The local picture
Home energy in East Lothian
Most homes in East Lothian are on mains gas, but a significant minority rely on electric, oil or LPG heating. Both groups can qualify for support: boiler replacements for gas homes, and heat pump funding for homes off the grid.
That’s about 6,460 of the 53,502 homes in East Lothian — lower than the average for Scotland.
Sources: DESNZ, Sub-national estimates of properties not connected to the gas network, 2024 data (published December 2025); DESNZ, Sub-regional fuel poverty data 2026 (2024 data), Low Income Low Energy Efficiency measure.
What’s available
Grants you could get in East Lothian
For most homes in East Lothian, a funded boiler replacement and better insulation make the biggest difference — but we’ll check every scheme you could qualify for.
Living in Scotland?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme doesn’t cover Scotland, but ECO funding does. Scottish households may also be able to get support from Home Energy Scotland.
Eligibility
Who can apply in East Lothian?
- You own your home or rent it privately (with your landlord’s permission)
- Your heating is old, inefficient or not on mains gas — or you have no central heating
- Someone in your household receives a qualifying benefit, or your income or postcode qualifies through local criteria
Not sure? Just ask.
Rules differ between schemes, and some depend on where you live in East Lothian. Apply online or call 0800 246 1797 and we’ll check your postcode.
FAQs
Grant questions in East Lothian
Can I get a free boiler in East Lothian?
Yes — homeowners and private tenants in East Lothian can apply for government-backed funding. Eligibility usually depends on your heating system and household circumstances, such as receiving certain benefits, and in some areas your income or postcode. A quick application tells us what you could be entitled to.
How many homes in East Lothian are off the gas grid?
Around 12.1% of homes in East Lothian — roughly 6,460 properties — aren’t connected to the gas network, lower than the Scotland average of 19.5%. These homes can often get extra support, including up to £9,000 towards a heat pump where the Boiler Upgrade Scheme applies.
Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme available in East Lothian?
No — the Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers England and Wales. Homes in Scotland can still qualify for ECO funding through us, and may also be eligible for support from Home Energy Scotland.