Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 17
17
Deferred
DESNZ recognises need to significantly improve government digital advice for heat pump adoption.
Conclusion
DESNZ clarified that it was “working on making the Government digital offering in this space much better”. It added that it signposted to digital companies that helped households to calculate running costs and lifetime costs via gov.uk. It recognised, however, that there was a role for it to do more. It also explained that it mitigated the risk of poor installations by requiring Microgeneration Certification Scheme-certification for all heat pump installations funded through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.31 29 Q 31; DHH0015 30 Q 33; DHH0026; C&AG’s Report, para 2.16 31 Qq 31–32, 34, 37, C&AG’s Report, para 3.14 14 Decarbonising home heating 2 Increasing heat pump installations Training installers
Government Response Summary
The government agrees but defers the implementation date pending new ministerial steers. It outlines ongoing activities to improve consumer support for low carbon heating and states it will further detail improvements in the Warm Homes Plan.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: to be confirmed 2.2 The implementation of recommendations is dependent on further steers from new ministers, and the department will inform the new Committee as soon as an implementation date is agreed. 2.3 The government has a range of activities to make it easier for consumers to switch to low carbon heating. The government provides advice and support in several areas, including the Heat Pump Home Suitability Tool and Find Ways to Save Energy in your home tool which provide bespoke advice to consumers on clean heat and energy efficiency upgrades they can make to their homes, and signposts grant support and further information. This is supplemented by a phoneline service, and the Local Energy Advice Demonstrator programme which will gather evidence on the best ways to engage consumers on a local level on home decarbonisation. 2.4 The government is making improvements to its Heat Pump Home Suitability tool which will include localised links, advice on pipework and radiators, as well as the impact of additional energy efficiency measures such as system upgrades and insulation. 2.5 The government will set out in the Warm Homes Plan how to further improve the heat pump landscape to make it easier for consumers to navigate.