Can Fully Electric Homes Be Affordable and Efficient? Heat Pumps, Spark Gap, and EU Electrification Plan

Fully electric homes can be affordable and efficient, but only if policy addresses the gap between electricity and gas prices. Heat pumps are three to four times more efficient than gas boilers, yet higher electricity costs cancel out that advantage in many European countries. The EU's electrification plan aims to cut the spark gap to 2.5 by 2030, reduce taxes on electricity, and phase out fossil fuel subsidies. Building retrofits, proper insulation, and smart meter usage also play a key role. With the right incentives, heat pumps can become cheaper to run than gas, while cutting carbon emissions and reducing reliance on imported fuel.