The local picture
Home energy in West Devon
Well over a third of homes in West Devon 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 11,872 of the 27,170 homes in West Devon — higher than the average for the South West.
An estimated 3,010 households in West Devon (11.5%) are in fuel poverty — living on a lower income in a home that’s expensive to heat. That’s higher than the South West average of 9.9%, which is why grant funding here is so important.
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 West Devon
With so many homes in West Devon 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 West Devon?
- 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 West Devon. Apply online or call 0800 246 1797 and we’ll check your postcode.
FAQs
Grant questions in West Devon
Can I get a free boiler in West Devon?
Yes — homeowners and private tenants in West Devon 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 West Devon are off the gas grid?
Around 43.7% of homes in West Devon — roughly 11,872 properties — aren’t connected to the gas network, higher 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 West Devon?
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.