Free Electric Heating for Low-Income Households – Are You Eligible?

Free Electric Heating for Low-Income Households – Are You Eligible?

Staying warm during colder months is essential for health and wellbeing, yet for many households across the UK, heating remains a financial burden. Rising energy prices, combined with outdated or inefficient heating systems, have made it increasingly difficult for low-income families to manage their energy bills.

Fortunately, there is help available. The UK government, through the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), offers support for energy-efficient home upgrades—including free or heavily subsidised electric storage heater grants for qualifying households.

What is the GBIS Scheme?

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a UK government initiative designed to help households reduce heat loss and energy bills by improving the energy efficiency of homes. Though it primarily focuses on insulation such as loft, cavity wall, and roof insulation—it also supports essential heating upgrades in specific cases.

Households that meet certain criteria may be entitled to free or low-cost electric heating improvements, particularly through the installation of modern electric storage heaters. These heaters are more efficient, safer, and better suited to low-carbon heating strategies.

You can learn more about how GBIS works by visiting the Help to Heat official government page.

What Are Electric Storage Heaters?

Electric storage heaters work by storing heat generated during off-peak electricity hours usually at night and releasing that heat gradually throughout the day. This makes them ideal for use with time-of-use tariffs such as Economy 7, helping households reduce heating costs.

Older electric heaters are often inefficient and expensive to run. The new models, eligible under the GBIS, include smart features such as thermostatic controls, timers, and better insulation, ensuring heat is used more effectively and economically.

Key Advantages

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  Lower Energy Bills: New electric storage heaters make better use of off-peak tariffs, leading to potential savings.

• Safe & Reliable: These heaters have no flames or carbon monoxide risks and require little maintenance.

• Suitable for Off-Gas Areas: Ideal for properties not connected to the gas grid.

• Eco-Friendly: When used with green electricity tariffs, they offer a cleaner way to heat your home.

To explore your options, visit this page on Electric Storage Heater Grants to see what support is available.

Who Is Eligible for Free Heating Under GBIS?

Not everyone qualifies for heating support under the scheme, but many low-income households and vulnerable individuals do sometimes even if they are not on government benefits.

Eligibility is based on a range of criteria, including:

Council Tax Band

Properties in Council Tax Bands A to D in England and A to E in Wales are generally eligible under GBIS. This helps target support to lower-value homes that often have poorer energy efficiency.

Low Income Threshold

Households with a total annual income of £31,000 or less may be eligible for support, even if they are not receiving benefits. This makes the scheme more inclusive and open to working families and pensioners with limited resources.

Health and Vulnerability Factors

If someone in the home has a long-term illness or disability that is aggravated by cold living conditions (e.g., respiratory problems, arthritis), this can also be a route to qualify for heating support. The scheme recognises that certain health conditions require consistently warm indoor temperatures.

Inefficient Heating Systems

Homes with old, broken, or ineffective electric heaters—particularly panel heaters, plug-in radiators, or older storage heaters are often considered for upgrades. Replacing these systems with efficient storage heaters significantly improves energy performance and comfort.

To find out if your home qualifies, use the online tools provided by registered installers such as Simple Green Energy, who can guide you through the assessment process.

Application and Assessment Process

If you think you may be eligible, the application process is simple and typically follows these steps:

Step 1 – Initial Check

You can use online eligibility checkers or contact registered retrofit providers to assess whether your home and circumstances meet the requirements for GBIS support. Most assessments require basic information such as postcode, income, heating type, and Council Tax band.

Step 2 – Free Survey

If your initial check is successful, a home survey is arranged. This is a no-obligation visit from a qualified assessor to evaluate your property’s heating system, insulation levels, and ventilation. The goal is to recommend energy-saving improvements that suit your home’s condition.

Step 3 – Installation

Once approved, the recommended improvements—such as the installation of new electric storage heaters are scheduled. Installation usually takes a day or two, depending on the number of heaters and property size. All work is done by certified engineers.

EDF Energy’s Recent Electric Heating Campaign

Larger energy providers are also promoting cleaner electric heating options. EDF Energy, for instance, recently partnered with Ideal Heating to launch an offer on free electricity and heat pumps for qualifying homes. While this initiative is separate from GBIS, it highlights a growing trend toward electrified home heating as a national priority.
You can read more about EDF’s heat pump campaign here.

This shows that electric heating is increasingly seen as a long-term solution to the UK’s climate and affordability goals.

Conclusion: Taking the First Step Toward Energy Savings

Many households across England and Wales still rely on outdated, inefficient electric heating systems. If you’re on a low income or living in a home with poor energy performance, you may qualify for a fully funded upgrade under the GBIS scheme.

Replacing old electric heaters with modern, energy-efficient storage heaters can reduce your bills, improve comfort, and contribute to lower carbon emissions. The process is straightforward, and support is available to guide you every step of the way.

To explore your options and check if you're eligible for a free electric storage heater grant, visit https://www.simplegreenenergy.org/available-grants/electric-storage-heaters/ or start your journey at Simple Green Energy’s homepage.