27 June 2025
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Chris Collinson, the new CEO of Aira UK, commented on the Climate Change Committee’s recommendation to lower electricity prices to help British families save more by installing a heat pump, as well as this month’s record-high Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) statistics released by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Chris said: “The Climate Change Committee has joined growing calls for a complete restructuring of electricity taxation to make electric heating — not gas — the most attractive option for consumers. As highlighted in the government’s new Industrial Strategy, forecasts that the heat pump industry will be worth nearly £5 billion by 2050 — and create thousands of good-quality jobs across the country — will only be strengthened by Ministers implementing a lower-cost electricity supply.
"Since its launch three years ago, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme has helped nearly 80,000 households switch to more climate-friendly heat pumps. That’s the equivalent of every household in Wigan going gas-free. The scheme is saving these homes an estimated 176,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually and £40 million on energy bills — money households can now spend elsewhere.
"This shows that heat pumps are already making a positive impact on both household bills and the environment. With bold leadership, our politicians can go further and take a global lead in building a sustainable energy system. Transitioning to clean, locally generated electricity for heating is not just an environmental imperative — it’s the most effective way to protect British households from volatile fossil fuel prices."
