The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) announced significant changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme on 14 March 2024, following a consultation held in summer 2023 on proposals to encourage greater uptake of low-carbon heating and provide a simpler consumer offer1. The changes came into force on 8 May 20241.
Under the revised rules, the requirement for a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) generated in the last 10 years is retained, but the requirement to have no outstanding recommendations for loft and cavity wall insulation on the EPC is removed1. The regulations also differentiate grant levels for properties off the gas grid and self-build properties, which MCS describes as future-proofing1. The government does not intend to vary the grant levels for these properties when the regulations come into force, but will be able to do so in future if necessary1.
Two categories of system are affected. Biomass boilers with an integrated cooking function become newly eligible for support1. For ground source heat pumps, the threshold for shared ground loops rises from 45kW to 300kW, while the threshold for a single installation remains at 45kW1.
The approach to commissioning dates has also been amended. An application will not be eligible if it is made for a system commissioned more than 120 days ahead of the application; previously any system installed after the scheme launch was eligible1.
"On 14 March 2024, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) announced some significant changes to the BUS based on the consultation responses"
| Change | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| EPC insulation recommendations | No outstanding loft and cavity wall insulation recommendations required | Requirement removed; valid EPC within 10 years retained1 |
| Shared ground loop threshold | 45kW | 300kW1 |
| Single installation threshold | 45kW | 45kW (unchanged)1 |
| Commissioning date | Any system installed after scheme launch eligible | Not eligible if commissioned more than 120 days ahead of application1 |
| Biomass boilers with integrated cooking function | Not eligible | Newly eligible1 |
Why it matters for households
The removal of the insulation recommendation condition changes who can apply. Households whose EPC carries outstanding loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations were previously excluded from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme; that barrier is gone, although a valid EPC from the last 10 years is still needed, so eligibility still turns on the certificate itself1. The commissioning window matters for timing: a system installed long before an application is submitted will not qualify, which places the application process closer to the installation date than before1. The higher shared ground loop threshold widens the scope for larger ground source arrangements, while a single installation remains capped at 45kW1. The differentiated grant levels for off-gas-grid and self-build properties create the mechanism for future variation, though no variation is intended at present1. The grant amounts themselves are unchanged in the announcement, and no revised figures have been reported1.
What happens next
The changes took effect on 8 May 20241. DESNZ has not set out further steps in the announcement, and no future review dates have been reported1. Installers seeking registration with the scheme can sign up and apply through the route MCS links to1.
Sources1 cited
- Changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme - MCS, mcscertified.com