As the Domestic Renewable Heating Incentive (DHRI) comes to an end, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy are to launch a new scheme – the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). On Monday 23rd May 2022, the BUS launches and installers will be able to apply for financial aid to go towards the installation of greener heating for our homes.
What is it?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a flat, upfront grant which consists of £450 million to be distributed over a 3 year period. Whereas the DHRI made use of a tariff based payback scheme, the BUS will work differently. It will provide the opportunity for customers to receive £5000 towards the cost of an air-source heat pump or biomass installation, or £6000 towards the cost of a ground-source heat pump installation.
Why Does it Matter?
The UK has pledged to reach net zero Carbon Emissions by 2050, and improving the way we heat our homes is a key part of this movement. Old, inefficient gas boilers hurt our [green efforts] and costs consumers more money than necessary, so moving towards greener, more efficient central heating option not only benefits the country but also the home-owner. It allows people to heat their homes for less. Considering the grant this scheme offers to people, even the cost of the initial installation is reduced to a far more manageable price tag, making green energy more accessible to all. Speaking on this topic, Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said:
Recent volatile global gas prices have highlighted the need to double down on our efforts to reduce Britain’s reliance on fossil fuels and move away from gas boilers over the coming decade to protect consumers in long term. As the Technology improves and costs plummet over the next decade, we expect low carbon heating systems will become the obvious affordable choice for consumers.
Business and Energy Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng
Who Can Benefit?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is available for the following:
- Homes (domestic dwellings)
- Small non-domestic buildings
- Owner-Occupiers
- Private Landlords
- People who build their own homes (custom-builds)
There is a requirement that the customer must have an EPC issued in the last 10 years to be able to qualify.
As this scheme takes effect, both Domestic and Non-Domestic Energy Assessors will likely run into more and more alternative heating scenarios throughout their surveys. If you’re interested in learning more about the BUS, please click here to read the government Press Release entitled ‘Plan to drive down the cost of clean heat’. Or, if you’d like to look into getting involved in this sector professionally, please consider one of our courses. You can book a space online, or by calling us on 0333 012 0002.
