New energy saving grants for households in face of Iran war bill threat

EXCLUSIVE: New energy saving grants for households in face of Iran war bill threatEnergy Secretary Ed Miliband to unveil new package of new zero policies as UK is left counting cost of Middle East energy crisisCommentsMoneyGraham Hiscott Business and Consumer Editor22:30, 20 Apr 2026Updated 22:34, 20 Apr 2026View 4 ImagesAn extra £100million will be used to fast track solar panels on social housing(Image: Getty Images)The government is hiking a boiler upgrade grant in the face of an energy shock triggered by the Iran war.‌Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will also confirm an extra £100 million to cut energy bills for those in social housing. And he will pledge £25million to help low income households bag plug-in solar panels.‌The package will also include increasing the use of solar on public land, and encouraging a switch to electric cars. It comes as households and businesses are left fearing rising energy bills because of a surge in oil prices caused by the Middle East conflict.‌Campaigners say reducing the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels and boosting renewable alternatives is the best way to prevent the country being buffeted by global events.But critics argue the drive towards net zero involves huge upfront costs, with Labour under pressure to allow more drilling for North Sea oil.View 4 ImagesGrant for installing heat pump to be hiked from £7,500 to £9,000(Image: Lazy_Bear via Getty Images)‌READ MORE: Energy bills update as six groups of people could get help by joining 'register'READ MORE: Summer shortage fears with farming, food, drink and flights in peril due to Iran warMr Miliband will use a speak on Tuesday to double down on Labour’s net zero drive in the face of opposition. Among new measures will be an increase in the grant available through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme from £7.500 to £9,000.The scheme allows households in England and Wales to ditch their gas boiler in favour of a heat pump. They are designed as a form of low carbon central heating tha...