The Heat Pump Association (HPA) has called for the incoming UK government to prioritize a number of key initiatives to provide the sector with confidence and clarity.
Among what the HPA calls its Key Asks, the association presses for a removal of barriers to heat pump uptake and a reduction in the upfront and running costs.
Clear roadmap for policymakers
The HPA says its demands in advance of the July general election are designed to provide a clear roadmap for policymakers, ‘ensuring that the UK can meet its ambitious climate emission reduction targets whilst supporting consumers and industry alike’.
HPA calls for a consultation on how best to make electricity cheaper by rebalancing electricity and gas prices
In particular, the HPA calls for a consultation on how best to make electricity cheaper by rebalancing electricity and gas prices and to honor the commitment of £6 billion worth of funding to support energy efficiency and low carbon heating over the next three years. It also asks the incoming government to explore the possibility of providing interest-free loans to support the upfront cost.
Remove barriers to heat pump uptake
Its recommendations to remove barriers to heat pump uptake include setting a phase-out date for fossil fuels boilers and confirming the timescales for introducing the Clean Heat Market Mechanism.
The HPA also calls for responses to the Future Homes and Building Standards, Home Energy Model Consultations and Changes to Permitted Development Rights consultation.
Support smooth transition to low-carbon heating
The association also calls for moves to ensure there is an ‘adequate, skilled and competent workforce’ to support a smooth transition to low-carbon heating.
Specifically, the HPA calls for a review and extension of the Heat Training Grant, consultation on the best way to require fossil fuel boiler installers to undertake low temperature system design training and to publish the updated mandatory technical competencies, which underpin competent person schemes.
Commitment to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions
“The upcoming general election presents a pivotal opportunity for the new government to demonstrate, through action, its commitment to reducing the UK’s carbon emissions in line with the UK’s legally binding targets,” said HPA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - Charlotte Lee.
Charlotte Lee adds, “By adopting our Key Asks, the new government can accelerate the decarbonization of heating, support job creation, increase private sector investment, and crucially enhance the UK’s energy security and help consumers reduce their energy bills.”
