With more households wanting to make the upgrade to cleaner, homegrown energy, at the end of April the government launched a new consultation on expanding the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) to offer families greater choice to pick what works best for them.
Demand for heat pumps is surging, with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme - which offers up to £7,500 off the cost - enjoying 4,028 applications in March this year, up 88% on the same month last year. Heat pumps can save families around £100 on their average energy bills when used with a smart tariff.
The government's consultation is formed of two parts: the first considers amendments to the BUS and the second looks at certification of clean heat installations.
Part One
Part one seeks views on the proposed changes, which are designed to increase access, stimulate further demand and enhance existing consumer protections. They include:
- allowing new heat pump purchase options alongside the BUS grant
- expanding eligibility for Low Carbon Hydrogen technologies
- reviewing potential barriers to the consumer installation journey
- enhancing consumer protection by simplifying certification requirements and requiring installers to deduct grants upfront
Part Two
Part two seeks views on the government’s proposal to:
- require the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) as the sole certification scheme for clean heat installations delivered through:
- BUS
- Energy Company Obligation 4
- Warm Homes: Local Grant
- Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund
- remove the option for multiple certification schemes to certify installations
PeCAN supports both the expansion of the range of technologies available under the scheme (which can only serve to speed up the move away from fossil fuel sources), and broadening funding options (large upfront costs have been shown to be prohibitive). PeCAN has responded to this consultation, and we encourage you to read our response, and to consider submitting your own. The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Wednesday 11th June and you can respond here.
If you are interested in making home energy improvements, but not sure where to start, please get in touch with PeCAN to take advantage of our new My Home Made Better free advice service. We recognise that widely available, generic information on heat pumps, insulation and solar panels isn’t enough, and that householders need relatable guidance unique to their home. Our one-of-a-kind service also understands the need for homeowners to access reliable, trustworthy advice, without feeling under pressure to commit to work they are not comfortable with.
If you would like to start exploring options for your home, simply call the free phone line 0800 804 8601 or email [email protected]. For more information, inspiration, case studies, videos from around the region, and guidance on how to become one of our Energy Champions, head to: www.myhomemadebetter.org.
On Tuesday 10th June PeCAN are hosting an Energise Your Home launch event from 7pm at The Folly Upstairs. Please join us, during Great Big Green Week, to find out how we can help you. Come along to learn more from a short presentation and enjoy a relaxed networking social, where you will have the opportunity to ask our Energy Champions your questions, and get some answers. Book your free place here.