Politics · United Kingdom · 8 hrs ago
UK considers raising heat pump sales targets for boiler makers
The UK government is considering raising heat pump sales targets for boiler manufacturers under its Clean Heat Market Mechanism.
The proposed change would increase the required share of heat pumps from 8% to 18% of manufacturers’ output, though it has not been confirmed as final.
Companies that miss their targets can face fines of up to £500 for each heat pump short of their quota.
Industry critics estimate the added costs could raise the charge on a gas boiler from about £100 to £140, while the government says manufacturers do not have to pass fines on to customers.
The policy aims to support heat pump sales, but only 52,000 were installed in UK homes last year, and a typical heat pump costs more to install than a gas boiler even after a government grant.
The change matters because households replacing boilers could face higher costs, although the effect on prices is uncertain.
The government has consulted on higher targets, and the sources do not say when a final decision will be made.
The UK government is considering increasing heat pump sales targets for boiler manufacturers under the Clean Heat Market Mechanism.
The proposed change could raise the share of heat pumps manufacturers must sell from 8% to 18% of their total output.
The Sun reported that the change could increase an estimated charge on gas boilers from about £100 to £140.
Manufacturers that miss their targets can face fines of up to £500 for each missing heat pump.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero says manufacturers do not have to pass fines on to consumers.
Industry and campaign groups warn the policy could raise household costs, while the government says it can support investment and lower installation costs.
- Who
- The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is considering the change, which would apply to boiler manufacturers.
- What
- The government is considering raising manufacturers’ heat pump sales targets under the Clean Heat Market Mechanism.
- When
- The proposal was reported on 13 and 15 October 2026.
- Where
- The United Kingdom.
- Why
- The scheme is intended to support investment in the UK heat pump market and increase installations.
Boiler-industry and campaign critics
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Consumer costs
Boiler-industry and campaign critics
Critics say manufacturers will pass fines or compliance costs on to households through higher boiler prices.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
The department says manufacturers do not have to pass fines on to consumers.
Policy effect
Boiler-industry and campaign critics
Critics say raising targets will not increase demand and could penalise households.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
The department says the scheme gives manufacturers confidence to invest and can help drive down installation costs.
Utility Week reported that the government had consulted on increasing the Clean Heat Market Mechanism targets.
The Telegraph published a headline saying Labour’s “boiler tax” was set to hit £140.
The Sun reported that ministers were considering a higher quota that could raise the estimated boiler charge to £140.
- Current target
- 8% of manufacturers’ total output
- Proposed target
- 18% of manufacturers’ total output
- Possible boiler charge
- About £140, up from around £100
- Maximum fine
- £500 per missing heat pump
- Installation goal
- 236,000 heat pump installations a year by 2030
- Installed in homes
- 52,000 heat pumps last year
3 sources
What people are saying
At a time when demand for heat pumps is falling, only the economically illiterate would suggest that supply is the problem.
Ministers are playing a dangerous game with family finances by ramping up this stealth tax on hard-working households.
The Clean Heat Market Mechanism provides the certainty needed for manufacturers to invest in the UK’s heat pump market with confidence, while helping to drive down installation costs for consumers.