British Gas says it has installed the first heat pump under the government’s new Boiler Upgrade Scheme, following the commissioning of a device in Berkshire.
Although the scheme, which allows consumers to claim a £5,000 grant towards the installation of low-carbon heating solutions, does not officially go live until 23 May, suppliers can retrospectively claim for any installs commissioned from 1 April.
Under its partnership with Daikin the Centrica-owned supplier said the first MCS-certified heat pump was installed at a home in Hungerford and was commissioned at 12:01am on Friday (1 April) – a move which it claims makes it the first in the UK to receive a Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.
British Gas and Daikin recently formed a partnership designed to increase the take-up of renewable heating technology following the retailer’s commitment to install up to 1,000 air source heat pumps this year.
By 2025 it is aiming to install up to 20,000 annually. Additionally under its PH Jones brand Centrica is also installing heat pumps in social housing properties.
From 11 April installers can open Boiler Upgrade Scheme accounts before the scheme officially goes live next month.
British Gas services and solutions managing director, Jana Siber, said: “This is a landmark moment for the renewable heating market in the UK, as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme funding makes heat pumps more accessible to more homeowners. Installing a heat pump is one of the single best things households can do to lower their carbon footprint, today.
“We understand that everyone’s homes and individual circumstances differ, but for those who can, now is the time to look at renewable home heating.”