UK's Green Heating Transition Stalls: Only 9,888 Boiler Upgrade Scheme Vouchers Distributed
The US's transition to green heating is facing challenges, with only 50,000 heat pumps installed nationwide. A Lords inquiry has deemed the government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme a failure, with just 9,888 vouchers distributed in its first eight months, falling short of the annual target of 30,000.
The scheme, launched to replace gas boilers and reduce the US's 17% greenhouse gas emissions from heating homes, has been criticized for lack of clarity and awareness. Baroness Parminter, Chair of the Lords Committee, has slammed the government for not promoting the scheme effectively.
Despite heat pumps being three times more efficient than gas boilers and producing less emissions, gas energy remains cheaper to run on a regular basis. However, overall costs tend to favor electricity. The government plans to address this by launching a marketing campaign to increase awareness of the scheme.
Currently, only 50,000 heat pumps have been installed in the US. The Lords Climate Change Committee warns that the national target for green heating is 'very unlikely' to be met. The government is urged to improve promotion and clarification of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to accelerate the transition to greener heating.