As part of its Net Zero Strategy, the UK government has announced changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which provides grants to help homeowners install heat pumps. It is hoped that this will make it more affordable for people to switch to more energy-efficient options for their homes.
This new announcement is excellent news for new Green Flare customers considering installing this highly efficient form of heating in their homes. Like others in the industry, we are still waiting for complete instructions from the government on the changes. In this guide, we will explain what we know so far and what we think is helpful to both new and existing customers.
The first and most important thing about the BUS is that it's easy to apply. Once you have approved us to handle the BUS application for you, we will deal with all that time -consuming and head-scratching paperwork. We are responsible for securing the grant for your new highly efficient energy system. That means that whatever the changes are to the BUS, we take the stress away from you.
What are the new changes?
The main change is that the grant level for air and ground source heat pumps has increased from £5,000 to £7,500 🙌. Homeowners could save up to £7,500 on installing a heat pump. As we understand, there has been no increase for biomass boilers; this grant remains at £5,000.
The change to the BUS will come into effect on Monday, October 23rd, 2023. The best way to understand what this decision means right now is to consider three scenarios depending on what type of BUS customer you are.
This can be split into three main types of BUS customers:
1) those who have already gone through the scheme,
2) those currently somewhere in the process of getting a heat pump and applying through the scheme, and
3) those who haven't had a heat pump installed and haven't applied to BUS.
Customer 1 - Those who have already 'caught the BUS scheme.'
Suppose you are one of our forward-thinking customers who has already transformed their home with a heat pump installation and has received the £5,000 BUS grant against the installation cost. Sadly, you will not be eligible for the new grant. You cannot apply for an additional £2,500 contribution or refund towards the cost. We understand that this will be frustrating, but by being one of the early adopters of the BUS voucher scheme, you have actively contributed to helping the UK achieve net zero and have proven to the government and others that heat pumps work and can improve your home. Sadly, 'Top-Up' grants to cover the difference in cost between the old and new grant levels will not exist.
Customer 2 - Those who are currently 'waiting on the BUS.'
Suppose you are a customer who has already had a heat pump installed, and we have already applied for the BUS grant on your behalf. In this case, the options for you are slightly more complicated. Once a BUS voucher has been issued, it cannot be changed. This is because BUS vouchers are funded by the government, and the government has strict rules to ensure that the money is used for its intended purpose.
However, you can cancel a voucher issued and reapply for a new one. You should be aware that your new application may take some time to process, and there is no guarantee that you will be approved for the new amount. If you are considering cancelling your existing BUS voucher, we recommend that you contact the Boiler Upgrade Scheme team to discuss your options. They will be able to advise you on the best way to proceed.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you are considering cancelling your existing BUS voucher:
You must return your voucher to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme team.
There is no guarantee that you will be approved for the new amount.
It may take some time for your new application to be processed.
If you are unsure whether to cancel your existing BUS voucher, we recommend contacting the Boiler Upgrade Scheme team to discuss your options. They will be able to advise you on the best way to proceed.
Customer 3 - Those who have yet to take advantage and 'get aboard the BUS.'
You can follow these steps to take advantage of the new boiler upgrade increase. Remember, we will handle the BUS application for you.
Check if you are eligible for the scheme. You can verify your eligibility on the Boiler Upgrade Scheme website.
Once you have accepted our quote, we will apply for the grant online. We will need to provide information about your property, your existing heating system, and the new one we propose to install.
If your application is approved, you will be issued a voucher for the value of the grant. You can then use this voucher to pay for the installation of your new heating system.
A RECENT HEAT PUMP INSTALL
What are the benefits of switching to a heat pump?
Heat pumps are a low-carbon way to heat your home. They work by absorbing heat from the air or ground outside and transferring it into your home. This means they are much more efficient than traditional gas boilers, which generate heat by burning fossil fuels. Heat pumps can also save you money on your energy bills. This is because they are more efficient than gas boilers and because they run on electricity, which is a cheaper form of energy than gas.
The changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to switch to low-carbon heating. If you are considering switching to a heat pump, we encourage you to visit the Boiler Upgrade Scheme website to learn more about the scheme.
What's next for the BUS?
We're monitoring the news about the update every day. Another government consultation is taking place on BUS until October 12th, which could have other implications and changes to the scheme.
If you want to talk to us about a heat pump for your home, do not hesitate to contact us. You can find us at www.green-flare.com, 01173 3353635, or info@green-flare.com.
Remember, we handle the BUS application for you. We take away all the hassle, and we want to help you get the BUS grant to transform how you heat your homes for the future. 💚
