London, UK - The research and innovation foundation Nesta has responded to reports that the government is considering cuts to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).

Nesta has published a blog outlining the four reasons why scrapping the flagship low-carbon home heating scheme would be a mistake. The BUS provides grants to households in England and Wales to replace fossil-fuel heating systems (such as gas or oil boilers) with low-carbon alternatives like electric heat pumps.

Madeleine Gabriel, director of sustainable future at Nesta, said: “Cutting Britain’s flagship low-carbon heating scheme would leave the country’s whole approach to climate and energy in disarray, in the middle of an energy crisis caused by our reliance on fossil fuels.

“The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is the backbone of the heat pump market in England and Wales. Cuts to the scheme could effectively wipe out that whole industry, punishing many businesses and heating engineers who have followed the government’s direction to invest in cleaner heating.

“The current energy crisis has been caused by the rising prices of gas imports and heat pumps are one of the best ways for the UK to secure the energy independence it needs. Turning away from them now would leave the UK economy and people’s electricity bills at the mercy of the next global crisis.”

Notes to editors

1. The full blog is here: https://www.nesta.org.uk/blog/four-reasons-why-scrapping-the-boiler-upgrade-scheme-would-leave-the-uks-energy-policy-in-disarray/
2. For more information on the analysis or to speak to one of the experts involved, please contact the Nesta press office on 07942 499048, or [email protected]. Spokespeople are available for broadcast interviews.

About Nesta

Nesta is a research and innovation foundation that designs, tests and scales solutions for the biggest challenges of our time.

Driven by a vision to improve the lives of millions of people, our focus up to 2030 is on three missions: breaking the link between family background and life chances, halving obesity and cutting household carbon emissions.

We work with partners to develop high-potential solutions and test them as they evolve, drawing on expertise in qualitative and quantitative research, data science, behavioural science and design.

Once confident in the effectiveness of a solution, we take it to scale. We create national policy proposals, develop consumer-facing products and services, build and spin out commercial ventures and harness the power of the arts.

We work with two specialised units: BIT applies a deep understanding of human behaviour to help clients achieve their goals. Challenge Works designs and runs challenge prizes to spark innovation in science, technology and society. Find out more at nesta.org.uk