ECO4 vs GBIS: What’s the Difference and Which Grant Do You Qualify For?

ECO4 vs GBIS: What’s the Difference and Which Grant Do You Qualify For?

ECO4 vs GBIS: What’s the Difference and Which Grant Do You Qualify For?

If you’re looking to make your home more energy-efficient or reduce your heating bills, you may have heard of two popular UK government schemes: ECO4 and GBIS. While both offer funding for energy-saving upgrades, they are designed for different situations and have different eligibility requirements.

What is ECO4?

ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation Phase 4) is the latest phase of the government’s ECO scheme. It runs from 2022 to 2026 and is designed to help low-income households improve their home’s energy efficiency. Funded by energy suppliers, the scheme focuses on whole-house upgrades to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs.

Key Features of ECO4:

• Focuses on low-income and fuel-poor households

• Offers whole-house retrofit measures

• Includes insulation, boiler upgrades, solar panels, and first-time central heating

• Applies to both on-gas and off-gas properties

What is GBIS?

GBIS (Great British Insulation Scheme), previously known as ECO+ before its launch in 2023, is a newer and simpler scheme aimed at helping more households with basic insulation measures. While ECO4 is targeted and comprehensive, GBIS is broader and provides single insulation measures.

Key Features of GBIS:

• Open to a wider range of households (not just low-income)

• Focused mainly on insulation (like loft and cavity wall insulation)

• Helps improve EPC ratings from D or below

• Faster installation process compared to ECO4

Major Differences Between ECO4 and GBIS

Who is Eligible for ECO4?

You may qualify for ECO4 if:

• You receive certain government benefits (like Universal Credit, Income Support, etc.)

• Your household has a low income or is considered fuel-poor

• Your home has a low EPC rating (E, F, or G)

• You live in a hard-to-heat home

ECO4 also supports vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, disabled, or families with young children.

There is also a Local Authority Flexibility (LA Flex) option that allows councils to refer households that don’t meet the core benefit criteria but are still in need of support.

Who is Eligible for GBIS?

You might qualify for GBIS if:

• You live in a property with an EPC rating of D or below

• You fall into a low Council Tax band (A-D in England, A-E in Scotland and Wales)

• You have a low household income (usually under £31,000)

Unlike ECO4, you don’t necessarily need to be receiving benefits to qualify for GBIS. This makes it a more accessible option for homeowners and tenants who might not meet ECO4’s stricter requirements.

Which Grant is Right for You?

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Choose ECO4 if:

• You’re on benefits or have a very low income

• Your home has no central heating or needs multiple upgrades

• You want a more complete, long-term energy solution

• You live in a rural or off-gas area

Choose GBIS if:

• You want just loft or cavity wall insulation

• You’re in a lower Council Tax band or on a modest income

• You don’t qualify for ECO4 but still want help improving energy efficiency

Can You Apply for Both?

In most cases, you won’t be able to claim both ECO4 and GBIS at the same time. However, if you received help through GBIS and later meet the criteria for ECO4, you may be able to get further upgrades under ECO4. Each home is assessed individually, so it’s best to speak to an accredited installer or advisor.

Final Thoughts

Both ECO4 and GBIS are valuable schemes that aim to improve the energy efficiency of UK homes and reduce heating costs. While ECO4 is more suited for in-depth improvements in vulnerable households, GBIS provides a quicker, simpler option for basic insulation needs.

Understanding which scheme you qualify for is the first step toward making your home warmer, greener, and more affordable to run.

If you think you might be eligible, don’t wait look into the application process today and start your journey to a more energy-efficient home.

ECO4 vs GBIS: What’s the Difference and Which Grant Do You Qualify For?