Heat Pump Grant Northern Ireland: What's Available in 2026

Northern Ireland has a different funding landscape for heat pumps compared to the rest of the UK. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme does not apply here, and the generous Scottish and Welsh programmes do not extend across the Irish Sea. But that does not mean Northern Ireland homeowners are without support.

This guide explains what funding is available for heat pumps in Northern Ireland, how the schemes work, and what NI homeowners should consider when planning a heat pump installation.

The Funding Landscape in Northern Ireland

Energy policy in Northern Ireland is devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont. This means NI has its own energy efficiency programmes, separate from those in England, Scotland, and Wales.

The main sources of heat pump support in Northern Ireland are:

• Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP): Funded through a levy on electricity bills, targeting fuel-poor households
• Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) schemes: For social and public housing
• Affordable Warmth Scheme: For low-income homeowners in private housing
• Northern Ireland Energy Advice Service: Free advice for all NI households

Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP)

What Is NISEP?

NISEP is funded through a small charge on electricity bills in Northern Ireland. The money is used to fund energy efficiency improvements in homes, with a focus on households in or at risk of fuel poverty. The programme is overseen by the Utility Regulator and delivered through approved scheme managers.

What NISEP Covers

NISEP can fund a range of energy efficiency measures including:

• Heat pump installations
• Insulation (loft, cavity wall, external wall)
• Heating system upgrades
• Energy-efficient lighting and controls

NISEP Eligibility

NISEP targets households in or at risk of fuel poverty. You are more likely to qualify if you:

• Are on a low income
• Receive means-tested benefits
• Have a household income below the fuel poverty threshold
• Are elderly, disabled, or have a long-term health condition
• Live in an energy-inefficient property

How to Access NISEP

Contact the NI Energy Advice Service or your electricity supplier to enquire about available NISEP schemes. The schemes change each year, and availability depends on funding allocation.

The Affordable Warmth Scheme

What Is It?

The Affordable Warmth Scheme is a Northern Ireland Executive programme aimed at reducing fuel poverty among private homeowners. It is administered by local councils in partnership with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE).

What It Covers

• Heating system replacements (including heat pumps in some cases)
• Insulation improvements
• Window replacements in some circumstances
• Other energy efficiency measures

Eligibility

• You must own your home (owner-occupier or private tenant with landlord permission)
• Household income must be below £23,000 per year
• You must be referred by your local council

How to Apply

1. Contact your local council and ask about the Affordable Warmth Scheme
2. The council assesses your eligibility based on income
3. If eligible, a home energy assessor visits your property
4. Recommended improvements are carried out at no cost to you

NIHE Housing Schemes

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive manages a large stock of public housing and runs energy efficiency programmes across its properties. If you are a NIHE tenant, heat pump installations may be part of a wider upgrade programme for your estate or area.

Contact NIHE directly or speak to your local housing office to find out if heat pump installations are planned for your area.

How Northern Ireland Compares to the Rest of the UK

It is worth being honest: Northern Ireland's heat pump funding is less generous than what is available elsewhere in the UK.

• England: BUS grant of £7,500 for all homeowners
• Scotland: Up to £15,000 in grants and loans
• Wales: Free installations through Nest for eligible households, plus BUS
• Northern Ireland: Targeted support for low-income households; no universal grant for all homeowners

This gap has been acknowledged by housing and energy campaigners. There are ongoing calls for a Northern Ireland equivalent of the BUS grant, but as of 2026, no universal scheme has been announced.

What NI Homeowners Can Do

Even without a BUS-equivalent grant, there are practical steps Northern Ireland homeowners can take:

1. Check Affordable Warmth Eligibility

If your household income is below £23,000, the Affordable Warmth Scheme could cover the cost of a heat pump installation. Contact your council to check.

2. Contact the NI Energy Advice Service

The Northern Ireland Energy Advice Service provides free, impartial advice on energy efficiency and available funding. They can tell you about any schemes you may be eligible for. Call 0800 111 4455 or visit their website.

3. Ask About NISEP Schemes

Contact your electricity supplier to ask about current NISEP-funded programmes. These change regularly, and new schemes may become available.

4. Consider the Long-Term Savings

Even without a grant, a heat pump can make financial sense — particularly if you currently heat with oil, which is common in Northern Ireland. Oil prices are volatile, and a heat pump provides more predictable running costs. Over the 20-25 year lifespan of a heat pump, the savings can be substantial.

5. Get Quotes and Compare Costs

The cost of heat pump installation varies significantly between installers. Getting multiple quotes can help you find the best value. Use our free quote service to connect with MCS-certified installers.

6. Look for Green Finance Options

Some lenders offer specific loan products for home energy improvements, including heat pumps. These may offer competitive interest rates and favourable terms. Ask your bank or building society about green home improvement loans.

Oil Heating in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has the highest proportion of oil-heated homes in the UK — around 68% of households use oil as their primary heating fuel. This makes the transition to heat pumps both more urgent and more impactful:

• Oil prices are volatile: Annual oil heating costs can swing by hundreds of pounds depending on global oil prices
• Heat pumps offer stable costs: Electricity prices are more predictable, and heat pumps use much less energy than oil boilers
• Carbon savings: Switching from oil to a heat pump can reduce your carbon emissions by 50% to 70%
• Oil tank maintenance: Removing the need for oil storage and deliveries is a practical benefit

If you are currently spending £1,500 to £2,500 per year on oil, a heat pump could reduce your heating costs significantly. Use our calculator to estimate your potential savings.

The Future of NI Heat Pump Funding

The Northern Ireland Assembly has committed to net zero carbon emissions, and heat pumps are a key part of achieving that target. While current funding is limited compared to the rest of the UK, there are reasons to expect improvements:

• The NI Energy Strategy includes targets for decarbonising home heating
• Political pressure is growing for a NI equivalent of the BUS grant
• Heat pump manufacturers are expanding their presence in the NI market
• MCS-certified installer numbers are growing in Northern Ireland

Keep checking for new announcements. The funding landscape may improve significantly over the next few years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the BUS grant available in Northern Ireland?

No. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme only applies to England and Wales. Northern Ireland has separate programmes.

Can I get a free heat pump in Northern Ireland?

Potentially, through the Affordable Warmth Scheme or NISEP, if you meet the eligibility criteria (low income, receiving benefits). These are not guaranteed and depend on funding availability.

What is the main heat pump grant in Northern Ireland?

There is no single universal grant equivalent to the BUS scheme. Support is available through targeted programmes like the Affordable Warmth Scheme and NISEP for qualifying households.

Who should I contact about heat pump funding in NI?

Start with the NI Energy Advice Service on 0800 111 4455. They can assess your situation and direct you to the most appropriate scheme.

Is a heat pump worth it in Northern Ireland without a grant?

For many homeowners — particularly those currently using oil heating — yes. The long-term running cost savings can offset the upfront cost over time. Use our calculator to check your specific situation.

Do heat pumps work well in Northern Ireland's climate?

Yes. Northern Ireland's mild, maritime climate is actually well-suited to air source heat pumps. Winters rarely see prolonged extreme cold, which means heat pumps operate efficiently throughout the year.

How much does a heat pump cost in Northern Ireland?

Installation costs are similar to the rest of the UK: typically £8,000 to £15,000 depending on the system size and complexity. See our cost guide for detailed figures.

Want to explore your options? Call the NI Energy Advice Service on 0800 111 4455, or get free quotes from MCS-certified installers in Northern Ireland. See our complete UK grants guide for funding available across all four nations, or check whether a heat pump is worth it for your home.