The Committee on Fuel Poverty is delighted to announce the launch of its latest research project, in collaboration with Carbon Trust.
This study, ’Understanding the factors that will ensure a smooth heat pump transition for households at risk of fuel poverty’, will generate critical evidence that will provide insight into how heat pumps are being used in the UK, and could help shape future policy in the area.
Heat pumps are increasingly being used in the UK and are viewed by some as an effective way to reduce fuel poverty. However, with 2.73 million households in fuel poverty in England, it is essential that we understand the lived experience that comes from using a heat pump and ensure a positive outcome for households with one installed. Heat pumps can offer real potential for reduced energy costs and improved comfort, but in order for this to happen, installations must be appropriately specified, installed, and supported. This means addressing how much improving insulation needs to align with installing a heat pump in a fuel poor home.
This research will examine the lived experiences of fuel poor households with heat pumps, identify the factors that distinguish positive from negative outcomes, and develop practical recommendations for policy makers, delivery bodies, and installers. The findings will help inform how future policies could be delivered.
The research team requires support from local authorities and housing associations to identify households who have had a heat pump installed and would be willing to share their experiences. The team is also interested in speaking with practitioners who have first-hand experience of working with fuel poor households during heat pump installations, or who have delivered programmes involving heat pump deployment in low-income homes.
