The local picture
Home energy in Plymouth
Almost every home in Plymouth 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 10,751 of the 123,050 homes in Plymouth — lower than the average for the South West.
An estimated 12,681 households in Plymouth (10.5%) 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 Plymouth
For most homes in Plymouth, 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 Plymouth?
- 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 Plymouth. Apply online or call 0800 246 1797 and we’ll check your postcode.
FAQs
Grant questions in Plymouth
Can I get a free boiler in Plymouth?
Yes — homeowners and private tenants in Plymouth 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 Plymouth are off the gas grid?
Around 8.7% of homes in Plymouth — roughly 10,751 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 Plymouth?
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.