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23 May, 2022

Boiler Upgrade Scheme – grants for homeowners

The government has announced that grants will be made available for homeowners to install low carbon heating systems from Monday 23 May. 

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) will run until 2025 and aims to encourage homeowners in England and Wales to install low carbon heating systems. Grants will be available for: 

  • £5,000 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump
  • £5,000 off the cost and installation of a biomass boiler (only available for biomass boilers in rural locations and in properties that are not connected to the gas grid)
  • £6,000 off the cost and installation of a ground source heat pump

To apply you must:

  • Own your property (a home or small business property)
  • Have a property with an installation capacity up to 45kWth (this covers most homes)
  • Have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Your EPC must not have any outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation (unless you have an insulation exemption). If you do not know the EPC of your building the installer will assist you. 

New build properties will not normally be eligible for the grant. You may be eligible however, if you are building your own home.

How do I apply?

Your installer will apply for the grant on your behalf and the value of the grant will be deducted from the total price you pay.

First find an MSC certified installer in your area through the MSC website. They will recommend the right solution for your property and whether the suggested installation is eligible for a grant under the BUS scheme. They may recommend improving the energy efficiency of your property first. The MCS quality assurance scheme ensures that installers are competent, and the products they use meet the correct standards. 

Then, agree a quote for the installation with your installer and ask for a written document that shows the BUS grant is deducted from the total. 

Cllr Bob Bayford, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services & Special Projects at Thanet District Council said: 

“This new grant comes at a time when many households are trying to reduce their energy consumption. We recommend that you obtain quotes from more than one installer to make sure you’re getting the best value for money.”

Funding is not available for the replacement of existing low carbon heating systems. Only properties which are fully replacing existing fossil fuel systems (such as oil, gas or direct electric) are eligible for support. You can still apply if you have already received separate funding for energy efficiency upgrades such as insulation, doors or windows.

You can find further information on this scheme and on how to contact us for advice on saving energy in your home on our website: thanet.gov.uk/energyinthehome

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