Heat Pump Grants

Grants to help with the cost of heat pump technology are available in the form of the Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) Scheme.

Launched on 1 August 2011, the RHPP is the first phase of the Government’s £860 million Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). The scheme will run until 31 March 2012 and will see around £15 million allotted to provide up to 25,000 installations of renewable heating technology.

The scheme is aimed at domestic customers currently off grid; the majority of whom use expensive high carbon fuels for space and water heating.

Designed to encourage residential homeowners to invest in renewable heating technologies such as ground source and air source heat pumps, £3 million of the £15 million green heating fund will also be made available to the social housing sector.

Grants are available in the form of vouchers and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. £1,250 is on offer to help towards the cost and installation of ground source heat pumps, whilst air source heat pumps are eligible for a one-off payment of £850/unit.

Then, come October 2012 – when the second phase of the RHI kicks in – those benefiting from the Premium Payment will be able to take advantage of the RHI tariff, as will anyone in England, Scotland or Wales who has had eligible equipment installed since 15 July 2009.

To be eligible for the heat pump grants, certain criteria will need to be met. Not only will properties have to be well insulated but customers will also be required to give feedback on the performance of the heat pump equipment they have installed. Both the installers and the equipment must be accredited under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).

For more information about heat pump grants, or to apply for a voucher, call 0800 512 012 or visit the Energy Saving Trust.