Heat Pump Grant Applications Hit a Record: Should Essex Homeowners Act Now? (2026)

More households than ever are applying for help to switch to a heat pump. Government figures show Boiler Upgrade Scheme applications reached a record high in September, and PAD Magazine reported on 13 November 2026 that Octopus Energy saw heat pump enquiries rise by 58% in October. If you live in Thurrock, Stanford-le-Hope, Corringham, Upminster or elsewhere in Essex and are wondering whether to make the switch this winter, here is what the figures mean. This guide is accurate as of 14 November 2026.

How many people are applying for the heat pump grant?

According to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme statistics published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 29 October 2026, there were 9,738 voucher applications in September 2026. That is the most in any month since the scheme opened in 2022, 30% more than in August and 138% more than in September 2025 (4,089).

Up to the end of September 2026, the scheme had received 160,874 applications in England and Wales and paid for 96,611 installations. The South East had the most paid installations of any region.

Why is demand for heat pumps rising?

Octopus Energy linked the rise in enquiries to two things: uncertainty about the future of the grant before the Budget, and worries about gas prices. Its chief executive, Greg Jackson, said: "The BUS grant works."

The Budget on 28 October said the government will keep the Boiler Upgrade Scheme at its current funding level of £400 million in 2027-28. Part of the recent surge has also come from a higher grant for homes off the gas grid, introduced in July 2026.

How much is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant?

According to GOV.UK, you can get one grant per property:

• £7,500 towards an air source (air-to-water) heat pump

• £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump

• £2,500 towards an air-to-air heat pump

• £5,000 towards a biomass boiler

Until March 2027, there is an extra £1,500 towards an air source or ground source heat pump if your property is heated by oil or LPG and has no mains gas connection. The scheme is open in England and Wales, and you cannot get a grant for a hybrid system that combines a gas boiler and a heat pump.

Can I get a grant for air conditioning?

An air-to-air heat pump is the same kind of system as reversible air conditioning: it moves heat into your home in winter and can cool it in summer. GOV.UK now lists a £2,500 grant towards an air-to-air heat pump, provided the system meets the scheme's standards. Your installer can confirm whether a particular system qualifies. Our EV chargers, heat pumps and air conditioning page explains the systems we install.

Is the grant about to run out?

There is no sign of the scheme closing. The Budget confirmed funding for 2027-28, rising broadly in line with inflation after that. However, the extra £1,500 for oil and LPG homes is due to end in March 2027, and VAT on qualifying energy-saving materials such as heat pumps, solar panels and batteries is 0% until 31 March 2027 and is due to rise to 5% from 1 April 2027. If you want to install before then, it makes sense to start planning now.

What should I check before getting a heat pump?

You do not apply for the grant yourself. Your installer applies on your behalf and the grant is taken off your quote. Before that, it is worth checking:

• Your electrics. A heat pump adds a large, long-running load. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) shows whether your wiring and consumer unit are in good condition.

• Your supply. Larger loads may need your network operator to be notified or to approve the work first.

• Your other plans. If you are thinking about solar panels and a battery or an EV charger too, planning them together can avoid repeat work on your consumer unit.

Landlords and businesses can find out more on our electrical testing and compliance and commercial electrician pages.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme still open?

Yes. As of 14 November 2026 it is open in England and Wales, for homes and for buildings used for a business.

Can I get the grant if I have a gas boiler?

Yes. Gas is one of the fossil fuel heating systems the grant can replace. The extra £1,500 is only for oil or LPG homes without mains gas.

Do I need to apply myself?

No. Your installer applies for the grant on your behalf.

Do I need an electrical check before a heat pump is fitted?

It is a sensible first step. A heat pump needs a suitable circuit, and older consumer units may need upgrading.

Thinking about a heat pump in Essex?

CPW Electrical Solutions Ltd is a Thurrock-based electrical contractor, NICEIC Approved (607863000) and MCS certified (NIC602214), with £2m public liability and £300k professional indemnity insurance. We work across Essex. See the areas we cover.

Call 07545 571230 (answered 7am to 7pm, with 24-hour emergency call-outs available) or request a quote.