From Monday, July 21, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant will increase from £7,500 to £9,000, a 20% rise, for households on heating oil across England and Wales. This change aims to help rural households switch to heat pumps, which can be much less expensive to run over time.
Eligibility and Application
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced that leaflets would be sent to 200,000 eligible homes in England and Wales starting June 26, providing information on how to claim the increased funding. The grant covers £9,000 off the cost and installation of air-to-water or ground source heat pumps in eligible off-gas grid properties, available until March 31, 2027, according to Ofgem.
Applicants must own their property and be replacing a heating system that uses heating oil or LPG. A valid Energy Performance Certificate is also required, as reported by The Sun.
How to Claim
Households can get a quote by visiting the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) to find a heat pump installer in their area or by contacting their energy supplier, the government's Clean Energy campaign explains. The campaign emphasizes choosing a suitable and qualified tradesperson, noting that MCS installers are necessary for those applying for government funding like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and the installer will apply on behalf of the household.
The property must be located in England and Wales. For Scotland, financial help is available through Home Energy Scotland, as heating and energy efficiency is a devolved matter. Northern Ireland residents may get support via the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme.
Benefits of Heat Pumps
According to the Clean Energy campaign, heat pumps are three times more energy efficient than traditional boilers, substantially reducing the carbon footprint of homes. Because they run on electricity, there is potential for bill savings by using smart tariffs with cheaper off-peak rates.
Minister for Energy Consumers Martin McCluskey stated: "This government is determined to bring down energy bills, but I know the war in the Middle East has hit households on heating oil especially hard. We have already taken action to support these households through confirming over £50 million in support for vulnerable customers on heating oil. Now, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme will help thousands of families across England and Wales switch to clean heat to protect them from volatile fossil fuels."
