On September 21st, the Government issued a notice detailing a significant modification to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Commencing on October 23, 2023, there will be an increase in the grant levels for air-source heat pumps and ground-source heat pumps. The grants, which previously stood at £5,000 for air source and £6,000 for ground source, will now be elevated to £7,500!!!
Understanding the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is an initiative aimed at providing financial support to homeowners and small businesses for energy-efficiency upgrades. It focuses specifically on enhancing the heating systems in buildings. Until now, eligible recipients have been entitled to:
- A £5,000 grant for air source heat pumps.
- A £6,000 grant for ground source heat pumps.
- A £5,000 grant for biomass boilers.
The BUS has proven to be an integral component of the UK’s Net Zero strategy. It has empowered numerous households and businesses to enhance the energy efficiency of their premises. Remarkably, over 4,600 households have taken advantage of the scheme to replace their gas boilers with heat pumps.
The Adjustments to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The recent changes initiated by the government will bring about a transformation in the BUS starting in October 2023, as mentioned earlier. The modifications will entail an increase in the funding available for measures like heat pumps. The government has approved the following alterations:
- Grants for Air Source Heat Pumps: Rising from £5,000 to £7,500.
- Grants for Ground Source Heat Pumps: Increasing from £6,000 to £7,500.
Implications of this Adjustment
This amendment will play a pivotal role in aiding those in fuel poverty or households with lower incomes to enhance the energy efficiency of their residences. Grants of this nature are instrumental in combating energy inefficiency, contributing to the creation of safer, warmer, and more energy-efficient homes. Thanks to these enhancements, homeowners can elevate their quality of life while aligning their properties with a greener future for the United Kingdom as a whole.
The statistic cited is derived from research conducted by NESTA.
