or ask your landlord or housing association.

Where do I find my council tax band?

You can visit the gov.uk website if you live in England or Wales.

If you live in Scotland, you can find this on the Scottish Assessors website.

I rent my property from a private landlord - do I qualify?

Yes! The scheme is available for privately rented properties - you just need to receive the qualifying benefits, check your home has an EPC rating of D or E and have permission from your landlord.

I live in social housing - do I qualify?

You will need to contact your local authority or landlord for further info on ECO schemes available for you.

I live in a conservation area or listed building - do I qualify?

Unfortunately you wouldn’t qualify with us but you might with another installer. This is because the installers that we use are unable to fit the ventilation required in conservation areas or listed buildings.

Will I have to pay for any of this?

You might need to pay a contribution toward the cost but this will not be known until after the initial in-home survey and will depend on the group you fall into.

Who will install the insulation to my home?

One of our trusted installers will perform the in-home survey and installation.

Can I pick the insulation I want?

No, the insulation the installer recommends during the in-home survey will be based on what will reduce your home’s heat loss the most, saving you the most energy and money, rather than your preference.

What type of insulation will be offered?

Octopus Energy and our trusted partners will only install loft or cavity wall insulation under this scheme.

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