Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Accepted
DESNZ evaluates Boiler Upgrade Scheme, but evaluation scope and coverage remain unclear.
Conclusion
We asked DESNZ how it was learning lessons from the roll out of heat pumps. It explained that it had already learned some lessons, such as about the level of grant driving demand, and that it would continue to evaluate the roll out of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme “very carefully” to see if there were further refinements to increase uptake further. It added that a first interim evaluation report for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme was due later in 2024, but it did not outline what the evaluation would cover.41 38 Qq 48, 49, 60; C&AG’s Report, para 3.3. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is a quality assurance scheme. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme requires heat pumps to be installed by MCS-certified installers. 39 Qq 48, 60 40 Q 48; C&AG’s Report, paras 17, 19, 3.3 41 Qq 10, 39 16 Decarbonising home heating 3 The pathway to decarbonising home heating Supporting all households
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the recommendation and commits to writing to the Committee upon publication of the first interim findings from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme evaluation. This report is expected in Spring 2025 and will include details on heat pump take-up across different socio-economic groups.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
1.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Spring 2025 1.2 The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will write to the new Committee upon publication of the first set of interim findings from the Evaluation of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which is expected to take place in Spring 2025. This correspondence will highlight, amongst other things, the details of heat pump take-up amongst different socio-economic groups.