Britons are being informed of some of the little-known funding schemes offered by the government to help with crippling household bills.

Savings experts at Tiger.co.uk are sharing some of the schemes that households may not be aware of which could save them thousands.

With the energy price cap rising by 6.4% at the start of this month and many families facing increased financial strain, these support options could provide much needed relief.

If households are within 500 meters of new pylons or an area where pylon maintenance is underway, they may be entitled to a discount of up to £2,500.

Electricity suppliers are required to apply this discount to those within the specified radius, as part of the government’s plan to support clean energy and infrastructure upgrades ahead of its 2030 clean power target.*

Other schemes such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) offer households grants to improve the energy efficiency of their homes through upgrades like new boilers, insulation, and double glazing.

Ian Wilson, Managing Director and home insurance expert at Tiger.co.uk said: “The increase in the energy price cap this month has piled added pressure on already struggling families across the UK when it comes to household bills.

“Government schemes could help people save much needed funds, but a lot of these opportunities often go under the radar. So it is vitally important that Brits are aware of the support available to them.

“These grants include energy efficiency upgrades, discounts for those living near new pylons, or even council tax reductions.

“It’s important to note that if the funds are used to carry out improvements to homes, the work must be done by registered and qualified tradespeople, or else risk invalidating the owners home insurance policy, leaving them unprotected.”

Government schemes to help households:

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is available to property owners in England and Wales. To be eligible, you must be replacing a fossil fuel heating system like oil, gas, electric or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This scheme is set to run until March 2028, full eligibility criteria and the application details are available on the official government website.

ECO4

ECO4 is a scheme that has been introduced to improve the energy efficiency of homes across the UK, particularly for households on low incomes. Eligible households may qualify for upgrades such as double glazing, improved doors, and insulation (including loft, cavity wall, and solid wall insulation), as well as the potential installation of air source heat pumps. This initiative supports the government’s commitment to improve the energy efficiency of UK housing stock by 2035 and runs until March 2026.** These upgrades can help households save hundreds of pounds annually through reduced energy bills and improved home warmth. Whilst previous checks found evidence of poor-quality installations, the government says it is committed to protecting consumers and ensuring quality improvements to homes throughout the UK.

Living near new pylons discount

New pylons are being built as part of the government’s plan to support clean energy and infrastructure upgrades for its clean power target. For households living in areas where new pylons are being installed or existing pylons are being upgraded, there is an eligibility for a discount of up to £250 per year for a period of 10 years.*** To qualify, households must be located within 500 meters of the pylons. This scheme is designed to help offset the inconvenience and disruption caused by the installation or upgrade of electricity pylons in local communities and should be automatically applied by electricity suppliers.

Council tax reduction

Households could be eligible for a reduction in their council tax, potentially up to 100%. The amount of reduction you can receive depends on several factors, including the council area you live in, your household income, and the number of people living in your home. Eligibility criteria can vary from one local council to another, as each council administers its own scheme. Typically, those on low incomes, pensioners, or those receiving certain benefits may qualify for a reduction. If you live alone, you may also be entitled to a discount. To apply for a council tax reduction, you must contact your local council directly.