Heat Pump Grant Wales: Nest Scheme and BUS Grant Guide 2026

Welsh homeowners have a unique advantage: two separate funding routes for heat pumps. The Nest scheme can cover the entire cost for low-income households, while the Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides £7,500 off for everyone else who qualifies — or £9,000 if your home has no mains gas and you are replacing oil or LPG heating (until 31 March 2027). Many rural Welsh homes fall into that group.

This guide explains both schemes, who qualifies for each, and how to make the most of the funding available to you in Wales.

Two Schemes for Welsh Homeowners

If you qualify for Nest, that is usually the better option. If you do not, the BUS grant provides substantial help.

The Nest Scheme: Free Heat Pumps for Eligible Households

Nest is the Welsh Government's fuel poverty programme. It provides free or heavily subsidised home energy improvements, including heat pump installations, to eligible Welsh households.

What Nest Covers

• Free heat pump installation for qualifying households
• Free insulation (loft, cavity wall, external wall)
• Free energy advice for all Welsh households

Nest Eligibility

You are more likely to qualify if you:

• Receive means-tested benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, income-based ESA, etc.)
• Live in a less energy-efficient home (Nest applies property criteria; check with Nest)
• Have a household income below a certain threshold

How to Apply for Nest

Call the Nest helpline on 0808 808 2244 or apply through their website. An advisor will check your eligibility and guide you through the process.

The BUS Grant in Wales

Welsh homeowners who do not qualify for Nest can access the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. The eligibility criteria are the same as for English homeowners — own the property, be replacing fossil fuel heating, and use an MCS-certified installer. GOV.UK does not list an EPC as an eligibility condition; your installer confirms what the scheme needs.

Your installer handles the application through Ofgem. The grant (£7,500, or £9,000 for an air-to-water or ground source heat pump replacing oil or LPG in a home without mains gas) is deducted directly from your installation quote.

Which Scheme Is Right for You?

• On benefits or low income? Check Nest first — call 0808 808 2244
• Not on benefits but own your home? The BUS grant gives you £7,500 off (£9,000 if you are off the gas grid and replacing oil or LPG)
• Renting? Ask your landlord to apply for BUS, or check if your landlord can access Nest
• Social housing? Your housing provider may access the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund

Welsh homeowners adding solar panels alongside a heat pump can access separate solar funding — the two technologies complement each other brilliantly and reduce ongoing electricity costs.

How to Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

What heat pump grants are available in Wales?

The Nest scheme (for eligible low-income households; check with Nest) and the BUS grant (£7,500, or £9,000 for off-gas oil and LPG homes until 31 March 2027).

Can I get a free heat pump in Wales?

Yes, through Nest if you are on a low income or receive means-tested benefits.

Is the BUS grant available in Wales?

Yes. The BUS applies to both England and Wales, offering £7,500, or £9,000 for homes without mains gas replacing oil or LPG.

Can I combine Nest and BUS?

Typically no. Nest covers the full cost; BUS is an alternative if you do not qualify for Nest.

How do I apply for Nest?

Call 0808 808 2244 or apply through the Nest website.