The Heat Pump Ready Programme

The Heat Pump Ready Programme was originally launched by the now-defunct Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). In 2023, BEIS was replaced by three new departments:

• The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ): now responsible for energy efficiency and decarbonisation policy.
• The Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
• The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

All energy-related schemes, including the Heat Pump Ready Programme, are now overseen by DESNZ.

The Heat Pump Ready Programme is a key part of the government’s £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, which aims to accelerate the development and commercialisation of sustainable energy technologies during the 2020s and 2030s.

Under Stream 2, the programme provides grants for the development of tools, technology, and processes designed to remove barriers to the adoption of domestic heat pumps across the UK.

As project partners, MCS and the Energy Saving Trust will develop a technology selection tool that helps assess whether a property is suitable for a heat pump, drawing on the proven Home Energy Scotland model (operated by Energy Saving Trust).

This new tool will link directly to an enhanced version of the MCS “Find a Contractor” service, enabling homeowners to request quotes from accredited installers in their area.

The project will also involve an independent evaluation partner to improve the accuracy and reliability of property data. The aim is to provide multiple installers with consistent information, allowing them to produce quotes with around 90% accuracy, reducing the need for multiple site visits while maintaining full MCS compliance.

Dan White, Director of Market Development at MCS, said:

“Meeting the government’s target of installing up to 600,000 heat pumps each year by 2028 will require strong collaboration across the industry. Making the consumer journey as efficient and transparent as possible is vital to achieving that ambition.”

Inga Jirgensone, Head of Business at the Energy Saving Trust, added:

“Our partnership with MCS will give households access to innovative digital tools that make it easier to find qualified, trustworthy heat pump installers. Accelerating the rollout of heat pumps is essential for the UK to reach net zero and tackle the climate emergency, it’s at the heart of our mission.”

The Heat Pump Ready Programme’s Stream 2 aims to deliver solutions that:

• Lower lifetime costs and improve heat pump performance.
• Reduce household disruption while ensuring high-quality installations.
• Develop and test new financial models to encourage uptake.
• Enhance the user experience for heat pump owners.
• Create innovative, flexible home energy systems.

Heat pumps are a cornerstone of the UK’s Net Zero 2050 target, offering a clean and efficient alternative to fossil fuel heating. By funding initiatives like the Heat Pump Ready Programme, DESNZ is helping to remove barriers, lower costs and improve the consumer experience, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

If you’re planning to make your home more energy efficient, whether through a heat pump installation, better insulation, or heating upgrades, you could qualify for extra support under the government-backed ECO4 Scheme and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).

These schemes are designed to help households access free energy-saving improvements, including insulation and heating upgrades that work alongside heat pumps to maximise efficiency.

There are no upfront costs if you qualify, and improvements can make your home warmer, cheaper to heat, and more sustainable, helping you save money while supporting the UK’s Net Zero goals.

Check your eligibility here, it’s quick, free, and could help you prepare your home for a cleaner, more efficient future.

Useful Resources:

• Energy Saving Trust
• Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)

Cost of Living Support Available:

• Household Support Fund (England)
• Cost of Living Payments
• Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
• Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
• Council Tax Reduction

ECO4 Support Available:

• Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Energy Company Obligation
• Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Guidance: Delivery V1.1
• Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
• UK Government, Help from your energy supplier: the Energy Company Obligation
• Which? Energy Company Obligation (ECO)

Other Support Available:

• Household Support Fund
• Cold Weather Payment
• Cost of Living
• Fuel Vouchers