The Eco Experts’ 2024 National Home Energy Survey has revealed that one in four UK adults are unaware of any renewable energy schemes. These findings suggest that the UK government isn’t doing enough to effectively publicise renewable energy schemes.

The Eco Experts’ survey of 2,184 UK adults found that on average, the UK public is only aware of 1.7 low-carbon technology schemes available to them.

Considering that cost is the greatest barrier to adopting renewable energy for nearly half (48%) of the UK population, the government should be taking steps to better communicate its cost-saving low carbon technology schemes to the public.

UK energy efficiency schemes with lowest public awareness:

  1. Smart Export Guarantee – 3% awareness
  2. Home Improvement Loans (Wales) – 5% awareness
  3. Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan – 5% awareness
  4. Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) – 6% awareness
  5. Home Upgrade Grant – 7% awareness

Winter Fuel Payment has the highest public awareness

Public awareness is significantly high for the Winter Fuel Payment (a non- renewable energy grant), as nearly half of the population (47%) is familiar with this scheme – likely due to its direct financial relief for winter heating costs.

The scheme is however scheduled to change, which could significantly affect those who rely on it, highlighting the urgent need for clear communication around alternative support options.

Younger generations need financial support to purchase green tech

The Eco Experts report revealed that a staggering 91% of Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X would purchase low-carbon technologies if financial support were available to them.

In comparison, Boomers are 8 percentage points less likely to be influenced by financial incentives.

The overall likelihood of purchasing low-carbon technologies with financial support has increased by 3% YoY, reaching a huge 89%. 

The Eco Experts Editor, Roland Ellison, comments: “With so many different government funding schemes available in different parts of the UK, applying can be a complicated area for consumers to navigate.”

“More needs to be done by the government and scheme administrators to make low-carbon technology funding easier for consumers to understand and apply for.

One of the low-carbon tech schemes with a high level of recognition, was the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.This is perhaps the simplest, as it provides upfront grants (of up to £7500) to support the installation of heat pumps and biomass boilers for homes and non-domestic buildings in England and Wales.

The BUS application is applied for by installers, making it easier for consumers to benefit from. 

If the government wants people to take advantage of these funding schemes, they should ensure that they are simple to access and to adopt.”

Managing Director of Project Solar UK, Tom Armstrong, adds that “there remains a clear gap between awareness and widespread adoption of low carbon technologies. The challenge for government, industry leaders, and businesses alike is to bridge this gap—by effectively communicating the benefits, and simplifying the process for consumers to transition to cleaner energy”.

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