Daniel Särefjord, CEO at Aira UK, has commented on the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) official statistics for 2024 from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Daniel said: “The surge in applications for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in 2024 marks a pivotal year for heat pump adoption in the UK as more and more people are switching to cleaner, greener and more affordable heating solutions. The scheme has proven to be a powerful asset in helping households lower their energy bills while contributing to the nation’s efforts to get off gas and reduce carbon emissions, but there is more to be done.
“To truly maximise the scheme’s impact, the government must take bold action. We urge policymakers to move faster on implementation dates for the critical removal of planning permission red tape, which was announced over two months ago and still has no sign of action; to address the ongoing price imbalance between electricity and gas, to increase accessibility within the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and to overhaul outdated grid connection processes for heat pump households—ensuring they can benefit from their heat pumps without unnecessary delays.
“Our heat pump sector is one of the UK’s most exciting growth industries, driving innovation, economic growth, and the development of a skilled green workforce, all while putting the UK at the forefront of clean energy technology. To drive this vital transition forward at scale, we need to remove policy red tape and increase accessibility for people across the UK.”