UK Home Energy Bill Support & Policy Changes in 2026

Many families are still feeling the pressure of higher gas and electricity bills. At the same time, the UK is pushing towards net zero, phasing out old boilers and encouraging low-carbon heating such as heat pumps. Understanding the latest policy changes can help you access grants and support, future-proof your home, and cut your monthly bills.

This guide brings together the main home energy bill support schemes and policy changes expected in 2026 across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It explains who may qualify, how to apply, and practical steps you can take now.

1. Home energy bill support schemes in 2026

While the large, universal bill discounts introduced during the energy crisis have ended, several forms of help continue into 2026 for UK households that need extra support. The exact schemes and names may evolve, but they generally fall into the categories below.

1.1 Targeted discounts and rebates

Some support is applied automatically to your bill if you meet eligibility criteria; other support must be claimed. In 2026 you can expect the continuation or refinement of:

• Warm Home Discount–style schemes: One-off rebates on electricity bills for eligible low-income or vulnerable customers, usually applied automatically if you receive certain benefits.
• Cost of living and disability-related payments: Means-tested support for households on specific benefits, which can help you manage higher energy costs.
• Winter and cold weather payments: Seasonal support for older people and those in vulnerable situations to help with heating costs.

Each nation (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) may set slightly different rules and funding levels. Always check current guidance on official government and devolved administration websites, or speak to your energy supplier.

1.2 Supplier support funds and hardship grants

Most major UK energy suppliers run hardship funds or customer support schemes. These can offer:

• Grants to clear or reduce arrears on your gas or electricity account.
• Affordable repayment plans tailored to your financial situation.
• Practical support such as payment holidays or temporary bill reductions.

If you are struggling to keep up with payments in 2026, contact your supplier early. Letting debt build up makes it harder to access cheaper tariffs and can impact your credit rating.

1.3 Extra protections for vulnerable customers

Energy regulators have strengthened protections for customers at risk, and more measures are likely in 2026. These include:

• Limits on switching customers to prepayment meters without proper checks.
• Priority services registers to ensure extra support in an emergency.
• Restrictions on disconnections for households with children, elderly residents or medical vulnerabilities.

2. UK home energy policy changes coming in 2026

As well as direct bill support, 2026 sees continued reforms shaping how your home uses energy. These policies are designed to make homes warmer, cut carbon emissions and encourage more flexible, smarter energy use.

2.1 Evolution of the energy price cap and retail market

The Ofgem energy price cap has been central to UK bills since the energy crisis. In 2026, regulators are expected to:

• Move towards more stable, predictable bill levels while still reflecting wholesale costs.
• Encourage a wider range of fixed, variable and innovative tariffs for households.
• Protect customers from sudden, unfair bill shocks or complex pricing structures.

This could mean more choice for households ready to switch to deals that reward off-peak use, low-carbon appliances or smart controls.

2.2 Stronger energy efficiency standards for homes

Improving the energy performance of UK housing is key to reducing bills. By 2026, you will likely see:

• Stricter minimum standards for rental properties based on Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings.
• More pressure on landlords and homeowners to upgrade insulation, windows and heating systems.
• Greater visibility of EPC ratings when buying, selling or renting, with clearer guidance on improvement options.

Though rules differ across the UK, the direction of travel is the same: homes must be better insulated and more efficient. These changes can translate into lower bills for tenants and owners, particularly when combined with available grants.

2.3 Transition away from fossil fuel boilers

The UK is planning to phase down the installation of new fossil fuel boilers over the coming years. By 2026, policy milestones may include:

• Restrictions on replacing existing gas, oil or LPG boilers with like-for-like systems in some settings.
• Greater incentives and grants for air-source and ground-source heat pumps.
• Expanded trials of low-carbon alternatives, such as hybrid heat pumps or district heating networks.

Most households will not need to change their boiler immediately, but planning your next replacement now can help you take advantage of funding and avoid future restrictions.

3. Grants and funding to improve your home in 2026

Alongside bill support, the UK and devolved governments are putting more funding into home upgrades. In 2026, many households can benefit from grants to make their properties warmer and cheaper to run.

3.1 Insulation and energy efficiency grants

Insulation is still the most cost-effective way to cut your heating bills. Typical areas covered by grant schemes include:

• Loft and roof insulation.
• Cavity wall and solid wall insulation.
• Underfloor insulation and draught-proofing.
• Upgraded double or triple-glazed windows and doors.

Many schemes are targeted at low-income households, those in fuel poverty, or properties with the lowest EPC ratings. In some cases, contributions are available for middle-income homes too, especially where carbon savings will be high.

3.2 Heat pump and low-carbon heating support

Heat pumps are central to UK decarbonisation plans. In 2026 you can expect:

• Ongoing grants to help cover upfront costs of air-source and ground-source heat pumps.
• Extra support for homes off the gas grid relying on oil, LPG or direct electric heating.
• More approved installers and clearer design standards to ensure systems perform efficiently.

Heat pumps are most effective in well-insulated homes, so many schemes combine heating upgrades with insulation measures.

