UK ranked last in European home electrification index

15 April 2026

The United Kingdom has been ranked last among eight European countries for household electrification, according to new analysis from LCP Delta, with the gap expected to persist through to 2030.

The Household Electrification Index measures adoption of technologies including electric vehicle charge points, rooftop solar panels, home batteries and heat pumps across markets representing around 70% of Europe’s housing stock. It found the UK trailing behind all other countries in the study, particularly in the installation of heat pumps, where it ranks bottom.

By contrast, the Netherlands leads the index and is projected to reach nearly half of its potential for household electrification by the end of the decade. Belgium and Poland are also ahead of the UK in overall progress.

The UK performs comparatively better in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, placing third among the countries analysed. The report attributes this to supportive policies, including a zero rate of VAT on home charge point installations.

However, the study highlights structural barriers to wider electrification. Electricity costs remain significantly higher relative to gas in the UK, reflected in a “spark spread” of 4.6, the highest recorded among the countries assessed. This disparity increases the running costs of technologies such as heat pumps. In comparison, the Netherlands and Germany have reduced their spark spreads to 1.6 and 3.3 respectively, alongside introducing measures to accelerate heat pump adoption in both new and existing homes.

The analysis also suggests that even if pricing issues are addressed, high upfront costs and limited financial support could continue to restrict uptake in the UK.

Across Europe, the pace of electrification would need to increase substantially to meet long-term climate targets. Current projections indicate that several countries, including the UK, may not achieve full household electrification until after 2070 without significant acceleration.

Andy Bradley, a partner at LCP Delta, comments:

“Addressing the spark spread and incentivising demand side response has the potential to deliver what everyone wants – lower bills and less reliance on gas.”

Steven Ashurst, head of market intelligence:

“Supporting and accelerating the installation of these electrification technologies will be key to building an electricity system that can better withstand future shocks.”