GET FREE HOME INSULATION WITH GREAT BRITISH INSULATION SCHEME (GBIS)

The GBIS will target low– income and vulnerable houses, as well as those living in homes with an Energy Performance Certificate( EPC) rating of D- G, and within Council Tax bandsA-D in England andA-E in Scotland and Wales. This means another people than ever, particularly those stumbling with their bills, will be able get help with the cost of making their home more energy efficient.

The cost of installing insulation through the GBIS may be covered in full through the scheme, or you may be offered the insulation for a contribution, depending on the measure and any property issues. The scheme is hoped to save around£ 300 to£ 400 a time on consumers bills.

The GBIS is a great chance to make your home more comfortable, reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bills. By installing insulation, you can help heat loss and keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. You can also help the UK achieve its net zero target by reducing greenhouse gas discharges from warming your home.

There are some restrictions around EPC conditions and low cost measures for compliance with mandatory minimal energy efficiency standards. Rental properties will not qualify for insulation measures if they are below EPC rating E. There are also two separate eligibility groups: 

• A general group.
  1. Council Tax bands A-D (A-E in Scotland and Wales), and
  2. EPC rating between D-G
     
     
• A low income group (must be on a qualifying benefit).
  1. EPC rating between D-G, and
     1. Means tested benefits similar to ECO4 benefits, or
     2. Least efficient Social Housing

The GBIS is expected to fully launch this summer, so don’t miss this chance to improve your home’s energy efficiency. For more information contact your local Proficiency Retrofit Assessor. Simply enter your postcode and select the category Domestic Retrofit Assessment.

There is a guidance document on delivery of GBIS that was published by ofgem on 15th May. Not an easy read, however it is a pretty well-structured document with a clickable index that will take you straight to the specific section you are interested in. As a point of reference document, it does look very useful.