3.3 Solar, batteries and smart technology

As electricity becomes greener, generating and storing your own power at home is increasingly attractive. Grants, loans or tax incentives may be available in 2026 for:

• Solar PV panels to generate your own electricity.
• Home battery storage to capture and use more of your solar power.
• Smart controls, thermostats and EV charge points that support flexible tariffs.

While support varies by region, many local authorities and combined authorities are backing community-scale solar and retrofit schemes. These can reduce upfront costs and simplify installation.

4. Smart meters, tariffs and how they affect your bills

Smart meters are being rolled out across Britain to give households more control over their usage and to support a smarter, lower-carbon grid. In 2026 their role in how you pay for energy will keep growing.

4.1 Benefits of a smart meter at home

With a smart meter and in-home display you can:

• See your usage and costs in near real-time in pounds and pence.
• Spot energy-hungry appliances and change habits to reduce waste.
• Avoid estimated bills – you are automatically billed for what you use.
• Access newer, time-of-use or off-peak tariffs more easily.

Smart meters are usually installed at no extra cost by your supplier. Having one can also make it easier to switch from prepay to credit tariffs if this is appropriate for you.

4.2 Time-of-use and flexible tariffs in 2026

As more renewable energy comes online, suppliers are offering tariffs that reward you for using electricity at cheaper, greener times of day. By 2026, you will see more options such as:

• Off-peak tariffs with lower prices overnight or at selected hours.
• EV charging tariffs with very low rates for charging electric cars off-peak.
• Dynamic tariffs that reflect wholesale prices and may change hour-by-hour.

These tariffs are not right for everyone. If you are at home during the day or have electric heating, you may find a standard fixed or variable rate more predictable. A good rule is to only switch if you can move a meaningful part of your usage to cheaper periods.

5. Practical ways to cut your home energy bills in 2026

Policy changes and grants can help, but your day-to-day choices also make a big difference. Here are some practical steps UK households can take in 2026 to bring down bills without sacrificing comfort.

5.1 Low-cost and no-cost changes

• Use your thermostat wisely: Reducing your main room temperature by just 1°C can cut annual heating costs significantly.
• Stop heat escaping: Fit draught excluders around doors, letterboxes and windows. Close curtains at dusk to keep warmth in.
• Hot water habits: Take shorter showers and use eco-modes on dishwashers and washing machines.
• Switch off stand-by: Turn off appliances at the wall where safe, and avoid leaving devices permanently charging.

5.2 Smart upgrades with quick payback

• LED lighting: Replace halogen and old bulbs with LEDs to cut lighting costs.
• Smart thermostats and TRVs: Control individual rooms and set schedules to match your routine.
• Appliance choices: When replacing, choose energy-efficient models with good ratings and eco modes.

5.3 Bigger projects to future-proof your home

If you own your home or have a supportive landlord, consider larger improvements, ideally supported by grants:

• Comprehensive insulation upgrades.
• Replacing old, inefficient boilers with low-carbon alternatives.
• Installing solar PV and, where suitable, battery storage.

These projects can reduce your reliance on expensive fossil fuels, protect you against future price rises and increase your property value.

6. How Energy Plus can help you navigate 2026 changes

Keeping on top of changing UK home energy policies, grants and tariffs can be confusing. Energy Plus makes it easier by:

• Explaining current and upcoming schemes in plain English.
• Highlighting which grants or support you may qualify for based on your home and circumstances.
• Connecting you with trusted partners for surveys and installations where applicable.

Whether you are worried about bill increases, considering a heat pump, or simply want to make your home warmer and more efficient, we are here to guide you through your options.

7. Frequently asked questions about UK home energy support in 2026

Will there be another universal energy bill discount in 2026?

Large, universal discounts like those seen during the height of the energy crisis are not expected to continue indefinitely. Instead, support is becoming more targeted at lower-income and vulnerable households, and at funding long-term efficiency improvements. However, government policy can change in response to market conditions, so always check the latest announcements.

Can I still get help if I am not on benefits?

Yes. Some grants and schemes are focused on income or benefits, but others are based on your property's energy performance, your location, or whether you use expensive fuels such as oil or direct electric heating. In England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland there are also regional and local programmes that may not be means-tested.

Do I have to get a heat pump in 2026?

No. While the UK is encouraging low-carbon heating, you are not forced to install a heat pump in 2026. However, financial incentives and future regulations mean it is sensible to consider heat pumps or other low-carbon options when your current boiler is nearing the end of its life, especially if grant support is available.

Is a smart meter compulsory?

Smart meters are not legally compulsory, but suppliers are required to offer them, and many new tariffs are only available with a smart meter installed. Having one typically makes billing more accurate and can unlock cheaper off-peak deals, but you can choose whether to accept an installation.

How do I find out which grants I can get?

Eligibility depends on your income, benefits, property type, heating system and where you live. You can:

• Check the latest information on official government sites.
• Contact your local council or devolved administration.
• Speak to your energy supplier about schemes they support.
• Use the form above to request tailored guidance from Energy Plus.