Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Certification requirements for clean heat schemes consultation
This consultation is open for responses
Respond to this consultationSummary
DESNZ proposes changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to increase heat pump uptake and mandates MCS as the sole certification scheme across all clean heat programmes. The consultation covers grant mechanics for heat pumps and biomass boilers in England and Wales, alongside certification requirements for ECO4, Social Housing Fund, and Local Grant schemes. Consultation closes on date to be confirmed.
Why it matters
This is redistributive policy that treats the symptoms of expensive energy rather than addressing supply or market structure. The focus on certification standardisation may favour established installers over new entrants by raising compliance costs.
Key facts
- •BUS launched in 2022
- •Covers England and Wales
- •Applies to homes and small non-domestic buildings
- •MCS certification mandate across ECO4, Social Housing Fund, and Local Grant
Areas affected
Related programmes
Memo
This consultation is divided into two parts. Part 1 iseeks stakeholders’ views on proposed changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) designed to stimulate further demand and enhance consumer protections. The BUS was launched in 2022 to support the decarbonisation of heat in buildings. Through the scheme capital grants are available to support the installation of heat pumps and biomass boilers in homes and small non-domestic buildings in England and Wales. Part 2 seeks views on proposals to mandate MCS as the sole certification scheme for all DESNZ clean heat schemes including the BUS, the Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4), Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, and Warm Homes: Local Grant. Read the [consultation document on GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/boiler-upgrade-scheme-and-certification-requirements-for-clean-heat-schemes).