Heat pump grant increase could benefit off-grid homes in the Cotswolds
Residents across the Cotswold District are being encouraged to explore government grants for heat pumps, with some households now able to access up to £9,000 towards installation costs through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Most eligible households can receive a grant of £7,500, while additional support is available for some homes currently heated by oil or LPG (liquified petroleum gas).
The increased funding is particularly relevant in the Cotswolds, where many rural homes are not connected to the mains gas network and rely on alternative heating fuels. Heat pumps use electricity to extract heat from the air or ground to provide heating and hot water, offering a lower-carbon alternative to traditional fossil fuel systems.
Councillor Mike McKeown, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Digital at Cotswold District Council, said: "Many homes across the Cotswolds are off the gas grid, so this extra support could make a real difference for local households.
“The increased grant helps make heat pumps more affordable, giving residents the chance to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, improve their home's energy efficiency and gain greater certainty over their future energy costs."
The government has stated that homes heated by oil or LPG may be eligible for grants of up to £9,000 until March 2027, helping households switch to cleaner heating while reducing exposure to fluctuations in fuel prices.
According to the Government’s campaign, heat pumps are around three times more energy efficient than traditional boilers and can help households reduce their carbon emissions while future-proofing their homes.
Most homeowners in England and Wales who are replacing an existing fossil fuel heating system may be eligible for support, with applications made by accredited installers on behalf of residents.
Residents can find out more about heat pumps, check their eligibility and learn about available grants at: https://cleanenergy.campaign.gov.uk/heat-pump/