At the end of last week, Ofgem issued an update on launch of the new Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Here’s a summary of what’s been announced:
Boiler Upgrade Scheme Key Dates
Key dates for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme have been released and are as follows:
1st April 2022 – Commissioning date – Eligible low carbon heating systems that are commissioned on or after this date will be entitled to support under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
23rd May 2022 – Voucher applications open – Harvest Cornwall will be able to apply for vouchers for grants from this date. We will also be able to redeem them and receive payment, provided the heat pumps have been successfully commissioned such that we can raise the MCS certificate against them.
How do you apply to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
MY PROJECT HAS ALREADY STARTED
If your heat pump project is already underway and will be commissioned between 1st April and 23rd May, Harvest Cornwall will apply for your voucher when the scheme opens for voucher applications, week commencing 23rd May.
We will contact you beforehand to explain the process, and to obtain your permission to apply for a voucher on your behalf. In addition to this, you Ofgem will also confirm your consent for the voucher application directly by email.
Once the voucher has been issued, we will then redeem the voucher as quickly as possible. We are assured by Ofgem that payments will be made weekly.
Please note that whilst BEIS have confirmed that the eligibility criteria are virtually identical to that of the Renewable Heat Incentive, issuing of vouchers is subject to availability and eligibility, both of which are at Ofgem’s sole discretion. Therefore, Harvest Cornwall are not able to guarantee the grant amounts.
MY PROJECT HAS NOT YET STARTED
If your heat pump project has not yet started but you intend to proceed with a Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, then Harvest Cornwall will apply for a voucher on your behalf.
In order to do this, we will need to obtain your permission to apply for a voucher on your behalf. We will issue you with a form to complete in order to provide this permission. You will then need to confirm with us when the heat pump is going to be installed. We will only apply for the voucher once an installation timeframe has been confirmed, this is to minimise the risk of vouchers being awarded but then expiring because they have not been redeemed in the required timeframe.
If you wish to install your heat pump before the 23rd May (i.e. before we are able to apply for your voucher), then this is still possible, however you will be required to make full payment for your heat pump equipment in advance.
Please note that whilst BEIS have confirmed that the eligibility criteria are virtually identical to that of the Renewable Heat Incentive, issuing of vouchers is subject to availability and eligibility, both of which are at Ofgem’s sole discretion. Therefore, Harvest Cornwall are not able to guarantee the grant amounts.
What Is The Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a new Government scheme to encourage homeowners and business owners to replace their fossil fuel boilers and install low carbon heating systems, which include air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps. The scheme is scheduled to start from 1st April 2022.
Air Source Heat Pump Grant – £5,000
Ground Source Heat Pump Grant – £6,000
Who Is Eligible For The Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant?
You can consider yourself eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme if you meet a few simple requirements:
- You must be a homeowner or small business owner
- Your property must be in England or Wales
- The building must have been issued an energy performance certificate (EPC) in the past 10 years
- You must follow one of the three EPC scenarios listed below
There are three valid paths to making sure your EPC is eligible:
- Your EPC contains no recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation
- It contains one of these insulation recommendations, but you insulate your home between applying for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and getting a heat pump installed
- Your property has an EPC or insulation exemption – for example, this may be the case if you own a listed building.
If your property is a custom-built home, it won’t need an EPC to qualify, as you will have had to follow the latest eco-friendly building regulations.
You can find more information about the BUS at these links:
Ofgem:
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/boiler-upgrade-scheme-bus
Energy Saving Trust:
https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/grants-and-loans/boiler-upgrade-scheme/
Any Questions?
If you have questions about the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team.
