Heat pump grant applications increase

New figures have shown the number of new applications for the government’s £7,500 heat pump support have increased.

The number of new applications to the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme in the first week since the grant increased was 1,150, which is three times higher before it was raised. In the subsequent three weeks, new applications have remained nearly 60% higher than the previous weekly average.  

The scheme, which is available in England and Wales, provides financial support for families to switch from fossil fuel heating systems to a cleaner heat pump alternative.

The results come alongside new research confirming heat pumps are generally rated as quiet, with a majority of those surveyed saying they did not notice the sound. 

Currently some households need to seek full planning permission to install a heat pump, but the report recommends a change in planning rules to make it easier for households to install heat pumps. The government announced in the Autumn Statement that it will consult on introducing new permitted development rights to end the blanket restriction.

Those seeking to apply for a grant through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can check their home is eligible on GOV.UK and then just agree a quote for the work with an MCS certified installer, who will then do all the paperwork. Ofgem will simply contact the customer after that to confirm they would like to proceed.   

The government has also confirmed plans for a new Clean Heat Market Mechanism, launching in 2024, which will incentivise the UK’s heating industry to invest in making heat pumps an increasingly attractive and affordable choice.

Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Product & Marketing Officer at Octopus Energy Group, said: “Since the increase in the grant was announced, we’ve seen five times more requests for heat pumps from our customers, and we’ve even been able to offer some installations for free. 

 “The Clean Heat Market Mechanism announced today will also give industry the certainty we need to grow heat pump manufacturing here in the UK – securing green British jobs for generations to come.” 

Mat Moakes, Chief Commercial Officer at OVO, said: “At OVO we’ve seen an uplift in customer interest and our data also shows that when paired with innovative tariffs to reduce the cost the uptake increases.” 

Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said: “We are supporting hardworking families who want to make the switch and replace their boiler in a way that’s within their budgets.”

Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, added: “We want more families to enjoy the more stable bills and cleaner heating that heat pumps have to offer – and today’s evidence that heat pumps make minimal noise is yet another reason to make the switch.”

Image from Shutterstock

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