The local picture
Home energy in Exeter
Most homes in Exeter are on mains gas, but a significant minority rely on electric, oil or LPG heating. Both groups can qualify for support: boiler replacements for gas homes, and heat pump funding for homes off the grid.
That’s about 11,278 of the 60,810 homes in Exeter — lower than the average for the South West.
An estimated 5,404 households in Exeter (9.7%) are in fuel poverty — living on a lower income in a home that’s expensive to heat. That’s in line with the South West average of 9.9%.
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 Exeter
With so many homes in Exeter off mains gas, heat pump funding is often the biggest opportunity — but we’ll check every scheme you could qualify for.
Eligibility
Who can apply in Exeter?
- 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 Exeter. Apply online or call 0800 246 1797 and we’ll check your postcode.
FAQs
Grant questions in Exeter
Can I get a free boiler in Exeter?
Yes — homeowners and private tenants in Exeter 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 Exeter are off the gas grid?
Around 18.6% of homes in Exeter — roughly 11,278 properties — aren’t connected to the gas network, lower than the South West average of 24.2%. 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 Exeter?
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.