PRESS RELEASE : Heat pump applications up by almost 50% as families make the most of government grant increase [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 26 January 2024.

New figures show applications to the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme in December jumped by 49% compared to the same month in 2022.

More people are taking advantage of increased heat pump grants with applications having risen by almost 50% compared to last year.

New figures released show the number of people applying through the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme in December jumped by 49% compared to the same month in 2022.

The scheme helps families make the switch from fossil fuel heating systems to a cleaner heat pump alternative, without a substantial upfront cost.

The surge in applications follows a 50% increase in grants for air source heat pumps announced by the Prime Minister in October last year. Grants for heat pumps were boosted to £7,500 making the scheme one of the most generous of its kind in Europe.

Energy Security Secretary, Claire Coutinho, said:

We recently made our Boiler Upgrade Scheme one of the most generous schemes in Europe. Applications are now up by nearly 50% compared to last year.

Helping people, rather than forcing them, to make the right choices for their homes will always be my priority.

Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said:

These figures show more people want the cleaner heating and more stable bills you get with a heat pump.

Our approach to reaching net zero works and because of increased heat pump grants, there’s never been a better time to make the switch.

The figures released also show a regional breakdown of where heat pumps have been installed in England and Wales.

The South West has seen the most with 3,655 installations, followed by the South East (excluding London) with 3,605 and then the East with 2,452.