Government Announce Rebranded ECO+ Scheme

The Energy Company Obligation+ (ECO+) scheme has been rebranded as the Great British Insulation Scheme as part of a range of energy security and net zero measures announced today (Thursday 30 March).

It’s part of a much larger plan for an ‘energy revolution’ to boost the country’s energy security and independence, reduce household bills and continue towards a Net Zero carbon emissions ambition. 

In a press release on 30th March 2023 Energy Security Secretary, Grant Shapps, set out plans in an initiative known as “Powering Up Britain” to drive multi billion pound investment in energy revolution by outlining steps to strengthen Britain’s long-term energy security and independence to help deliver clean, prosperous future for the country.

The wider announcement also details “Cutting household bills by expanding Government energy efficiency support to even more households – The Great British Insulation Scheme, a rebranded ECO+, will upgrade 300,000 of the country’s least energy efficient homes.”

What is the Great British Insulation Scheme?

The Scheme will target the worst performing homes and include a ‘general eligibility group’, covering homes in the lower council tax bands, with an EPC of D and below. It will also cover a ‘low-income group’ targeting those on means tested benefits, in the least efficient social housing, or referred via a participating local authority or energy supplier and considered on a low-income or vulnerable. Under the scheme, suppliers may offer to install a single retrofit insulation measure with the cost partially or fully subsidised. For the general eligibility group, part of the cost of installing a higher cost measure may need to be covered by the homeowner.

For more information on the scheme and to rea the full report, please click here.