A plan to upgrade Britain’s homes
The government has officially launched its £15bn Warm Homes Plan, the biggest public investment in home upgrades in British history, which aims to upgrade 5 million homes. It is a big step forward in the journey to net zero and it aims to make Britain’s homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run.
At Hive, we believe transforming your home and taking control of your energy should be simple – and this new plan is designed to do just that. The government has set out a roadmap that includes new funding, clearer advice and better support for new technology. While many of the big changes for customers are set to take place over the coming years, the direction of travel is clear: the future of heating is electric – and help is on the way.
A big part of the plan is the creation of a Warm Homes Agency. This new body will be dedicated to helping the public understand low-carbon heating, supported by an improved information service on the government website.
New loans and financial support
For many, the cost of upgrading a home is the biggest barrier to embracing green energy. The announcement confirms that the government plans to introduce new low and zero-interest loans to help homeowners install green technology like solar panels, batteries and heat pumps. A consultation later this year will set out the timeline and eligibility criteria.
What this means for heat pumps
The push for low-carbon heating
The Warm Homes Plan makes it clear: heat pumps are the future. The plan confirms the government will focus on the technology to warm homes – both ground and air source heat pumps, and for the first time, air-to-air heat pumps which can also cool homes in the summer.
Grants for more people
To help hit these targets, funding for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is increasing. The scheme will continue to grant £7,500 to homeowners who want to upgrade their fossil fuel heating system to an air source or air to air heat pump or a biomass boiler.
To make the switch easier, the government is also reviewing the rules around noise pollution to make planning permission simpler. And it’s working with installers to make fitting a heat pump faster than ever before.
What this means for solar panels and batteries
Making green power more affordable
If you’ve been thinking about generating your own power, the outlook is getting brighter. The new consumer loans announced will specifically cover solar panels and home batteries. This tech lowers household bills by creating and storing electricity at the property. By spreading the cost with a low or zero interest loan, it’ll be much easier for families to invest in the necessary equipment.
While we wait for the Future Homes Standard to be implemented in early 2026, which will see all new homes built with solar panels, this news focuses on helping existing homes get ready for a solar-powered future.
Support for communities
The Warm Homes Plan isn't just about individual houses. The new strategic investment facility will allow local groups to bid for funding for community-led projects. This means we could see more neighbourhoods coming together to install solar power and share the benefits.
While we’re still waiting for the Future Homes Standard to be published, which will set the rules for new builds, this news focuses on helping existing homes get ready for a solar-powered future.
Looking ahead: renters and ratings
Changes for renters
Renters aren’t being left in the cold either. The government is moving ahead with plans to change the minimum energy efficiency standards to ensure all privately rented properties meet an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C. Landlords will need to upgrade their properties to meet this standard by October 2030 unless they have a valid exemption.
Better energy ratings
The way our homes are rated is also getting an overhaul. New reforms will ensure that EPCs (those colourful charts you see when buying or renting a home) will include low carbon heating metrics. This means having a heat pump will boost your home’s energy-efficiency rating, something we’ve been big supporters of for a long time.
How Hive is helping Britain’s energy transition
If you’re ready to make the most of these changes, we’re ready to help. Whether you’re thinking about switching to a heat pump or want to generate your own free electricity with Hive Solar, transforming your home has never been easier – or more affordable.
In fact, we’ve already helped thousands of customers take back control of their energy across the UK. And with new government support on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to join them.
Tom Pakenham, Director at Hive, said:
“Warm, energy-efficient homes cut bills and reduce carbon, so it’s right that the Warm Homes Plan puts upgrades front and centre. We know eco-tech works - early adopters are already seeing the benefits and our customers are saving both money and energy with a half a billion pounds saved. But the switch has to make financial sense and more grants and accessible support for low-carbon upgrades will help remove the upfront barrier and make sustainable living more affordable for homeowners across the UK. From flexible finance and grants to solar subscriptions, there are more ways to get started, and more technologies available than many realise. At Hive, we want everyone to know their power, to cut bills today and build the greener energy future we all need”.