Applications for heat pump installations reached a record high in July, with 8,150 household showing interest.
The 81% increase compared to June last year shows that people who are on heating oil are using the government’s £9000 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
Rural properties have shown strong demand for heat pumps, with 49% of BUS grants going to these households and 38% of the grant going to homes off the gas grid.
Minister for Local Energy and Jobs Martin McCluskey said: “Installing a heat pump is the best way for people on heating oil to get certainty over their bills and avoid costly spikes in prices due to events out of our control.
“Seeing record numbers in applications for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is really promising. I would urge eligible billpayers on oil to take advantage of the £9,000 grant to make the switch.”
The government’s plan is to encourage households to make the switch to cleaner heat technology and possibly have cheaper energy bills.
The grant was increased from £7500 to protect people from spikes in fossil fuel prices due to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
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