Government support for renewable heating
The UK government offers financial support to encourage homes and businesses to switch from fossil fuel heating to cleaner alternatives. At WorldsEnergy in Wickford, Essex, we install MCS-certified air source and ground source heat pumps that meet the standards required for grant eligibility, and we help you understand what's available for your property across Essex, London and the UK.
Schemes change over time, so we always recommend checking current eligibility before you commit. Here's what you need to know about the main programmes.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is the main grant programme for new heat pump installations in England and Wales, replacing the old Domestic RHI for new applicants. It provides upfront grants towards the cost of installing an air source or ground source heat pump in an existing building (or a custom new build).
Your MCS-certified installer applies on your behalf after a successful installation. Grant amounts and eligibility criteria are set by the government and updated periodically. We'll confirm the current figures when we quote your project. You'll also need a valid EPC with no outstanding insulation recommendations (unless exempted).
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for existing participants
The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) closed to new applications on 31 March 2022. If you're already registered, you'll continue receiving payments for the remainder of your agreement. New installations should look at the Boiler Upgrade Scheme instead.
For reference, RHI tariff rates at closure included:
- Biomass boilers: 6.74p/kWh
- Air source heat pumps: 10.49p/kWh
- Ground source heat pumps: 20.46p/kWh
- Solar thermal: 20.66p/kWh
Check your eligibility
Useful tools to explore grants and property requirements:
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme on GOV.UK
- EPC Register to check your Energy Performance Certificate
- Ofgem environmental programmes
Or skip the homework and call us. We'll tell you what applies to your home in plain English.
Case studies & further reading
Ofgem case studies
Domestic RHI case studies (PDF)
EDF heat pump case studies
Common questions
What grant is available for heat pumps in England and Wales today?
New heat pump installations should look at the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which provides upfront grants towards eligible MCS-certified air source and ground source heat pump installations. The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive closed to new applicants in March 2022.
Do I need an EPC to apply for a heat pump grant?
Yes, a valid Energy Performance Certificate is typically required, and outstanding insulation recommendations on the EPC may need to be addressed unless an exemption applies. We help you understand property requirements during the survey and quote stage.
Does WorldsEnergy handle grant applications?
For the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, your MCS-certified installer applies on your behalf after a successful installation. We confirm current eligibility and paperwork as part of your project.
