NEARLY every home in Scotland would see lower energy bills after installing a heat pump if the UK Government reformed electricity pricing, according to new research.
The charities WWF Scotland and Nesta Scotland are calling on the UK Government to introduce pricing changes which would make heat pumps a more attractive option.
According to research conducted by the charities utilising data from Cambridge Architectural Research, only around 25% of homes in Scotland would currently see lower energy bills after installing a heat pump.
In response, they are calling on the UK Government to adjust the levies applied to electricity bills and reform the market to prevent gas-fired power stations dictating the wholesale price.
READ MORE: Scotland could have 'cheapest electricity in Europe', says energy CEO
The research also looked at what energy bills might look like in Scotland by 2028, the year in which proposals requiring some homebuyers to install heat pumps within a set period may kick in.
If the UK Government reformed the energy market, 95% of homes installing heat pumps would see a saving of around £566 per year.
So called “time of use” tariffs were also floated. These tariffs reward consumers with cheaper prices if they use energy at off-peak times.
Modelling which warmed homes with heat pumps a little more during off-peak periods and a little less during peak times reduced energy bills by a further 10% on average.
The charities also said the Scottish Government would have to rollout its Heat in Buildings Bill no later than autumn this year if key climate targets were going to be met.
“It’s still early days in Scotland’s heat transition but this research shows that with the right policies, heat pumps can be the lower bills option for virtually all homes when regulations requiring the switch to fit them should begin,” said Fabrice Leveque of WWF Scotland.
“The Scottish Government has failed to meet nine out of the last 13 annual climate targets.
“To make up for this, the immediate roll out of policies such as cleaner heating is crucial. That’s why the Heat in Buildings Bill must be introduced no later than the autumn this year to make sure it can regulate for cleaner heating and energy efficiency later this decade.”
It comes after the CEO of Octopus Energy said Scotland could have the “cheapest electricity in Europe” if the UK switched to regional pricing.
Robin Parker of Nesta Scotland added that bringing down costs would be imperative to persuade people to switch to cleaner energy systems.
READ MORE: Humza Yousaf's in-laws to testify to ICC amid Israel war crimes probe
“The UK currently has higher electricity prices than any EU country,” he said.
“Bringing down electricity costs should be a priority for the new UK Government and it is one of the most important things it can do to help enable people in Scotland to switch to clean heating.
“This research shows that doing so would mean energy bills would fall for virtually everyone who switches to a heat pump.
“Linking heat pumps to home purchases would help drive investment in clean heating and help increase Scotland’s pace on home decarbonisation.
“The sooner that we have the regulations in place, the longer that homeowners and industry will have to prepare for the changes – which is why the Scottish Government should press forward with introducing the Heat in Buildings Bill in Holyrood.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here