Minister publishes response to consultation on Low Carbon Heating Support
Date published:
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has published the response to the Consultation on Support for Low Carbon Heating in Residential Buildings.
The publication is an important step towards introducing support for low carbon heat technologies, including heat pumps.
Low carbon heat support will incentivise consumers to switch to low carbon forms of heating and away from the price volatility associated with fossil fuel reliance.
By improving the energy efficiency of homes through low-carbon solutions, households will benefit from lower energy use and reduced heating bills, making the transition more affordable and practical.
The report presents the findings of the public consultation, which will inform the design of a support scheme for low carbon heat and energy efficiency in residential buildings.
The consultation showed support for widening eligibility to a range of low‑carbon technologies, requiring minimum performance and building‑efficiency standards, and strengthening consumer protection through certified installers. Views on funding levels varied, though capital grants were favoured. Skills and supply‑chain gaps were identified.
The Minister said: “The consultation responses and stakeholder engagement have been invaluable in shaping our options for how best to provide support for low carbon heating technologies that will lead the transition to decarbonising heat in our homes.”
In addition, it aims to help encourage sustainable growth of the heat pump sector in the region, alongside green economic growth and encourage installation and maintenance contractors’ investment in skills development in low carbon heat technology.
The Minister added: “My department is committed to supporting low carbon heating. This will help cut emissions, create good jobs, boost productivity and support communities across the north, while helping people make the switch to cleaner energy.”
This year the next steps include consulting on financial options and developing a high‑level scheme design, and then next year legislating, prior to launch.
The response report is available on the DfE website.
Notes to editors:
1. The Executive’s Energy Strategy ‘Path to Net Zero Energy’ commits to introducing support for low carbon heat technologies including heat pumps.
2. The Consultation on “Support for Low Carbon Heating in Residential Buildings” was published on 8 October 2024 and closed on 10 January 2025.
3. The Department for the Economy received 107 responses to the consultation. A range of stakeholders provided their views, with responses from across a wide spectrum of interests, including energy representatives, trade associations, consumer representatives and housing providers.
4. A public consultation on scheme design and financial options for a future domestic energy efficiency and heat programme will be published later this year.
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