Campaigners have hit out at the latest delay to the government’s heat pump take up scheme, criticising it as “deeply damaging” and a “step backwards”.
The clean heat market mechanism is an initiative aimed at forcing boiler manufacturers to fit more low-carbon heat pumps. Scheduled to start in April this year, it has now been delayed to April 2025.
It had previously been suggested it could be scrapped altogether.
The mechanism is part of the UK’s net zero greenhouse gas emissions target and is designed to help phase out gas boilers and deliver 600,000 clean electric heat pump installations a year by 2028. Specifically, it would require boiler manufacturers to match, or substitute, 4% of their boiler sales with heat pumps, or be hit with a £3,0000 fine for each missed installation.
Campaigners argue the delay will damage the UK’s ability to meet emission reduction targets.
The clean heat market mechanism scheme has been labelled a ‘boiler tax’ by gas companies, who have hiked prices as much as £120 on a boiler, which they say is to cover the costs of the potential penalties.
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The government has also relaxed heat pump installation rules, making it easier for households to qualify for a £7,500 heat pump grant.
It said: “Homeowners will have more choice in how they improve their home and will no longer have to install cavity wall or loft insulation to use the scheme.
Removing the conditions could reduce the costs associated with installing a heat pump on a semi-detached property by as much as £2,500, making it easier and more affordable for homeowners to make the switch from gas boilers.
The government has been heavily criticised for rolling back on a number of its sustainability policies but prime minister Rishi Sunak has denied “watering down” net zero commitments.
Commenting on the delay, Greenpeace UK’s policy director, Doug Parr said:“Blackmailed and bullied. The government’s willingness to cave to the price gouging of the fossil gas lobby and demands of climate sceptics really knows no bounds.
“This is yet another deeply damaging step backwards from the government on climate that puts our net zero targets in jeopardy and will leave the country paying more for its energy.
“We’re already way behind our European neighbours when it comes to switching to heat pumps, and they’re reaping the benefits of lower bills, fewer emissions, better energy security and more efficiently heated homes.
“Further delaying this inevitable and imperative transition will set industry alarm bells ringing, cause further damage to our already tanked economy, and could push gas imports up by as much as one fifth.
“The boiler bosses may be celebrating, but this craven failure by the government will only serve as another nail in the Conservative party’s election coffin. I hope Sunak feels it was worth it.”
