PUMP SLUMP
Plans to swap boilers for heat pumps hit the skids amid confusion and high costs
In a recent boiler upgrade scheme, 18,900 were installed, well under the 50,000 expected
PLANS to swap boilers for heat pumps are hitting the skids, a report warns.
Costs are high, most people do not know what the pumps are or why they should care, the National Audit Office has found.
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The Government wants to install 600,000 energy-efficient, low-carbon pumps a year by 2028, and up to 1.6million a year by 2035.
But in a recent boiler upgrade scheme, 18,900 were installed between May and December last year, well under the 50,000 expected by that point.
NAO said more data was needed to help people assess whether the change was worth it.
NAO chief Gareth Davies said: “Government needs to engage every household to achieve its objective to decarbonise home heating as part of the transition to net zero.
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“The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) progress in making households aware and encouraging them to switch to low-carbon alternatives has been slower than expected.”
Heat pumps, a renewable technology which uses electricity to draw heat from the ground, air or water for heating buildings, are a key element of the bid to make homes greener.
A DESNZ spokesperson said: “By helping rather than forcing families to install heat pumps, with a 50 per cent bigger heat pump grant, we have boosted applications by nearly 40 per cent.
“Our Welcome Home to Energy Efficiency campaign is running on TV, radio and newspapers, reaching 16.6 million households with advice and information about how heat pumps, insulation and solar panels can cut their emissions and energy bills.”
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Today the Government is announcing £75million for free energy efficiency upgrades, such as heat pumps and double-glazing in social homes.
Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho said the initiative will help low-income families save up to £400 a year on their energy bills and will support jobs for over 1,300 people working on making homes better and more eco-friendly.
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The funding will be offered to 42 councils and housing associations across England to help them co-fund installations in up to 8,000 homes.
What energy bill help is available?
THERE'S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don't think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £1,500.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you're struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
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