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What is it?
When the Government announced its Heat and Buildings Strategy in October 2021, it aimed to ensure that all low-carbon heating systems become as cheap and fair to all to buy and have installed in their homes. The end goal is to make the cost of these systems to be the same as fossil fuel ran boilers by 2030. And so the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (formally known as the Clean Heat Grant) was created. The scheme, which opens up on 1st April 2022 will allow applicants to claim £7,500 towards the installation of their new Air Source Heat Pump.
How Do I Apply?
Once you have permitted them, your MCS certified installer will need to make two separate applications to Ofgem on your behalf. The first is for the voucher needed to claim your £7,500 Government grant, the second is to redeem the voucher once the installation is complete and has been commissioned. Your installer will need to submit evidence to Ofgem that shows that the eligibility criteria had been met at both stages of application. The payment will then be made directly to the installer, thus reducing the final invoice cost for the homeowner. It is worth noting that the vouchers are valid for 3 months from the date they are issued.
What Are The Scheme's Eligibility Criteria?
You must be a homeowner, small landlord or private landlord in England and Wales. Custom and self-build homes will also be eligible for the scheme but new-build housing developments will not. All applicants will need to provide a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) that has been issued in the last 10 years at the time of your application. Unfortunately, the scheme is not available for residents in Scotland or Northern Ireland.
How Long Will The Scheme Run For?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme will run from 1st April 2022 through to April 2025. There are still parts of the scheme that have yet to be finalised by the government, but they have released a draft document of the regulations which can be found on the Gov.uk website.