A trade association says the UK Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) may have actually hampered the uptake of heat pumps.
Energy UK says the consistent number of BUS vouchers – 30,000 per year – for ground andair source heat pumpscould be encouraging customers to put their investment into heat pumps on hold.
It is the latest in a long line of criticisms directed at the BUS, which is a key part of the government's net-zero strategy.
What is the heat pump scheme?
TheBoiler Upgrade Schemeis a government scheme designed to help homeowners in England and Wales afford the upfront costs of installing a heat pump.
The £450m policy provides homeowners withheat pump grantsof £5,000 or more with the scheme running until 2028. It operates a first-come, first-served basis to those who meet the eligibility criteria.
Homeowners are required to pay the difference if costs exceed the grant. However, amid soaring energy price rises, switching to a lower carbon heating system could end up reducing your overall bill.
为什么它可能减缓吸收?
Speaking toEnergy Live News, Energy UK expressed concerns that customers may choose to wait a year to take advantage of the vouchers, potentially slowing down the adoption of the low-carbon tech.
The trade association has suggested that the government should consider additional demand-side policies to boost the sales of heat pumps.
However, in February 2023 the BUS was slammed by a Lords committee which said it has had a“disappointingly low”take-up of grants and it is impossible for low-income households to benefit.
One heating expert went even further, calling the scheme “immoral” in light of the fuel poverty crisis and a “sick dog” that is “best for everyone concerned if it is put down”.
Means-tested assessment suggested to improve numbers
One of the key proposals put forward by Energy UK is the need for consultation on changes to the BUS.
They recommend implementing a means-tested approach to funding, bringinghybrid heat pumpswithin the scope of the scheme and increasing the level of grants for specific technologies.
男爵夫人Parminter 2月,Envir的椅子onment and Climate Change Committee, said: “The Government must quickly address the barriers we have identified to a successful take-up of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in order to help grow the take-up of low-carbon heating systems.
“It is vital they do so if we are going to meet our net-zero ambitions.”
