What Are Energy Efficiency Grants?
Energy efficiency grants are Government-backed funding schemes that pay for home improvements designed to reduce energy bills, cut carbon emissions, and bring properties up to modern standards. Grants for landlords are particularly important as regulations tighten, helping rental properties meet compliance requirements. They are funded through energy supplier levies and direct Treasury spending, meaning eligible households receive installations completely free of charge, or at significantly reduced cost.
In 2026, the two main government schemes are the Warm Homes Plan (the new flagship Labour scheme) and the remaining budget of ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation, Phase 4), which is now in its final phase as funding transitions to the Warm Homes Plan.
Warm Homes Plan
The Labour Government's £15 billion commitment to upgrade 5 million low-income and fuel-poor homes to EPC C or above. This is the largest home energy upgrade programme in UK history and is expected to run through to 2030 and beyond.
- Whole-house approach covering multiple measures in one visit
- Covers owner-occupiers, private renters, and social housing
- D to G rated properties prioritised
- Means-tested and area-based eligibility routes
- No repayment required, 100% grant funded
ECO4
The Energy Company Obligation Phase 4 requires the UK's largest energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency upgrades for vulnerable and low-income households. ECO4 is now in its final phase, with remaining budget focused on solid wall properties and key insulation measures before transitioning fully to the Warm Homes Plan.
- Funded by energy suppliers (not taxpayer directly)
- Means-tested benefits required (see eligibility below)
- Focus: solid wall insulation, loft insulation, heating controls
- Off-gas properties: heat pumps, solar PV, storage heaters
- Budget is limited, apply while funding remains
Who Qualifies for a Grant?
Eligibility depends on your income, benefits status, property type, and EPC rating. There are multiple routes to funding, so even if you don't receive benefits, you may still qualify.
Homeowners
You own your home and it has a low EPC rating (D, E, F, or G). You may qualify if you receive a means-tested benefit, or if your household income falls below the area median.
- EPC D to G rated property
- Receiving qualifying benefit, OR
- Low household income (area-based route)
- Property in England, Scotland, or Wales
Private Renters
You rent from a private landlord. You may qualify as the occupant, but your landlord's consent is required. Work is carried out on the property, and you benefit from lower bills with no cost to you.
- Privately rented EPC D to G property
- Tenant receives qualifying benefit
- Landlord must give consent
- Landlord may also access separate funding
Landlords
You let properties to tenants. The Warm Homes Plan and ECO4 both allow landlords to access funding via eligible tenants. With MEES legislation requiring EPC C by 2030, grants can eliminate compliance costs entirely.
- Tenant in receipt of qualifying benefit
- Property rated EPC D to G
- Landlord contribution may be required (Warm Homes Plan)
- Protect against MEES fines up to £30,000
We Handle the Paperwork for You
Applying for energy grants involves eligibility checks, technical surveys, measure specifications, and compliance documentation. Cucumber Eco manages all of this on your behalf, from your first enquiry to the day the installation is complete.
Our team works directly with accredited installers and funding bodies to ensure the process runs smoothly and efficiently, with no surprises and no hidden costs.
Check Your Eligibility Free
Qualifying Benefits
If you or anyone in your household receives any of the following means-tested benefits, you are very likely to qualify for fully funded energy improvements:
Don't receive any of these? You may still qualify through the area-based route. Contact us for a free check.
What Measures Are Covered?
Grant funding covers a wide range of energy efficiency improvements. The specific measures available depend on your property type, heating system, and EPC rating:
Grant Scheme Comparison
Not sure which scheme applies to you? Here's a side-by-side breakdown of the two main funding routes available in 2026.
How to Apply for a Grant
We handle the entire process from eligibility check to completed installation. You don't need to contact your energy supplier or the Government directly.
Free Eligibility Check
Tell us about your property and circumstances. We quickly confirm whether you qualify and which scheme applies.
Property Assessment
One of our qualified assessors visits your home to survey the property and identify the most suitable measures.
Application and Approval
We submit your full application to the relevant scheme on your behalf and manage all paperwork and approvals.
Installation
Our accredited installers complete the work to PAS 2030 and TrustMark standards. New EPC lodged on completion.
Grant Funding Won't Last Forever
The Warm Homes Plan is a time-limited programme. ECO4 is already in its final phase. With the 2030 EPC C deadline for landlords approaching and funding pots reducing, the cost of waiting is rising.
Households that act now can access full funding. Those who wait may face partial funding, or none at all, and have to self-fund improvements that could cost thousands.
Energy Grant FAQs
Do I need to repay the grant money?+
No. Energy efficiency grants are not loans. There is nothing to repay. Qualifying households receive improvements completely free of charge with no conditions attached to the funding.
Can I apply if I own my home outright with no mortgage?+
Yes. Owning your home outright does not affect eligibility. What matters is your income, benefit status, and your property's EPC rating. Many outright owners successfully receive fully funded improvements.
My landlord says they cannot afford the work. Can I still get help?+
Possibly. Under the Warm Homes Plan, private tenants in receipt of qualifying benefits can trigger a grant application. The landlord may need to make a contribution, but in many cases the work can be fully funded without cost to either party.
What if my property already has some insulation?+
Partial insulation is common. A surveyor will assess what is in place and identify additional measures that can still qualify for funding. For example, a property with cavity wall insulation may still qualify for loft insulation or heating upgrades.
How long does the process take from enquiry to installation?+
Typically 4 to 12 weeks from initial enquiry to completed installation, depending on the scheme, measure type, and installer availability. We manage the entire timeline and keep you updated at every stage.
What happens after 2030 when ECO4 ends?+
ECO4 is already winding down. The Warm Homes Plan is the successor scheme and runs well beyond 2030. However, funding is finite, so earlier applications have the best chance of full grant coverage. We recommend acting now rather than waiting.
What is the difference between ECO4 and the Warm Homes Plan?+
ECO4 is funded by energy suppliers and requires means-tested benefits for eligibility. The Warm Homes Plan is a £15 billion Government scheme that also allows an area-based route, meaning you may qualify even without receiving benefits if you live in a lower-income area. The Warm Homes Plan also takes a whole-house approach with higher funding caps per property.
Can I get a grant if I am on Universal Credit?+
Yes. Universal Credit is one of the primary qualifying benefits for both ECO4 and the Warm Homes Plan. As long as your property is rated EPC D to G and you receive Universal Credit, you are very likely to qualify for fully funded energy improvements. Contact us for a free eligibility check.
Will the work disrupt my daily life?+
Most installations are completed within one to three days. Our installers work efficiently and respectfully, leaving your home clean and tidy. Loft insulation is typically completed in a single morning. Heat pump installations take longer but our team will advise you of the full programme before work starts.
What if I have an unusual property, such as a listed building or off-gas home?+
Unusual properties are not automatically excluded. Off-gas homes are actually prioritised for measures like air source heat pumps, solar PV, and high heat retention storage heaters. Listed buildings require specialist consideration but may still qualify for certain measures. Contact us and we will assess your specific situation.
Useful Government Resources and Official Information
The following official gov.uk pages provide further detail on the schemes and funding that Cucumber Eco helps you access:
- Apply for the Warm Homes: Local Grant ↗
Official government application portal for the Warm Homes Local Grant for low income households.
- Find Ways to Save Energy in Your Home ↗
Use the government's free tool to find personalised energy saving recommendations and grant eligibility for your property.
- MEES Landlord Guidance ↗
Official guidance on Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for landlords in England and Wales.
Ready to Find Out What You Qualify For?
Our eligibility check is completely free, takes minutes, and gives you a clear picture of what grant funding is available for your property. No obligation, no pushy sales, just honest advice.