The local picture
Home energy in Bolton
Almost every home in Bolton is connected to mains gas, so for most households the biggest saving comes from replacing an old or inefficient gas boiler and improving insulation.
That’s about 7,722 of the 128,140 homes in Bolton — lower than the average for the North West.
An estimated 12,836 households in Bolton (10.3%) are in fuel poverty — living on a lower income in a home that’s expensive to heat. That’s in line with the North West average of 10.2%.
Sources: DESNZ, Sub-national estimates of properties not connected to the gas network, 2024 data (published December 2025); DESNZ, Sub-regional fuel poverty data 2026 (2024 data), Low Income Low Energy Efficiency measure.
What’s available
Grants you could get in Bolton
For most homes in Bolton, a funded boiler replacement and better insulation make the biggest difference — but we’ll check every scheme you could qualify for.
Eligibility
Who can apply in Bolton?
- You own your home or rent it privately (with your landlord’s permission)
- Your heating is old, inefficient or not on mains gas — or you have no central heating
- Someone in your household receives a qualifying benefit, or your income or postcode qualifies through local criteria
- For heat pumps: you’re replacing oil, gas, LPG or electric heating (not means-tested)
Not sure? Just ask.
Rules differ between schemes, and some depend on where you live in Bolton. Apply online or call 0800 246 1797 and we’ll check your postcode.
FAQs
Grant questions in Bolton
Can I get a free boiler in Bolton?
Yes — homeowners and private tenants in Bolton can apply for government-backed funding. Eligibility usually depends on your heating system and household circumstances, such as receiving certain benefits, and in some areas your income or postcode. A quick application tells us what you could be entitled to.
How many homes in Bolton are off the gas grid?
Around 6% of homes in Bolton — roughly 7,722 properties — aren’t connected to the gas network, lower than the North West average of 10.4%. These homes can often get extra support, including up to £9,000 towards a heat pump where the Boiler Upgrade Scheme applies.
Can I get a heat pump grant in Bolton?
Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives £7,500 towards an air or ground source heat pump, plus an extra £1,500 until March 2027 for homes heated by oil or LPG with no mains gas connection. It isn’t means-tested.