Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Legacy Payments Explained
The RHI closed to new applicants in March 2022 — but if you are already on the scheme, your payments continue for the full 7-year term. If you missed the RHI, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is its replacement, offering a simpler £7,500 upfront grant.
Missed the RHI? The BUS grant offers £7,500 upfront
Calculate Your CostsSee what the BUS grant means for your installation costs.
What Was the RHI?
The domestic Renewable Heat Incentive ran from 2014 to 2022. It paid homeowners quarterly for generating renewable heat via heat pumps, biomass boilers, or solar thermal panels. Payments continued for 7 years based on estimated heat output. A typical air source heat pump received £3,000-£5,000 over the 7-year term.
Legacy Payments
If you applied and were accepted before March 2022, your quarterly payments continue for the full 7-year term. Payments are index-linked and administered by Ofgem. The last RHI payments will be made around 2029.
RHI vs BUS Grant: Which Was Better?
| Feature | RHI | BUS Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Payment type | Quarterly over 7 years | Upfront deduction |
| Total value (ASHP) | £3,000-£5,000 | £7,500 |
| Complexity | Annual meter readings required | Installer handles everything |
| Status | Closed March 2022 | Open until March 2028 |
The BUS grant is simpler, more generous, and immediate. See our full history of government incentives for the complete timeline.
See the full picture of available grants
View Complete Grants GuideEvery scheme, every nation, every eligibility requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RHI still available?
No. It closed in March 2022. The BUS grant replaced it.
Do existing participants still get payments?
Yes, for the full 7-year term from application date.
What replaced the RHI?
The BUS grant — simpler, more generous, and upfront.
About the RHI and UK Renewable Heat Policy
The Renewable Heat Incentive was the UK's first major domestic heat pump incentive, running from 2014 to 2022. It was replaced by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers a simpler upfront grant. The full history of incentives shows steady improvement. Current grants including BUS, ECO4, and HES provide more support than ever before. Homeowners also considering solar panels can benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee, which replaced the solar Feed-in Tariff.