Only 5% of the government’s air source heat pump installation target is being met in England and Wales under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), data analysed by Hewer Facilities Management has revealed.
The government is targeting 600,000 heat pump installations annually by 2028.
However, a review of publicly available data by Hewer, a heating, plumbing and building services provider, shows that on average only 36,167 units have been installed per year in the three years since the BUS launched.
Stuart Hesk, director at Hewer, said: “The data highlights that the BUS grant is a better solution than its predecessor.
“This is most likely down to the way in which the scheme allows claimants to access the funding. The DRHI was paid in instalments whereas the BUS grant is paid in one lump sum, directly to installers.
“Although we are seeing year on year increase in installations, the figures suggest that there is still more to be done, especially if we as an industry want to support the roll out and the UK’s transition to greener energy technologies.
“In this instance changing the BUS eligibility criteria could be a backwards step, however there are other challenges that need to be addressed too.
“These include filling a shortfall in the workforce, educating consumers on best use practices, reviewing energy costs and tariffs, and reform to red tape, which is hampering the roll out, especially in vulnerable communities such as those living in social housing.”
The BUS launched in 2022 and replaced the Domestic Renewable Heating Incentive (DRHI).
The scheme provides grants of up to £7,500 to homeowners looking to upgrade their heating systems as an incentive to decarbonise their homes.
The grants are only available through engineers certified through MCS, the UK’s quality mark for small-scale renewable energy technologies.
Despite the shortfall there is growing speculation that the eligibility criteria could be under review in the Autumn Budget on 26 November, with the grant support either coming to an end, or more likely scaled back, including being made available to only those receiving certain benefits and/or low-income households.