Information, Industry News
Aaron Cushion
Heat Pump Installations Climb to Record Levels

Heat pump installations in the UK have already exceeded last year’s total, setting a new milestone for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) with three months still to go in 2024. By the end of September, 42,000 installations were completed—outpacing 2023's total by approximately 4%.

Heat Pump Installations Climb to Record Levels
Information, Industry News
Aaron Cushion
UK Government Announces Warm Homes Grant

The UK government is launching the Warm Homes Grant in 2025, an exciting initiative aimed at helping homeowners make their properties more energy-efficient. This fully funded scheme is available to those who meet certain criteria and could significantly reduce your energy costs while lowering your home's carbon footprint.

UK Government Announces Warm Homes Grant
Information, Climate Change, Industry News
Aaron Cushion
The UK’s Last Coal Power Station Closes

This week, the UK's last coal power station closed, signalling that the country’s energy landscape is undergoing a massive transformation. For over 200 years, coal was king, powering industry and homes alike. But today, renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro are rapidly replacing fossil fuels in the national grid. With that change comes a new challenge—and opportunity—for those of us in the heating and plumbing industry.

The UK’s Last Coal Power Station Closes
Information, Industry News, Government Policy
Aaron Cushion
How Could The Labour Party Impact The Heat Pump ...

With the UK election out the way and a new government in place, we feel it’s important to explore the potential implications for the heat pump market now that Labour has taken the helm. For plumbers, particularly those considering diversifying into heat pump installations, Labour's anticipated measures could present significant opportunities in the evolving green energy sector.

How Could The Labour Party Impact The Heat Pump Market?
Information, Industry News, Government Policy
Aaron Cushion
Heat Pump Adoption Crucial To Meeting Net Zero ...

The UK remains overly dependent on natural gas, according to the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), which provides independent recommendations to the government.

In its recent annual assessment, the NIC highlights the urgent need to reduce reliance on high-cost, high-carbon natural gas and accelerate the adoption of heat pump technology to meet the ambitious net zero targets by 2050. According to the Commission, decarbonising buildings is a critical aspect of this transition and represents the single biggest challenge on the path to net zero.

Heat Pump Adoption Crucial To Meeting Net Zero Targets

Industry News

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Energy-Efficient Homes High on the Buyers Agenda

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Energy-Efficient Homes High on the Buyers Agenda

According to a new survey from property firm Savills, the majority of property buyers are prepared to pay more for a home primarily using renewable energy. In fact, homes with heat pumps demand a 59% premium compared to regional averages.

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Changes to the MCS Heat Pump Standard

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Changes to the MCS Heat Pump Standard

On 1st April 2022 there are some major updates to the MCS Heat Pump Standard (MIS 3005) which will come into effect. Fortunately for our customers, Alto Energy has been proactively reviewing and preparing for these changes, meaning there will be no disruption at all for our customers.

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0% VAT on Heat Pumps

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0% VAT on Heat Pumps

In another great boost for the heat pump industry, the Chancellor just announced in his Spring Statement that VAT was going to be zero-rated on heat pumps from 1st April 2022. This change will typically save customers between £500 - £750 on their installation.

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Urgh... Energy Prices

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Urgh... Energy Prices

Whoever you are, and wherever you live in the UK, rising energy prices are something we are all becoming accustomed to. The skyrocketing price of wholesale gas in Europe has driven a huge increase in the price we pay for our energy, both gas and electricity. In this article we look at what this means for heat pump owners compared to traditional fossil fuels, and whether there’s anything you can do about it.

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Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Deadline - 31st March 2022

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Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Deadline - 31st March 2022

If you have already had your heat pump system installed and it was commissioned on or after 1st March 2019, and you meet the eligibility criteria and have not yet claimed the RHI, then you have until 31st March 2022 to apply or you will miss out on thousands of pounds in RHI payments.

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UK to be Powered by Completely Green Energy by 2035

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UK to be Powered by Completely Green Energy by 2035

Based on the progress the UK is making developing it’s renewable electricity infrastructure, the Government is now targeting 100% green power by 2035. The fact that this is even a consideration is due to the mass deployment of offshore wind and other renewable sources, such as solar PV arrays.

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New Boiler Upgrade Scheme - What We Know So Far

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New Boiler Upgrade Scheme - What We Know So Far

The Government have today published their consultation response for the Future Support for Low Carbon Heat: Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This scheme will be the successor to the current domestic renewable heat incentive scheme, and will provide customers with an upfront grant to reduce the capital cost of installing a heat pump system.

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Green levies to be switched from electricity to gas

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Green levies to be switched from electricity to gas

The Government plans for the cost of green levies - which raise money to pay for climate change policies - to start coming from your gas bill instead of your electricity bill. This is great news for heat pumps, because it means that by switching from gas to an electrically-powered heat pump, you will save even more on your running costs.

Our Views On Hydrogen

Our Views On Hydrogen

Hydrogen has been getting a lot of attention already, and we’re being asked by a number of installers what we think about hydrogen, in particular it’s place in the future of UK heating.

 

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