Record number of heating oil households apply for a heat pump

Thousands of households on heating oil are making the switch to a heat pump using the £9,000 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.

New figures published today (27 August) show total applications in July reached record highs, with 8,150 households applying to install a heat pump.

The record-breaking figures are an 81% increase compared to June this year, thanks to additional interest from households on heating oil as people opt for cheaper energy bills with clean heat technology.

The grant was increased by 20%, from £7,500 to £9,000, to help protect households on heating oil and LPG from spikes in fossil fuel prices.

In June, leaflets dropped on to the doormats of 200,000 eligible homes with information on how to claim the extra funding, which will still be available until March next year for thousands of eligible families across England and Wales.

Minister for Local Energy and Jobs, Martin McCluskey, said:

“Households reliant on heating oil were among the worst affected when the conflict in the Middle East started.

“Installing a heat pump is the best way for people on heating oil to get certainty over their bills and avoid costly spikes in prices due to events out of our control.

“Seeing record numbers in applications for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is really promising. I would urge eligible billpayers on oil to take advantage of the £9,000 grant to make the switch.”

Rural properties have shown strong demand for heat pumps, with 49% of BUS grants since scheme launch going to these households and 38% to homes off the gas grid.

Across the country, the Warm Homes Plan will help roll out clean technology to millions, cutting bills and securing thousands of good jobs. This includes low and no interest loans to fund energy efficiency home improvements such as solar panels, batteries and heat pumps.

gov.uk