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Our Guide to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The government heat pump grant is known as the BUS. It began on April 1st 2022, with applications for vouchers opening from May 23rd 2022.
With increasing concerns over climate change & carbon emissions, the government recognised that we needed to change the way our homes are heated. Part of this plan is to phase out fossil fuel boilers in favour of low carbon alternatives, such as heat pumps. This is where the BUS can help you with your heat pump installation.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme: What Grant Can I Get?
The BUS will run for 3 years with the governement setting aside a budget of £150 million for each year. This means that there is a maximum of 30,000 grants available each year with applications being treated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Air Source Heat Pump
A £5000 upfront voucher towards the purchase & installation of an air source heat pump.
Ground Source Heat Pump
A £6000 upfront voucher towards the purchase & installation of a ground source heat pump.
So now is the time to plan for a heat pump installation with the Reina Group & apply for a government grant.
Who can access the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
You are eligible for the BUS if you meet a few simple requirements:
- You must be a homeowner & looking to replace a fossil fuel or electric heating system
- Or be building a new-build home which is classified as a self-build
- Your property must be in England or Wales
What is the Eligibility & Criteria?
The BUS is aimed at properties which are appropriate for low carbon heat technologies.
The install must be undertaken by an MCS certified installer such as the Reina Group.
Unless it is a new-build, the property must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), less than 10 years old.
The EPC must have no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation but any recommendations can be carried out at the same time as a heat pump installation, meaning that an application to the BUS can still be made. A newly generated EPC can be evidenced at the application stage.
6 Easy Steps: How do I apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
Step 1
The Reina Group will advise if your installation is eligible for a grant.
Step 2
You accept our quote for a heat pump installation.
Step 3
The Reina Group will apply for the grant on your behalf.
Step 4
When contacted by BUS, you'll just need to confirm that the Reina Group is acting on your behalf.
Step 5
The application is approved.
Step 6
The value of the grant will be discounted off the price you pay to us.
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Boiler Upgrade Scheme FAQs
What consumer protection do I have?
The government has stated that they recognise the importance of consumer protection & ensuring installations supported through the BUS are of the highest quality. To implement this, all installers participating in the scheme must be MCS certified & members of a Consumer Code such as RECC that ensures customers are protected by a Trading Standards Institute Approved Code of Practice.
I can’t install insulation, can I still apply to the BUS?
Yes, you will just need a written exemption on your EPC if, for example, you can’t install insulation due to having a listed property or being in a conservation area.
Can I apply if I am building my own home?
Yes, the scheme allows applications for self-build properties.
Will I need an EPC if I am building my own home?
Custom-build homes will not have to provide an EPC to evidence insulation eligibility since they are subject to the latest building regulations.
Can I apply for 2 vouchers when having more than 1 heat pump?
No, the scheme only allows for 1 grant per property.
Can I qualify if the heat pump is only providing heating?
No, the heat pump must be providing heating & hot water to the property.
Who manages the scheme?
The scheme is managed by Ofgem on behalf of the government
How long does the application to BUS take?
The Reina Group will make the application on your behalf & it can be done even before you have committed to a heat pump installation. The initial process of voucher approval takes around 2 weeks. The voucher will then be valid for 3 months so the aim will be to get the heat pump installed & commissioned by then. If, for any reason, there is a delay it is possible to re-apply for another voucher.
Do I have to make the grant application myself?
No, the Reina Group will apply on your behalf. You’ll just need to give your approval within 14 days of notification from the scheme.
Will I have to pay the full installation cost to get the grant?
No. Once the application is approved, we will take the voucher value off your installation cost.
How long do I have to use the grant?
Once approved, the installation must be commissioned within 3 months. However, if the voucher lapses, you can apply again.
Can I qualify if I have a heat pump with fossil fuel hybrid system?
No, the scheme will not support hybrid systems or systems used for process heating.
I am in social housing, do I qualify?
No, but there is another scheme for social housing customers called the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund
I have received a previous RHI grant, can I still apply to the BUS?
No, the BUS is only for new systems.
Can’t find an answer? Email us
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