Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

NEWS UPDATE

The Government has announced an increase in the value of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant of 50% for air source heat pumps (ASHP). The grant will increase from £5,000 to £7,500.

The value of the grant for ground source heat pumps will increase to £7,500 from the current £6,000.

The grant for biomass bilers will remain the same at £5,000.

The announcement, which will be welcome news for homeowners in Kent and Sussex, was made by the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak yesterday, Wednesday 20th September. Details of when the changes will come in to affect will be announced later.

The Chief Executive of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) Ian Rippen said: "MCS welcomes the Government announcement today that The Boiler Upgrade Scheme UK grant values will be increased to £7,500. Making it easier and more affordable for the average UK consumer to transition to low-carbon heating, through air source heat pumps, which is vital if we are to reach our national decarbonisation goals.

“More people will now have the confidence and ability to invest in low-carbon heating and this is an important step forward towards net zero.”

“However, it is disappointing to see a delay in the deadline to phase out new gas boilers by 2035. The most important element of helping consumers make the right, informed, green choice is clarity and moving the goalposts now risks confusing home and business owners about what the right thing to do is.”

What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

The BUS is a Government incentive to encourage more people to install low carbon heating systems, such as heat pumps and biomass boilers to help with home energy efficiency.

What technologies are covered by the scheme and how much funding is available?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers both air source and ground source heating systems:

• Air Source Heat Pumps: £5,000 (now £7,500) off cost and installation
• Ground Source Heat Pumps: £6,000 (now 7,500) off cost and installation

Solar thermal is not eligible.

We can advise which heat pump is suitable for your property and whether solar PV would be a useful option. The scheme is open to homeowners and the owners of small business properties.

What do I need to be eligible?

To apply, you’ll need to:

• Own your property whether a home or a small business property
• Have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Your EPC must be less than 10 years old and must not have any recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation, unless you have an insulation exemption i.e. you have solid brick walls which cannot be filled. If your EPC recommends getting loft or cavity wall insulation, then this must be done before you can apply for the BUS

The initial scheme runs from May 2022 to 2028 but any heat pump system commissioned on or after 1 April 2022 will be eligible to apply. The intention is to provide grants for 30,000 installs a year for three-years on a first-come first-served basis

How can I get the grant?

The Heat Pump Upgrade Scheme is an installer-led scheme.

This means that we would apply for the grant on your behalf and the value of the grant will be taken off the final price you pay

How will the process work?

1. You will need to use and MCS installer in your area, such as ourselves. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is quality assurance scheme that ensures that installers are competent, and the products they use meet the correct standards. Only MCS registered installers can apply for the BUS on your behalf.

2. We can advise you on whether your installation is eligible for a grant under the scheme.

3. Once you decide to proceed with an installation, we will provide an MCS quote which will show the grant from the Boiler Scheme as a deduction from the total amount.

4. Once the Quote is signed, we will apply for the grant.

5. You will then be contacted by Ofgem, who oversee the grant scheme, to confirm that we are acting on your behalf.

6. Once the installation is completed, we will redeem the voucher from Ofgem.

Further information

Download The Boiler Upgrade Scheme information leaflet produced by the government to provide an overview of the scheme and links to key websites.