ECO4 vs Great British Insulation Scheme
ECO4 remains open until 31 December 2026. The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) ended on 31 March 2026 — here's how the two schemes compared and what's available now.
| Feature | ECO4 | GBIS |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Energy Company Obligation 4 | Great British Insulation Scheme |
| Current status | Open — current phase runs until 31 December 2026 | Closed — ended 31 March 2026 |
| Funding level | No single universal household amount — funded measures depend on the supplier, property and eligible route | Closed — historical funding depended on the eligible measure and delivery route |
| Eligibility | Qualifying benefit or approved flexible-eligibility routes can apply; the supplier or delivery partner confirms eligibility | Was focused on eligible lower-efficiency homes and qualifying council-tax bands |
| What's covered | Insulation, heating system upgrades, boiler replacements, double glazing | Was primarily cavity wall and loft insulation |
| Household route | Scheme eligibility can be established through benefit or approved flexible-eligibility routes | Closed to new applications |
| Property requirement | Property energy performance and the proposed measure package affect scheme delivery | Closed to new applications |
| Retrofit assessment | A PAS 2035 Retrofit Assessment forms part of the wider process where PAS 2035 applies | An assessment was used to determine suitable measures |
| Can you apply for both? | ECO4 is currently open; GBIS is closed to new applications | Closed — no new applications since 31 March 2026 |
ECO4 — Best For
- Households using a qualifying benefit or approved flexible-eligibility route
- Properties that meet the scheme's energy-performance and measure requirements
- Supplier or delivery-partner approval
- Potential whole-house measure packages where appropriate
- Current phase runs until 31 December 2026
GBIS — Closed 31 March 2026
- Scheme closed to new applications
- Ended on 31 March 2026
- Previously focused mainly on insulation measures
- Historical criteria are no longer an application route
- Check current schemes instead
💰 Don't Forget: Warm Homes Grant
Alongside ECO4, the Warm Homes: Local Grant offers local-authority-administered funding for energy improvements. GBIS closed on 31 March 2026. A Retrofit Assessment gathers the property information used in the wider process; eligibility is assessed by each scheme. Learn about retrofit assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ECO4 and GBIS?⌄
ECO4 is an energy-supplier obligation that can support qualifying households and lower-efficiency homes with approved energy measures; the current phase runs until 31 December 2026. The Great British Insulation Scheme focused mainly on insulation measures but ended on 31 March 2026 and is no longer open to new applications.
Is GBIS still available?⌄
No. The Great British Insulation Scheme closed to new applications on 31 March 2026. Existing applications that were already in progress may continue under the scheme's own transition arrangements, but no new GBIS applications can be made.
Which grant am I eligible for now?⌄
Current routes include ECO4 (until 31 December 2026), Warm Homes: Local Grant and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Each uses different household, property and delivery criteria. Skyline can explain the routes, but the relevant council, supplier, installer or scheme provider confirms eligibility.
Can I still apply for ECO4?⌄
Yes — ECO4's current phase runs until 31 December 2026, subject to eligibility assessed by the scheme. A PAS 2035 Retrofit Assessment forms part of the wider process where PAS 2035 applies, but a privately commissioned assessment is not normally a prerequisite to applying. Contact us to discuss your situation first.
How do I apply for ECO4?⌄
Funded retrofit programmes have their own eligibility, application and delivery processes. We carry out the Retrofit Assessment and gather the property information required by the wider retrofit team; we do not determine grant eligibility or handle scheme applications. Eligibility is assessed by the relevant scheme.
What improvements can I get through ECO4?⌄
ECO4 can cover insulation (loft, cavity wall, solid wall), boiler replacements, heat pumps, double glazing, and smart heating controls, subject to eligibility. A Retrofit Assessment gathers the whole-dwelling information used to identify which measures may be suitable for your property.
Check the Right Funding Route First
If funding is your priority, contact us before commissioning a private Retrofit Assessment. We can explain current ECO4, Warm Homes and Boiler Upgrade Scheme routes, while the relevant provider confirms eligibility.