UK Home Energy News, Grants and Price Cap Updates

Independent insights and practical guidance for households in England, Scotland and Wales. Updated regularly by the Energy Plus team.

Last updated: 7 December 2025

Latest headlines for UK homeowners

From Ofgem price cap movements to government-backed grants, here is what matters for your bills and comfort, plus clear next steps you can take today.

Ofgem price cap: what to expect in the next quarter

Guidance for households paying by direct debit and standard credit

The energy price cap limits what most suppliers can charge per unit of gas and electricity for standard variable tariffs. Ofgem updates the cap every three months (January, April, July and October). While the cap is not a maximum total bill, unit rates and standing charges under the cap still have a big impact on what you pay.

  • Cap reviews take effect on the 1st of Jan, Apr, Jul and Oct.
  • Your bill depends on usage: cutting consumption still saves the most.
  • Fixed deals may be available from some suppliers; compare carefully.
Get a free home energy quote Talk to an expert

Boiler Upgrade Scheme: heat pump grants up to £7,500

Subject to eligibility and installer accreditation

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers grants toward the upfront cost of low-carbon heating. Homeowners in England and Wales may get up to £7,500 for air-source or ground-source heat pumps, or support for eligible biomass systems. You apply through an accredited installer who handles the voucher on your behalf.

  • Owner-occupied and private landlords can apply (with conditions).
  • Property must meet basic insulation standards for best results.
  • Grants are limited and rules may change; early assessment helps.

Energy Plus can survey your home, estimate running cost savings and manage the application process from end to end.

Check my heat pump eligibility Heat pump FAQs

ECO4 and Great British Insulation Scheme: support to cut heat loss

Programmes currently scheduled to run to March 2026

ECO4 targets low-income and vulnerable households with tailored energy-efficiency upgrades such as insulation and heating improvements. The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) offers fabric-first measures like cavity wall and loft insulation for a broader range of homes, including many in Council Tax bands A–D (A–E in Scotland), subject to criteria.

  • Upgrades may include loft, cavity wall, solid wall and underfloor insulation.
  • Some households may receive fully funded measures; others contribute.
  • Eligibility varies by income, benefits, property type and EPC rating.

Not sure where to start? Our team will check eligibility in minutes and design a plan that delivers the biggest savings first.

Check ECO4 / GBIS eligibility Speak to the team

Solar, batteries and smart meters: tools to manage rising costs

Including 0% VAT on many energy-saving materials until March 2027 (check latest Government guidance)

Solar PV with battery storage can reduce grid demand and shield you from peak-time prices, while smart meters enable accurate billing and access to time-of-use tariffs. If your home is suitable, combining insulation with solar and a smart heating system can substantially cut bills and carbon emissions.

  • Use daytime solar to charge a battery and run appliances efficiently.
  • Consider time-of-use tariffs for EV charging and heat pump scheduling.
  • Fabric-first: insulate before you electrify for best comfort and savings.
Free solar & battery design Energy-saving tips

Quick wins to lower bills this season

  • Lower flow temperature on combi boilers to ~55–60°C for efficiency.
  • Use TRVs and schedules to heat spaces you use most.
  • Seal draughts around letterboxes, chimneys and floorboards.
  • Top up loft insulation to recommended depths if accessible.
  • Switch appliances fully off; avoid standby where possible.
  • Submit regular meter readings if you’re not yet on smart meters.

Frequently asked questions

The cap is reviewed quarterly and typically changes on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October. Your actual bill depends on how much energy you use under the new unit rates and standing charges.

Eligibility varies by home and heating system. Owner-occupiers and private landlords in England and Wales can often apply if the property is existing (not new build) and meets basic insulation standards. An accredited installer must apply on your behalf. We can assess your home and handle the application process.

ECO4 targets low-income and vulnerable households with whole-house energy-efficiency improvements. GBIS focuses primarily on insulation for a wider group of homes based on Council Tax band and EPC. Both schemes have criteria and may offer fully or partially funded measures.

Many domestic heat pumps and roof-mounted solar arrays are permitted development, but rules vary by location, listed status and conservation areas. We’ll check constraints during your survey and liaise with your local authority if needed.

Fixes can protect against volatility but may sit above or below the cap depending on market conditions. Compare the unit rates and standing charges to your current costs and consider your usage pattern. If you have a heat pump, EV or solar, time-of-use tariffs may suit you.

Useful resources and official guidance

Disclaimer: Information on this page is general and may change. Always confirm the latest rules and rates on official sites or with our advisors before making decisions.

Deep dives: what this means for your home

Insulation first

Insulation reduces heat loss and makes every kWh go further. Most homes start with loft and cavity walls, then floor or internal wall insulation where appropriate.

Explore insulation options

Heat pump readiness

Modern heat pumps provide efficient, low-carbon heating. We assess radiators, flow temps and fabric so your system runs quietly and efficiently year-round.

See heat pump grants

Smart generation

Solar PV, batteries and time-of-use tariffs let you shift demand and store cheap or free energy. Ideal with EVs and heat pumps for maximum savings.

Solar & smart meter tips

Ready to lower your bills and future-proof your home?

Book a free, no-obligation assessment. We’ll prioritise the best measures, check grant eligibility and provide a clear, fixed quote.

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Updated on 2 Jan 2026