Thanks to substantial government grants, thousands of households in Somerset are now eligible to install heat pumps. Offered by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero as part of its boiler modernisation programme, these grants enable residents to significantly reduce their energy bills while adopting environmentally-friendly technologies.
The Opportunity for Somerset Households
Households have the opportunity to claim up to £7,500 for the installation of aero thermal or geothermal heat pumps, or £5,000 for the installation of a biomass boiler.
The scheme is designed not only to ease the financial burden associated with energy consumption, but also to encourage the adoption of renewable energy solutions.
Those eligible are encouraged to contact Thermly or Retrofit Somerset to get the process started. The first 20 households to sign up will receive an extra £1,000 towards the installation of the heat pump of their choice.
Additionally, the partnership aims to extend its reach across Somerset over the next 18 months, with a commitment to use local businesses for all installations.
Up to 40,000 households in the old South Somerset region could benefit from a newly formed partnership between green technology company Thermly and Retrofit Somerset, which will support the supply of new heat pump installations.
Currently, the following communities are entitled to receive support in the initial phase of the roll-out of Thermly and Retrofit Somerset:
- Alhampton
- Baltonsborough
- Barrington
- Bruton
- Butleigh (including Butleigh Wooton)
- Castle Cary
- Crewkerne
- Curry Rivel
- Ditcheat
- Galhampton
- Haselbury Plucknett
- Hambridge
- Keinton Mandeville
- Kingsbury Episcopi
- Kingweston
- Langport
- Long Sutton
- Lower Burron
- Maperton
- Martock
- Merriott
- Milborne Port
- Montacute
- North Cadbury
- Shepton Beauchamp
- South Petherton
- Sparkford
- Stoke-sub-Hamdon
- Templecombe
- Tintinhull
- West Lydford
- Wincanton
Gareth Robertson, co-founder of Thermly, stated that his company's mission was to change the way homes are heated.
“We make it super simple to install a heat pump by helping you work out if one is right for you, matching you with the right local installer, and helping you access finance quickly if you need it.
“This locally driven partnership is the first of its kind in the UK, and we’re excited that such a green-minded community are as keen as us to future-proof homes and move us all towards more sustainable energy choices.”
Heat Pumps Efficiency
Heat pumps operate by extracting and enhancing heat from the air or ground, with minimal electricity consumption. When compared with conventional boilers, they are up to five times more efficient, making them a sustainable and cost-effective heating solution for households.