Gov Boiler Upgrade Scheme 2026: Official Rules & Grants
Searching for the Gov Boiler Upgrade Scheme usually means you want reliable information: how much the government contributes, who qualifies and whether you need to fill in an application yourself.
The official programme is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), with rules published on GOV.UK and administration handled by Ofgem.
This guide explains the key 2026 rules without confusing the scheme with ordinary boiler replacement grants.
How Does the Government Grant Work?
BUS helps pay towards approved low-carbon heating systems at eligible properties in England and Wales.
It is designed to replace existing fossil-fuel or conventional electric heating with qualifying heat-pump technology or a biomass boiler in limited circumstances.
The scheme is installer-led.
Your chosen MCS-certified installer submits the voucher application to Ofgem and shows the grant as a discount on both your quote and invoice.
You pay the remaining installation cost rather than receiving a government cheque afterwards.
What Are the Official BUS Grant Amounts?
The main grant values in November 2026 are:
| Eligible technology | Grant |
|---|---|
| Air-to-water heat pump | £7,500 |
| Ground or water source heat pump | £7,500 |
| Residential air-to-air heat pump | £2,500 |
| Qualifying biomass boiler | £5,000 |
| Eligible off-gas-grid oil/LPG replacement with an air-to-water or ground source heat pump | £9,000 until 31 March 2027 |
The higher £9,000 amount is not available to every off-grid property.
For this temporary uplift, the government's published conditions include an eligible oil or LPG heating replacement and no mains gas connection.
What Changed in 2026?
One significant change took effect on 28 April 2026: a valid Energy Performance Certificate is no longer a compulsory prerequisite for a BUS application.
If a valid EPC exists, the installer should provide its details. Without one, alternative evidence may be required to establish property and heating-system eligibility.
This update does not remove the need for a properly designed heating system.
The installer still needs to meet applicable technical and MCS standards, and it is sensible to discuss insulation and heat loss during the assessment.
Who Is Excluded?
The scheme cannot normally be used to install a new gas boiler, to fund a hybrid system that combines a fossil-fuel boiler with a heat pump, or to replace an existing low-carbon heating system.
Social housing and most new-build properties are outside the programme, as are installations already funded through certain other government heat-pump or biomass schemes.
Biomass boilers face additional requirements, including rural and off-gas-grid criteria and emissions standards.
Who Should You Contact?
For binding scheme requirements, refer to GOV.UK and Ofgem.
To discuss the practical side of a potential installation, see Berks Insulation's Gov Boiler Upgrade Scheme information and request an assessment of your options.
Final Thoughts
The government's BUS rules can substantially reduce the upfront cost of a qualifying heat pump, but eligibility and grant size depend on the property and chosen heating system.
Use current government guidance, obtain a clear installer quotation and check the discount before agreeing to work.
