The UK’s energy landscape has been evolving rapidly, with households facing rising fuel costs and tightening budgets. To tackle these challenges, the government introduced two cornerstone programs: the Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS). Both have played a vital role in reducing fuel poverty, cutting carbon emissions, and making homes more energy-efficient.
By mid-2025, however, it became clear that both schemes needed fine-tuning to address delivery delays, eligibility barriers, and compliance complexities. This is where the mid-scheme fixes to ECO4 and GBIS come into play. For homeowners, these updates open up new opportunities to benefit from government-backed energy efficiency upgrades.
And with trusted local installers such as Reliant Energy Solutions, these improvements are now easier to access than ever.
Understanding ECO4 and GBIS
Before exploring the fixes, let’s recap the purpose of these schemes:
- ECO4 (2022–2026): A £4 billion scheme targeting homes with low EPC ratings (D–G), particularly vulnerable or low-income households. Measures include boiler replacements, air-source heat pumps, solar PV, loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, underfloor insulation, and solid wall insulation.
- GBIS (2023–2026): A £1 billion insulation-only scheme, designed to provide support to a broader range of households, including those not traditionally eligible for ECO4. It focuses on single insulation measures such as loft or cavity wall insulation.
Together, these schemes support the UK’s net-zero goals, helping households from London to Manchester reduce bills and carbon emissions.
Why Were Mid-Scheme Fixes Introduced?
By 2024, concerns had emerged:
- Slow progress in application approvals.
- High compliance costs under PAS 2035 standards.
- Installer shortages in regions like Leeds, Birmingham, and rural communities.
- Confusion among homeowners about ECO4 vs GBIS eligibility.
To address these challenges, the government introduced mid-scheme fixes in 2025, focusing on flexibility, faster delivery, and broader inclusion.
Key Mid-Scheme Fixes for Homeowners
Here are the most important updates every homeowner should know:
1. Dual Insulation Options under GBIS
Households can now benefit from both Loft Insulation and Cavity Wall Insulation together. Previously, GBIS limited applicants to one measure, but the update significantly increases energy savings and installation efficiency.
2. Smart Thermostats for Low-Income Families
Under GBIS, smart thermostats can now be installed alongside insulation for eligible households. This offers better heating control, reducing waste and lowering annual bills.
3. ECO4 Delivery Counts toward GBIS Targets
Suppliers can now allocate up to 75% of their ECO4 delivery towards GBIS targets, streamlining compliance and increasing installation numbers.
4. Updated PAS 2035/2030:2023 Standards
The new standards offer a more balanced approach, reducing compliance costs while maintaining high-quality installations. For lower-cost measures, TrustMark Licence Plus (TMLP) is also recognised.
5. Pay-for-Performance (PFP) with SMETERs
The government has rolled out a Smart Meter Enabled Thermal Efficiency Ratings (SMETERs) system, ensuring that upgrades deliver measurable, real-world energy savings.
How Reliant Energy Solutions Supports Homeowners
While the government provides funding, it’s local installers like Reliant Energy Solutions that make these upgrades a reality for households across the UK. With years of experience in delivering ECO-funded installations, Reliant ensures that homeowners benefit fully from the mid-scheme fixes.
Services Reliant Provides:
- Free Boiler Replacement UK: Helping households replace old, inefficient boilers with modern condensing models under ECO4 funding.
- Insulation Upgrades: From loft insulation in Birmingham to cavity wall insulation in Manchester, Reliant ensures compliance with PAS 2035 standards.
- Air-Source Heat Pumps & Solar PV: Supporting the UK’s transition to renewable energy by offering green technology installations.
- Smart Heating Solutions: Installing thermostats and controls for low-income households to optimise efficiency.
- LA Flex Support: Assisting homeowners who are not on traditional benefits but qualify under Local Authority Flexible Eligibility, ensuring more residents across London, Leeds, and rural councils access funding.
By combining expertise with government-backed funding, Reliant helps families reduce energy bills and carbon footprints simultaneously.
Benefits of the Mid-Scheme Fixes
For UK homeowners, these updates mean:
- Greater Savings: Dual insulation and smart thermostats significantly cut energy use.
- Broader Access: Middle-income families can now qualify under GBIS.
- Faster Installations: With more suppliers and installers available, wait times are shorter.
- Assured Quality: Updated PAS and TrustMark standards guarantee reliable results.
- Real Results: SMETER monitoring ensures promised energy savings actually happen.
Local Impact: From London to Leeds
The mid-scheme fixes are not just policy updates they directly impact local communities.
- In London, where many properties have solid walls, ECO4 solid wall insulation upgrades are crucial.
- In Manchester, dual loft and cavity wall insulation under GBIS can save households hundreds annually.
- In Birmingham, fuel-poor households benefit from smart thermostat installations.
- In Leeds, Reliant Energy Solutions is already supporting homeowners under LA Flex, bridging the gap for families not on benefits.
By tailoring delivery to regional needs, the schemes are ensuring more inclusive coverage across the UK.
How to Apply for ECO4 or GBIS with Reliant Energy Solutions
- Check Eligibility: Based on EPC rating, Council Tax band, and household income.
- Book a Free Survey: Reliant Energy Solutions assesses your property and recommends measures.
- Receive a Custom Plan: Outlining available funding and upgrade options.
- Professional Installation: Certified installers deliver PAS 2035-compliant work.
- Start Saving: Lower bills, a warmer home, and measurable energy efficiency improvements.
Final Thoughts
The mid-scheme fixes to ECO4 and GBIS mark an important milestone in the UK’s journey toward affordable, sustainable energy. By simplifying eligibility, expanding access, and ensuring quality, these updates empower more households to benefit from government-backed support.
With expert guidance from Reliant Energy Solutions, homeowners across the UK from London to Leeds can now take full advantage of these improvements. Whether it’s a free boiler replacement, loft insulation upgrade, or renewable energy installation, the opportunity to save on bills and support net-zero goals has never been greater.
Act now funding is limited, and demand is high. Book your free survey today and start benefiting from the latest ECO4 and GBIS updates.
