The local picture
Home energy in Orkney Islands
Well over a third of homes in Orkney Islands aren’t connected to mains gas — one of the highest rates in Great Britain. Most rely on oil, LPG, electric storage heaters or solid fuel, which makes the area a priority for heat pump funding.
That’s about 11,833 of the 11,833 homes in Orkney Islands — higher than the average for Scotland.
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 Orkney Islands
With so many homes in Orkney Islands off mains gas, heat pump funding is often the biggest opportunity — but we’ll check every scheme you could qualify for.
Living in Scotland?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme doesn’t cover Scotland, but ECO funding does. Scottish households may also be able to get support from Home Energy Scotland.
Eligibility
Who can apply in Orkney Islands?
- 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
Not sure? Just ask.
Rules differ between schemes, and some depend on where you live in Orkney Islands. Apply online or call 0800 246 1797 and we’ll check your postcode.
FAQs
Grant questions in Orkney Islands
Can I get a free boiler in Orkney Islands?
Yes — homeowners and private tenants in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands are off the gas grid?
Around 100% of homes in Orkney Islands — roughly 11,833 properties — aren’t connected to the gas network, higher than the Scotland average of 19.5%. These homes can often get extra support, including up to £9,000 towards a heat pump where the Boiler Upgrade Scheme applies.
Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme available in Orkney Islands?
No — the Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers England and Wales. Homes in Scotland can still qualify for ECO funding through us, and may also be eligible for support from Home Energy Scotland.