Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

This scheme is open in England and Wales. 

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government scheme that provides upfront grants to help reduce the cost of installing heat pumps and biomass boilers in homes and non-domestic buildings. 

The scheme is installer-led. Installers who are MCS certified can apply for and redeem Boiler Upgrade Scheme vouchers on behalf of property owners. 

Property owners considering installing a heat pump or biomass boiler can apply to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme through an MCS certified installer to help reduce the upfront cost. 

Applying for a grant 

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides grants to the value of: 

• £9,000 off the cost and installation of air-to-water or ground source heat pumps in eligible off-gas grid properties. This is available until 31 March 2027. 
• £7,500 off the cost and installation of air-to-water heat pumps, ground source heat pumps and water source heat pumps  
• £5,000 off the cost and installation of biomass boilers 
• £2,500 off the cost and installation of air-to-air heat pumps for residential properties only 

Scheme roles and responsibilities 

Our role  

We administer the Boiler Upgrade Scheme on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.   

We are responsible for: 

• publishing guidance for installers and property owners 
• processing voucher applications and voucher redemption applications 
• making payments to installers following successful voucher redemption applications 
• publishing reports on how the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is operating 
• monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme regulations and carrying out audits and assurance activity 
• investigating suspected fraud relating to the administration of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and referring cases to the appropriate authorities where necessary.  

We are not responsible for:  

• setting scheme policy or legislation  
• certifying installers, products or installations  

For questions about your application, voucher, scheme administration, or the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, email us at BUS.Enquiry@ofgem.gov.uk or call 0330 053 2006. 

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s role 

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero's responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• the scheme policy and legislation 
• approving and publishing the standards, including consumer codes, that installers and products must adhere to  
• setting scheme budget and publishing budget allocations for BUS vouchers annually and quarterly, if required 
• determining, publishing, and reviewing BUS grant categories and the value of BUS grants and, if required, altering those values 

For questions about the scheme’s underlying policy, including eligibility criteria, email the department at boilerupgradescheme@energysecurity.gov.uk.  

MCS’ role 

MCS is an independent certification scheme for microgeneration installation companies and products.  

To be eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, installers must be MCS certified and meet the MCS standards. 

For this scheme, MCS' roles include, but are not limited to:  

• setting and maintaining technical standards for installations and products 
• certifying installers and products against those standards 
• issuing MCS certificates for completed eligible installations 
• assisting certification bodies to review and address cases and consumer issues relating to installers or products 

For questions about an installation, installer conduct, or technical standards, email MCS at hello@mcscertified.com or call 0333 103 8130.