Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS): What Is It?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme helps eligible property owners in England and Wales meet part of the upfront cost of replacing fossil-fuel heating with a qualifying low-carbon system. Standard support includes grants for eligible air-to-water and ground-source heat pumps. From 21 July 2026, higher support is available for certain qualifying off-gas-grid properties replacing oil, LPG or coal heating. The final amount depends on the technology, property and current scheme rules.

The application is installer-led. After checking the property and proposed system, an MCS-certified installer applies to Ofgem on the property owner’s behalf. Ofgem contacts the owner to confirm consent and may request eligibility evidence. Once the eligible system has been installed and commissioned, the installer redeems the voucher and the grant is deducted from the price shown to the customer. Application and voucher deadlines depend on the technology and current rules, so timings should be confirmed before work begins.

Applicants must own the property in England or Wales and normally be replacing an existing fossil-fuel heating system. Most developer-led new builds and social housing are excluded, while qualifying self-build properties can be eligible. A previous heat-pump grant for the same property can also affect eligibility. The current rules do not list a valid EPC as a universal property-eligibility requirement, although an EPC and a proper heat-loss assessment remain useful when planning the wider upgrade.

The scheme has been extended to 2030. Regulations, grant categories and values can be amended during that period, so this article should be read alongside the latest GOV.UK and Ofgem guidance rather than treated as a permanent statement of eligibility.

The installer should first assess the property, existing heating system and proposed low-carbon technology. The quotation should identify the equipment, installation work, grant deduction and any work that sits outside the scheme. Property owners should not assume that receiving a voucher means every part of a wider heating upgrade is funded.

The installer submits the application, but the property owner must provide consent and complete any identity or eligibility checks requested by Ofgem. Work should not be planned around a grant until the installer has explained the relevant application and installation deadlines.

• Which technology and grant category is being proposed?

• Which parts of the quotation are covered by the grant deduction?

• What property, planning or electrical work is excluded?

• Which application, installation and commissioning deadlines apply?

• What happens if the property or proposed system is found to be ineligible?