BUS Application Process

Start Help Me Choose Available Funding England & Wales BUS Application

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) Application Process

The Application Process

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme will be installer led, meaning that you do not have to apply for the voucher yourself. More information about the application process has been published on Page 27 of Ofgem’s property owner guidance.

Step-by-step process for applying below.

Step 1

You find an MCS certified installer in your area that is able to carry out the work. (The MCS quality assurance scheme ensures that installers are competent, and the products they use meet the correct standards.)

Step 2

Your installer will advise you on whether an installation is eligible for a grant

Step 3

You agree a quote for the installation

Step 4

Your installer applies for the grant. You will likely need to assist the installer by sharing information and evidence on the property and chosen technology for confirmation of eligibility

Step 5

You confirm that the installer is acting on your behalf when you are contacted by Ofgem via the digital service

Who will be eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

Installers - Must be MCS Certified

Location - Properties must be located in England or Wales

Type of building

• Domestic and small non-domestic buildings are eligible

• Social housing and new builds are not eligible

• ‘Self-builds’ are the only eligible new builds

Energy Performance Certificates

All properties must have an EPC with either:

• No recommendations to install loft or cavity wall insulation

• Or provide evidence of being exempt from insulation requirements

Commissioning date

On or after 1st April 2022.

Previous heating system requirements

• The previous system must have been a fossil fuel powered heating system or electric system, excluding heat pumps

• All heat generating components must be replaced

Eligible technologies

• Air Source Heat Pumps

• Ground Source Heat Pumps

• Water Source Heat Pumps

• Ground Source Heat Pumps as part of a shared ground loop

• Biomass boilers

Capacity limit

45 kWth total capacity limit, including for shared ground loop systems. This covers the vast majority of domestic and small non-domestic properties.

Heat pump or biomass boiler system requirements

• Your installer will be able to advice you of which technology is most suitable for your home and help you to understand the eligibility criteria, including the technical eligibility criteria for the system.

• Your NIBE Pro installer will advise whether a low carbon heating system is suitable for your property. Find your nearest NIBE Pro Installer here.

• You can check your eligibility for the scheme here.

Zero VAT on heat pumps

The recently announced 0% VAT on the installation of energy saving materials including heat pumps and biomass boilers, further reduces the cost of installing these systems. This reduction takes effect from 1st April 2022, and will last for 5 years, meaning it will cover the entire period of the BUS. More information about how this is applied can be found here.