The local picture
Home energy in New Forest
Most homes in New Forest 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 11,962 of the 83,200 homes in New Forest — lower than the average for the South East.
An estimated 6,478 households in New Forest (7.8%) are in fuel poverty — living on a lower income in a home that’s expensive to heat. That’s in line with the South East average of 8.2%.
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 New Forest
For most homes in New Forest, 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 New Forest?
- 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 New Forest. Apply online or call 0800 246 1797 and we’ll check your postcode.
FAQs
Grant questions in New Forest
Can I get a free boiler in New Forest?
Yes — homeowners and private tenants in New Forest 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 New Forest are off the gas grid?
Around 14.4% of homes in New Forest — roughly 11,962 properties — aren’t connected to the gas network, lower than the South East average of 15.6%. 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 New Forest?
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.