Free Insulation & Energy Grants in Derby
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Derby has over 109,000 households (ONS Census 2021) and faces significant fuel poverty challenges, particularly in inner-city wards. Derby City Council secured £1.6 million in Warm Homes Local Grant funding in November 2025, and participates in ECO4 Flex through their appointed managing agent YES Energy Solutions.
Derby is the second-largest city in the East Midlands and has pockets of significant deprivation, particularly in inner-city wards. The city has a strong manufacturing heritage (Rolls-Royce, Toyota) but many residential areas contain older housing stock in need of energy efficiency improvements. Derby City Council runs regular home energy advice events at the Council House and secured £1.6M in Warm Homes funding in 2025.
Derby's housing stock includes Victorian terraces in Normanton and Peartree, interwar semi-detached houses in Chaddesden and Allestree, and post-war council estates in Allenton and Sinfin. The inner-city terraces typically have solid brick walls and poor insulation. Derby also has a significant number of 1960s-70s properties with cavity walls that may lack insulation.
Similar government-funded energy grants are available in nearby areas including Nottingham, Leicester and Stoke-on-Trent. Each council sets its own eligibility criteria, so it's worth checking the specific rules for your area.
Available grants in Derby
Warm Homes Local Grant
Up to £30,000Council-administered grant providing up to £15,000 for insulation and £15,000 for heating upgrades. Availability depends on your local council.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Up to £7,500Get up to £7,500 towards an air source or ground source heat pump, £2,500 for an air-to-air heat pump, or £5,000 for a biomass boiler. Available to homeowners replacing fossil fuel or electric heating.
ECO4 Insulation Grants
Varies by propertyFree cavity wall, loft, and solid wall insulation for qualifying households. Available if you receive benefits or have a low income.
Compare all UK energy grants side by side on our grant comparison page.
Could you get these grants in Derby?
Free 2-minute eligibility check — no obligation, no personal details needed
Check Your EligibilityDerby City Council provides home energy advice through its dedicated energy advice service, with in-person events at the Council House. The council works with YES Energy Solutions as their appointed managing agent for ECO4 Flex eligibility assessments. Derby secured £1.6 million in Warm Homes Local Grant funding in November 2025 for insulation and energy efficiency improvements.
Who qualifies in Derby?
You may qualify for free energy efficiency improvements if you:
- Receive benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support
- Have a household income of £36,000 or less (Warm Homes Local Grant) or £31,000 (ECO4 LA Flex — varies by council)
- Live in a property with a poor EPC rating (D, E, F, or G)
- Are a homeowner, private tenant, or social housing tenant (tenants need landlord/housing provider consent)
Derby City Council — ECO4 LA Flex Eligibility
Under ECO4 Local Authority Flexibility, Derby City Council can refer households that don't receive qualifying benefits but meet local criteria:
- Live in a fuel-poor area (Index of Multiple Deprivation LSOA deciles 1-3)
- Have a health condition made worse by cold housing (cardiovascular, respiratory, immunosuppressed, limited mobility)
- Have been identified by a GP as low-income and vulnerable to cold
- Receive Council Tax Reduction on grounds of low income
- Have a child eligible for free school meals due to low income
- Referred by energy supplier or Citizens Advice as struggling to pay energy bills
Source: Derby City Council ECO4 Statement of Intent · Last checked 2026-02-17
Areas we cover in Derby
Free insulation and energy grants are available to eligible residents across Derby, including:
Normanton
Peartree
Chaddesden
Allenton
Sinfin
Alvaston
Osmaston
Mackworth
Allestree
Mickleover
Chellaston
Littleover
Grants for tenants in Derby
Derby tenants can access free energy grants. Private renters may qualify for ECO4 insulation grants or the Warm Homes Local Grant — your landlord must consent. Social housing tenants in areas like Allenton and Osmaston should contact their housing provider. Derby City Council's appointed agent YES Energy Solutions can assess your eligibility for ECO4 Flex.
What happens after you're approved in Derby?
A qualified assessor visits your home (1–2 hours) to check your walls, loft, windows, and heating system.
Within 1–2 weeks, you receive a report detailing which improvements qualify for funding and your estimated energy savings.
Approved installers carry out the work free of charge. Cavity wall insulation typically takes 2–4 hours, loft insulation is usually done within a day, external wall insulation takes 1–2 weeks for a semi-detached house, and internal wall insulation takes 3–5 working days.
After installation, your property gets a new EPC certificate showing the improved energy rating.
Frequently asked questions — Derby
What energy grants are available in Derby?
Derby residents can access the Warm Homes Local Grant (up to £30,000), Boiler Upgrade Scheme (£7,500 for heat pumps), and ECO4 insulation grants. Derby City Council secured £1.6M in Warm Homes funding in 2025 and also provides free home energy advice at events held at the Council House.
How do I apply for ECO4 Flex in Derby?
Derby City Council uses YES Energy Solutions as their appointed managing agent for ECO4 Flex. All potentially eligible households should apply through YES Energy Solutions to be assessed for the scheme or any other relevant energy efficiency programme. Contact Derby City Council's Housing Renewal team on 01332 640000.
Can Derby's Victorian terraces get insulation grants?
Yes, Derby's Victorian terraces in Normanton and Peartree are strong candidates for solid wall insulation grants. Many have solid brick walls with no cavity. Internal wall insulation can be installed without changing the exterior, with grants of up to £15,000 available through ECO4 or the Warm Homes Local Grant.
Is Derby near Nottingham — can I use the same grants?
Yes, Derby and Nottingham are both in the East Midlands and have access to the same national grant schemes (ECO4, Warm Homes Local Grant, Boiler Upgrade Scheme). However, each city council has its own ECO4 Flex Statement of Intent, so the local eligibility criteria may differ slightly.
Can Derby tenants get free insulation?
Yes, private and social housing tenants in Derby can qualify for free insulation through ECO4 or the Warm Homes Local Grant. Private tenants need landlord consent. Social housing tenants should contact their housing provider about available energy efficiency programmes.
What areas of Derby have the most fuel poverty?
Inner-city areas including Normanton, Peartree, Osmaston, and Allenton tend to have higher fuel poverty rates due to older housing stock and lower incomes. However, grants are available across all DE postcodes — eligibility depends on income, benefits, and property type.
Does Derby have free energy advice?
Yes, Derby City Council runs free home energy advice events at the Council House, with qualified advisors who can help you understand your options. YES Energy Solutions, the council's appointed managing agent, can also assess your eligibility for multiple schemes.
Is the ECO4 scheme available in Derby?
Yes, ECO4 is fully available across Derby. It provides free cavity wall, loft, and solid wall insulation for eligible households. The scheme has been extended to 31 December 2026 — apply while funding is available.
Further reading
Energy grants in nearby areas
Check what grants are available in other locations near Derby.
Check your eligibility in Derby
Find out in 2 minutes which grants you qualify for — completely free, no obligation.
Check Your EligibilityFor official council information, visit Derby City Council .
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