Heat Pump Suitability & Smart Data: Unlocking Future Rollouts Efficiently

As the world moves toward cleaner energy solutions, heat pumps have emerged as a key player in the transition to sustainability. The Newcastle Heat Pump Ready initiative showcases how utilising real world home energy data effectively can speed up and enhance the process of installing heat pumps. Working alongside E.ON, Newcastle City Council, Northern Power Grid and Energy Systems Catapult, Heatio has tapped into home energy data combined with our Home Energy Model to identify homes that will benefit most from heat pump installations. This innovative strategy not only provides accurate estimates of running costs but also allows us to prioritise which homes should be surveyed first, leading to a more efficient rollout.

A residential neighbourhood with visible heat pump and solar installations

The incorporation of virtual assessments and in-home monitoring has enabled us to determine each property’s Heat Transfer Coefficient (HTC). This vital measurement boosts our confidence in sizing before any hands-on assessment is conducted, ensuring the best solutions are recommended right from the start.

The Role of Data in Identifying Heat Pump suitability

Our initiative hinges on the clever use of data. By examining smart-meter data, we can identify houses that are not only suitable for heat pumps but are also most likely to reap significant benefits. For instance, homes with an annual energy consumption above 12,000 kWh are prime candidates, as they often face high electricity costs and can save substantially by switching to heat pumps.

By prioritising surveys based on this data, we can direct our efforts where they are most effective. Our approach reduces wasted time and resources, ensuring installers connect with homeowners who are genuinely interested in proceeding with an installation.

Protecting the Local Grid

A critical element of the Newcastle Heat Pump Ready initiative is our collaboration with E.ON and Northern Powergrid to analyse substation capacity. By using actual network data and After Diversity Maximum Demand (ADMD) insights from prior trials, we evaluate how heat pump installations will affect the local grid.

For example, in previous projects, we found that areas with high concentrations of heat pump usage saw an increase in demand of about 15%. Understanding this impact is essential. By layering this data with consumer preferences and archetypes, we can effectively target neighbourhoods ready for heat pump installations. This foresight not only safeguards the grid but also ensures a smooth, efficient rollout.

Engaging Homeowners Through Effective Outreach

While technical details and data analysis are foundational, engaging homeowners is just as vital. In partnership with E.ON, Newcastle City Council and Energy Systems Catapult, we have experimented with a variety of outreach strategies, messaging, and channels to streamline the process for homeowners.

Our digital pre-qualification system assists homeowners from the moment they express interest to when they receive preliminary designs and pricing. By analysing actual energy usage patterns and applying time-of-use tariff insights, we provide homeowners with personalised information that meets their unique needs. This tailored approach not only eliminates unnecessary surveys but also leads to a greater number of qualified inquiries for installers, enhancing the overall installation process.

The Benefits of a Data-Driven Pathway

The result of these efforts is a data-driven pathway that guides each phase of the heat pump rollout. By working with real home energy data, we can pinpoint whom to reach out to, what solutions to propose, and the optimal timing for installations. This approach fosters customer confidence, showing lenders concrete evidence post-installation that supports green mortgage options.

Additionally, our data-driven strategy contributes to improved planning for local distribution networks. By predicting the impact of heat pump installations on the grid, we can ensure the infrastructure needed for this transition to sustainable energy is ready to roll.

Funding and Support for Innovation

The Newcastle Heat Pump Ready initiative receives funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP). This financial support highlights the need for innovative strategies as we work toward net-zero emissions. By investing in data-driven methods and effective community outreach, we are not just improving heat pump installations; we're building a more sustainable future.

A New Approach to Energy Efficiency

The Newcastle Heat Pump Ready initiative is a prime example of how smart data and community engagement can revolutionise the heat pump installation process. By leveraging advanced data analytics, understanding grid capabilities, and communicating effectively with homeowners, we are paving the way for a more efficient transition to renewable energy.

As we refine our methods and gather valuable insights from this project, we believe heat pumps will significantly help lower carbon emissions and meet our ambitious net-zero targets. The path to a greener future relies not just on technology but on teamwork, creativity, and commitment to making sustainable energy accessible for everyone.

Success in the rollout of heat pumps depends on our ability to utilise data wisely and connect with communities genuinely. Together, we can unleash the full potential of heat pumps and propel the shift toward a sustainable energy future.

Download the Heat Pump Ready Newcastle Report.