AQW 44962/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 28/04/2026
Answered On Date: 07/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the implementation of a support scheme for air source heat pumps.

Answer:

My Department consulted on potential future support for low carbon heating in residential properties. The Government Response Report to that consultation was published on 26th January 2026 and responses from it are being used to inform policy decisions on the design, rules, and guidance of future support for low carbon heat, including heat pumps.

Following the consultation, departmental officials have worked with the Energy Saving Trust to develop a design plan for a new domestic energy efficiency and low carbon heat support scheme. The scheme design, including approaches to funding and formats of support, will be consulted upon in the coming months, and will be published on the Department’s website.

At this point it is anticipated that a new support scheme will be launched in the latter part of 2027.