The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) published a draft response to Ofgem's consultation on the administration of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme on 17 January 2022, and asked its members for feedback by 24 January1. The government has named Ofgem as the intended administrator of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), formerly known as the Clean Heat Grant, and the regulator is seeking views on its proposed administration of the scheme by 27/1/221.
The REA stated that the consultation covers the technical administration of the scheme only, rather than policy aspects such as eligibility, which it said had already been consulted on by BEIS1. Its draft response addresses questions including how existing heating systems should be evidenced, whether installers should be the party providing evidence to Ofgem on custom-build properties, and whether the authorised signatory for business accounts should be an individual with legal authority to represent the organisation1. It also covers whether installers should be required to tell property owners about the possibility of audits at the application stage and confirm this to Ofgem, Ofgem's proposed administration of the right of review, and how frequently Ofgem should publish reports on vouchers issued and available budget1.
"The REA has drafted a response and is looking for member feedback."
The REA said members could email comments or arrange a call to discuss the proposals, and gave 24 January as the final deadline for member feedback1. Ofgem's own deadline for responses to the consultation is 27/1/221.
Why it matters for households
The consultation concerns how the Boiler Upgrade Scheme application process will work in practice, not who qualifies or how much the grant is worth. The questions listed by the REA point to the mechanics a household would meet: proving what heating system is already installed, the installer's role in supplying evidence, and being told at application stage that a grant claim may be audited1. How Ofgem handles reviews of decisions and how often it reports on vouchers issued and remaining budget also bear on how predictable the scheme is for anyone planning a heat pump installation around it1. Eligibility rules for the scheme are not part of this consultation, and the REA's page does not set out the grant amounts, eligible technologies or property requirements1.
What happens next
Member feedback to the REA was due by 24 January 2022, and Ofgem's consultation closes on 27/1/221. The REA's page does not state when Ofgem will publish its response or confirm the final administrative arrangements1.