Enquiries for heat pumps increased 58% in October, reaching their highest levels since March.
Amidst a publicity storm of possible cuts to government schemes and rising gas prices, a surge of demand has been created for efficient electric heating.
The data stems from Octopus, while government figures show heat pump grant applications hit a record high of over 9,700 in September – up 30% on August.
Greg Jackson, Founder and Chief Executive of Octopus Energy, said: “The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant works. It’s a bit like the Barbra Streisand effect; publicity about threats to heat pumps has driven interest higher than ever. With so many stories in the media and online, people have looked into heat pumps and seen just how attractive they can be.
“Fortunately, the government have committed to the grant scheme and so many more families will benefit. Moreover, building the heat pump industry reduces Britain’s reliance on gas for heating – improving our energy security for the long term.”
In the Budget on 28th October, the government said it remains committed to heat pump deployment and will keep BUS funding at £400m in 2027-28 before raising it broadly in line with inflation.
However, this is around £800m less than previously announced levels and analysts estimate it could mean around 100,000 fewer heat pumps installed over three years.
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