The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) recorded its highest ever number of heat pump vouchers issued in August, according to figures released today by Andy Burnham's government. The scheme offers households in England and Wales thousands of pounds towards the installation of a low carbon heating system.
Eligible homeowners can claim £9,000 off the cost and installation of air-to-water or ground source heat pumps in qualifying off-gas grid properties until 31 March 2027, according to Ofgem. Alternatively, householders could claim £7,500 off an air source heat pump, £7,500 off a ground source heat pump, or £5,000 off a biomass boiler.
Surge in uptake
There has been around a 40% rise in BUS vouchers issued compared with the same period in 2025, reports the Mirror. Heat pumps are highly efficient electric devices that draw and amplify warmth from the outside air or ground into a building, according to the government. They can significantly reduce a property's energy demands when replacing technologies such as gas boilers.
Jess Ralston, Head of Energy at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), said in a statement: "August's record month for heat pumps under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is another signal that this net zero technology is moving into the mainstream, with people seeing the clean transition as a route to energy independence and more stable bills. If the UK had fewer Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and gas boilers, we'd be far less exposed to the international oil and gas price spikes that have repeatedly driven up bills and triggered energy crises."
Impact of the Iran conflict
The surge in uptake comes as UK energy costs are being pushed higher by the conflict in Iran. A deputy governor at the Bank of England has warned that interest rates may need to rise should energy prices remain at their current levels.
Clare Lombardelli said: "The main driver of near-term inflation is developments in global energy prices. The energy shock due to the conflict in the Middle East has already pushed up UK inflation, and we expect it to continue to do so in the coming months. There is significant uncertainty about how the conflict will develop, and so about the evolution of energy prices."
Eligibility and application
Installers holding MCS certification are able to apply for and redeem Boiler Upgrade Scheme vouchers on behalf of property owners. A number of energy companies across the UK provide guidance on the scheme, with British Gas, E.ON Next and EDF Energy all publishing details on their websites.
Government guidance stipulates that your property must be a residential dwelling or small to medium-sized non-domestic premises situated in England or Wales, and must hold a valid energy performance certificate. Other conditions apply. For full details, to apply or to find out further information regarding eligibility, visit the dedicated government web page on the subject.
