Cadent has announced a new initiative that will see ten households living in vulnerable situations receive a free upgraded hybrid heating system.
Funded through Cadent’s Services Beyond the Meter programme, the initiative is designed to explore the potential of hybrid heating systems to better support vulnerable households. By combining an air‑source heat pump with a gas boiler, the programme will assess the cost, benefits and customer experience of hybrid systems operating in real homes.
In partnership with Worcester Bosch, TAGGAS and YES Energy Solutions, ten homes across Cadent’s network will be selected for the initial phase. Each will receive a low‑carbon hybrid heating system, an energy audit and an updated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
To qualify, households must have an EPC rating of D or below and be willing to have a smart meter installed. At least one resident must have a health or personal condition that increases vulnerability to cold weather. In addition, the household income must be no more than £31,000 or meet eligibility for a government means‑tested benefit.
Installations will take place throughout spring and summer, with a household in Coventry being the first to receive the upgrade.
By the end of the first year, participating households are expected to benefit from lower gas usage, improved energy efficiency, extended heating system lifespan and a reduced carbon footprint.
Hybrid heating systems automatically select the most efficient and cost‑effective heat source based on the outside temperature. The heat pump is expected to provide 70-80 per cent of annual heating demand, with the boiler acting as a top‑up during colder periods. This approach can reduce gas consumption by up to 60 per cent compared to a boiler‑only system.
Alongside the installation, households will receive comprehensive aftercare and monitoring support. Cadent will track system performance, with participants completing quarterly surveys to help assess and improve customer experience.
The programme will also identify and install additional support requirements beyond the hybrid heating system that can help make the property more energy efficiency. This could include:
Earl Richards, Technical Manager at Cadent, said: Decarbonising household heating systems is essential for meeting the UK’s net zero / clean power goals. However, we know that for many households, the cost and complexity of upgrades can be a barrier. That’s why this project is so important, as it will demonstrate what is possible for all households, including those most vulnerable.
Hybrid systems are a solution for those interested in taking part in the energy transition and experiencing a heat pump but with the familiarity of their gas boiler. They can play an important role in decarbonising domestic heating while providing an easier route to low-carbon energy for low-income and low-EPC-rated households.
Dr. Navid Khordehgah, Hybrid Product Manager at Worcester Bosch, said: It’s a pleasure to be working together to provide those in vulnerable situations with a new hybrid heating system - a technology we believe has strong potential for the UK market.
Our recent trial with the University of Salford found that hybrid systems can effectively heat homes in the UK while supporting the country’s Net Zero goals. This technology offers a practical and accessible stepping-stone on that journey for millions of households, especially those who may not be able to afford the costly and disruptive preparatory work often required for heat pumps.
Analysis by Stonehaven supports the role hybrid systems can play in accelerating heat decarbonisation. A recent report highlighted that hybrid heat pumps could significantly reduce system-wide costs, ease pressure on the electricity grid and provide a more accessible pathway for homes that will find it harder to decarbonise heating.
Earl Richards added: “Hybrid heat pump systems can cut carbon emissions by up to 60 per cent and are already widely deployed across Europe, particularly in the Netherlands and Italy. Through this pilot, we aim to show how similar solutions can be scaled across the UK.”
For more information, please visit www.cadentgas.com/hybrid-heating
Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.
Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.
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