The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) was launched in April 2022 and is administered by the energy regulator OFGEM. The BUS scheme is part of a wide range of decarbonising and energy-saving plans by the UK government. It is hoped the scheme will allow up to 90000 homes in England and Wales to install low-carbon heat technology and reduce carbon emissions.

It is available to homes in England and Wales and provides a financial grant that can be used against the cost of installing a heat pump or biomass boiler to replace a fossil fuel heating system.

You can get one grant per property. Grants are available for –

• £5000 towards an air-source heat pump
• £6000 towards a ground source heat pump
• £5000 towards a biomass boiler

What is a Heat Pump?

An air or ground-source heat pump will be the best option for most people. You can learn more about what a heat pump is and how it can help to heat your home and reduce your energy bills on our website here. If you prefer to see something before you commit you can visit the Low Carbon Homes Showroom in Ellesmere where a number of heat-pump devices (air-source and ground-source) are set up and ready for demonstration. Visit the showroom website here to learn more and arrange a visit.

How do you apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

If you decide to go ahead and install a heat pump in your home. There are two stages you need to go through to make a successful application.

1. Before you apply to the BUS scheme

You will need to find an MCS-accredited installer to help you apply to the BUS scheme. Princes LHS are MCS accredited so that we can help you every step of the way.
A few eligibility checks are carried out and OFGEM will confirm your consent to the scheme conditions. Once OFGEM is satisfied with your application and has your consent, the grant approval will be given through your chosen MCS-accredited installer.

2. After your heat pump has been installed

Once your new equipment has been installed and is working, the installer provides evidence to OFGEM that the work has been completed. OFGEM will then assess the installation and pay the grant amount to the installer on your behalf.

So – would I be eligible?

To be successful in your Boiler Upgrade Scheme application, it must meet the following criteria –

• The installer must be MCS certified
• Your new heat pump or biomass boiler must be replacing a fossil-fuelled system
• Your home must have a current EPC certificate (issued in the last 10 years) without recommendations to install cavity wall insulation (unless exempt)
• Biomass boilers can only be installed in rural areas and not in properties connected to mains gas.
• Heat pumps and biomass boilers must meet approved standards
• There is a 45kwth total capacity limit
• Domestic and non-domestic buildings are eligible including self-build homes.

How do I apply?

You will need to appoint an MCS-accredited installer to apply for the scheme, Princes LHS are MCS accredited and since the scheme launched earlier this year, we have helped a number of customers claim a grant under the BUS scheme.

Contact our team here or by calling 01691 624336 and one of our team will help you confirm your eligibility.