Government heat pump grant for households using heating oil
Earlier this year, the conflict in the Middle East caused heating oil prices to rise.
To support vulnerable families, the government pledged over £50 million of targeted financial support, helping low-income households in rural communities with the cost of filling up tanks and heating their homes.
If you rely on heating oil and think you might qualify for this support, please visit KCC's Support to pay for heating oil webpage to find out more.
The government also confirmed that households using heating oil or liquified petroleum gas (LPG) would be eligible for a new £9,000 grant to upgrade to a heat pump.
A heat pump heats your home using electricity. It works like a fridge in reverse, taking heat from the air or ground, increasing it to a higher temperature and transferring it to your home to provide heating and hot water.
And because they run on electricity, there is potential to make bill savings by using smart energy tariffs with cheaper off-peak rates.
Heat pumps are increasingly popular in the UK, with over 80,000 of them sold in 2024, a record year and up 51% on the year before.
This new £9,000 grant will be available from 21 July, through the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Ahead of this, leaflets have been arriving on doorsteps across England and Wales, to help make more households aware they could take up this offer.
You can find out more by visiting the government’s clean energy website, with other key questions answered below.
Am I eligible?
You will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must own the property — whether it’s your main home or a property you rent out
- Your property must not be connected to the gas grid
- You must use heating oil or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to heat your home
- Your property must be located in England or Wales
How do I get the £9,000?
You will need a quote from a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) installer.
If you decide to go ahead, the installer will then apply for the grant on your behalf.
Is a heat pump right for me?
Try the government's heat pump checker tool to see if a heat pump could be a good option for your next heating system. Most UK homes are suitable – your best option depends on your space and home layout.
You could also visit a heat pump. Connect with local heat pump owners near you with Nesta and hear about people’s experiences direct.
