This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. Get advice relating to England

The Energy Assistance Package (EAP) is a scheme introduced by the Scottish Government to help reduce fuel bills and improve the energy efficiency of homes in Scotland. It was introduced in April 2009 and replaces the central heating and warm deal programmes.

What is the Energy Assistance Package?

The EAP consists of four separate elements:

• free energy advice
• benefit check and low cost energy rates
• insulation measures from an energy supplier
• energy efficiency measures

Free energy advice

Free energy advice is available to everyone by visiting the Home Energy Scotland website or calling 0800 512 012. An energy adviser can help you work out how energy efficient your home is and suggest ways you can save energy and cut down on your fuel bills. This could involve simple things such as turning down your thermostat, or bigger projects such as installing insulation.

Benefits check and low cost energy rates

If you are on a low income, an energy adviser will offer you further help to maximise your income and reduce your energy bills. For example, they can make sure you are claiming all the benefits and tax credits you're entitled to, and help you find an energy tariff that's right for you. If you qualify for a low cost energy tariff they can contact the supplier on your behalf and request this rate.

This service is available to everyone, however only people on low incomes, or who are having problems heating their homes may benefit. When you call Home Energy Scotland for energy advice, an adviser can check whether you will qualify for extra help.

Insulating measures from an energy supplier

You will only be able to get financial help if you meet certain criteria relating to your home and to your personal circumstances.

First of all, you'll only be eligible to apply if you:

• live in Scotland, and
• own your home, or have a private landlord and their permission to apply to the scheme,
• receive a qualifying benefit, or
• are 75 or over, or
• are 60 or over and have no central heating

Even if you aren't in one of these categories, if you or your partner is aged 70 or over you could still get free insulation. 

If you are not in any of these groups you may still be able to get subsidised insulation measures. Contact Home Energy Scotland for more information

You can't apply if you rent your home from the council or from a housing association. In this case, you should speak to your landlord if your home does not have central heating or is too cold or damp.

Energy efficiency measures

You may be eligible to apply for with the costs of any work to improve the insulation and energy efficiency of your home, including:

• installing or replacing a central heating system
• replacing a boiler
• draughtproofing your home
• wall insulation
• insulating your loft, water tank and pipes
• insulating your water heating system.
• room thermostats and heating controls

Am I eligible?

To get financial help to insulate your home you must fit into certain categories. Home Energy Scotland has more information on these criteria.

How much help can I get?

The maximum grant you can apply for is £4,000. However, if this is not enough to bring your home up to a reasonable level of energy efficiency, you may be able to get a grant of up to £6,500.

Are mobile homes eligible?

Yes, but there is a different way of assessing how energy efficient a mobile home is, so contact Home Energy Scotland for more information

How do I apply?

To apply, contact an Energy Saving adviser on 0800 512 012. They will be able to give you advice about your application.

Who will carry out the work?

Scottish Gas is contracted to carry out work for the central heating programme, and any local suppliers they use are registered with national trade associations such as the Gas Safe Register and NICEIC (for electricity). Their work must comply with national standards, and with Scottish Gas's own quality standards.

How do I protect myself from bogus callers?

Bogus callers pretend to be officials from the council, engineers from gas, electricity or water companies, police officers or salespeople in order to gain access to people's homes and steal money or property.

Before anyone from the Energy Assistance Package comes round to your home, they will call or write to you to make an appointment. If you like, you can give them a password to use when they come round. They will also have an identity card with their photograph, showing the company they work for. If you're still not sure, look up the company they work for in the phone book and call them to check the person on your doorstep is genuine.

Find out more about protecting yourself from bogus callers.

No-one working for the Energy Assistance Package should ask for your bank or credit card details.

How do I find out more?

You can find out more on the Energy Assistance Package website or by calling 0800 512 012.

Boiler Scrappage Scheme 

The Energy Saving Scotland Boiler Scrappage Scheme will provide households in Scotland with working boilers with a SAP2005 efficiency rating of less than 70%, with a voucher worth £400 off the price of a new, modern Energy Saving Trust Recommended boiler.

More information is available from the Energy Savings Trust Boiler Scrappage Scheme.