What you need to know about the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
As the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) stops taking new applications from the 31st March, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is introduced in April 2022.
Previously known as the Clean Heat Grant, BUS is another government-run scheme like the RHI that will provide capital grants to support the installation of low carbon heating systems in homes and some non-domestic buildings.
Why is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) Being Introduced?
Our buildings currently account for a third of the UK’s carbon emissions, so the decarbonisation of our buildings will significantly help tackle climate change. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is just one measure within an entire package created to help transform the UK’s building infrastructure and transition to low carbon heat.
This BUS is hoping to incentivise and increase the deployment of heat pumps, providing some monetary support towards the purchase and installation. If more households are offered a grant to help pay for their renewable heat system, they are more likely to make this sustainable decision.
How Does the BUS Work?
The BUS scheme will provide capital grants to support the installation of ASHPs, GSHPs, and biomass boilers in domestic and non-domestic buildings. Although new build and social housing developments will not be eligible, domestic custom builds will be.
Grants of £7,500 will be given towards the installation and capital costs of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) and biomass boilers. Grants of £7,500 will be given towards the installation and capital costs of Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs). Overall, the scheme will support systems up to a capacity limit of 45kWth (kilowatt-thermal).
What is Eligible for the BUS?
As a scheme driven to support the installation of low carbon, renewable heating systems, the BUS will not support fossil fuel hybrid systems or systems used for process heating.
With the exception of custom-build properties, ASHPs and GSHPs will only be eligible where they replace existing fossil fuel systems or direct electric systems and must have a minimum Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) of 2.8. Biomass boilers will only be supported in rural areas and where they replace existing fossil fuel systems.
How PBT Installations Can Help
At PBT Installations, our team always ensure we keep up to date with government schemes and grants so we can offer our customers advice and guidance when it comes to heat pump installation. We are on-hand to provide information about which scheme to apply for as well as assistance with the application process too.
If you’d like more information about this new Boiler Upgrade Scheme or would like to discuss your renewable heat system requirements, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.