The local picture
Home energy in Sunderland
Almost every home in Sunderland 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 6,091 of the 134,100 homes in Sunderland — lower than the average for the North East.
An estimated 12,058 households in Sunderland (9.3%) are in fuel poverty — living on a lower income in a home that’s expensive to heat. That’s in line with the North East average of 9.2%.
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 Sunderland
For most homes in Sunderland, 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 Sunderland?
- 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 Sunderland. Apply online or call 0800 246 1797 and we’ll check your postcode.
FAQs
Grant questions in Sunderland
Can I get a free boiler in Sunderland?
Yes — homeowners and private tenants in Sunderland 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 Sunderland are off the gas grid?
Around 4.5% of homes in Sunderland — roughly 6,091 properties — aren’t connected to the gas network, lower than the North East average of 7.5%. 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 Sunderland?
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.