AROUND one in five homes in Wales (19 per cent) are not connected to the mains gas grid – significantly higher than the Great Britain average – leaving many households reliant on alternative heating fuels such as oil, LPG and electricity.
The issue is particularly pronounced in rural parts of Wales, with some areas such as Ceredigion, Powys and Anglesey having particularly high concentrations of off-grid homes.
Now, heat pump manufacturer Daikin is urging Welsh homeowners to explore available support after the Government proposed increasing Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grants to £9,000 for homes currently heated by oil and LPG.
The call comes as new research of 2,000 homeowners found:
- 32 per cent are concerned about volatility in gas and electricity prices
- 22 per cent worry about energy security
- 63 per cent believe investing in energy efficiency is important to help futureproof their homes
The study also found that 47 per cent see alternative energy solutions such as heat pumps and solar panels as good long-term investments.
Hamid Salimi, Residential Product Manager for Daikin UK, said: “This is a practical and timely step.
“Off-grid households are often the most exposed to fuel price volatility, and increasing the grant helps remove a key barrier to switching to efficient, electrically driven heating.
“As this uplift will be available for a limited period, there is a clear incentive to act. Homeowners should engage with an installer now to understand their options and timelines, as early action will be key to securing the higher level of support.
“Clear, timely guidance will now be important to ensure installers and homeowners can move forward and turn this policy into real installations on the ground.”
Lucy Gaby, residential marketing manager from Daikin, added: “Creating an energy-efficient home not only boosts comfort but also helps households manage rising energy costs and improve energy security.
“For off-grid homes in particular, investing in efficient heating and insulation can make a significant long-term difference.”
The research also found 44 per cent of homeowners would be willing to pay more for a low-energy consumption home, while 55 per cent believe improving energy efficiency would increase property value.
