The Warm Homes: Local Grant is the main government grant that can include a home battery. It is delivered by local councils in England, so it is the first thing to check if your income or benefits qualify.
Who can apply
- A home in England that is privately owned (owner-occupied or privately rented).
- An EPC rating of D to G.
- One of three income routes: a postcode in the 1st or 2nd income deprivation decile (no further check); a means-tested benefit (such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, income-related ESA, Housing Benefit, Income Support or income-based JSA) with an EPC of E to G; or a gross household income of £36,000 or less.
What it says about batteries
Batteries were paused in November 2025 and resumed on 2 February 2026. The guidance now allows them only where they complement existing or new solar PV, are installed by an MCS installer to MIS 3012, PAS 63100 and PAS 2035, and where they drive bill savings. A smart meter and time-of-use tariff check is strongly recommended but not mandatory. Heat batteries and air-to-air heat pumps are not eligible until they are MCS-certified.
What the money limits really mean
The £16,600 caps for energy performance and for low-carbon heat are averages per home across a council's project, not what any single household is owed. They were raised in the July 2026 update, with retrospective effect. Private landlords have their first property fully funded (up to £33,200 under the two caps combined); social housing providers pay 50%.
How to apply
- Apply online through GOV.UK, which routes you to your council.
- The council usually contacts you within 10 working days.
- The council checks your EPC and income, then arranges an assessment and an MCS installer.
Check whether you fit the income and EPC rules
Our checker gives an instant indication.
Check your eligibilityFrequently asked questions
Does the Warm Homes: Local Grant pay for a battery?
It can. Batteries resumed in February 2026 after a pause, but only where they complement existing or new solar PV, are fitted by an MCS installer to the relevant standards, and drive bill savings.
How much is the Warm Homes: Local Grant worth?
The guidance sets average cost caps of £16,600 for energy performance measures and £16,600 for low-carbon heat, per home, averaged across a council project. They are not an amount each household is entitled to.
Who qualifies on income?
One of three routes: your postcode is in the two most deprived income deciles; a household member receives a qualifying means-tested benefit (with an EPC of E to G); or gross household income is £36,000 or less.
Do I have to pay anything?
Owner-occupiers pay nothing towards measures funded under the scheme. A private landlord has the first property fully funded and a 50% contribution on later ones.
How long does it take to hear back?
After the online application the council usually contacts you within 10 working days.