ASHP BUS Grant - when does it pay out?

[Great_scot_selfbuild]

Question:

I know that the MCS installer applies for the grant on our behalf, but when during the process can they apply for it? / when does it pay out?

 

Background / reason:

I thought that we would only pay the amount remaining (full quote minus BUS grant) but we’ve had a couple of installers (small businesses) say we need to pay in line with their standard stage payments as they can only claim the grant after install is certified and then the final payment is taken care of by the grant, plus a refund for any difference.

 

I realise many here will say just don’t bother with the grant, but on balance for us, we’re keen on going with the NIBE ASHP, which requires approved installers and comes with a 5 or 7 year warranty. I’m just looking to check that this pay / refund isn’t unusual or unreasonable. My only hesitation is making sure they don’t turn around at the end and say we’re not elligible.

 

I hate not being in control of the process - can you tell? 🤣

[BotusBuild]

We paid all the invoices in full, and then the grant was paid back, IIRC, via the MCS company.

[JohnMo]

Go and read the bus grant rules for home owner and installer, then you will know what is or isn't acceptable first hand. Better than reading a load of second hand information - that could be 3rd or 4th hand. Always read source information for yourself.

[SimonD]

56 minutes ago, Great_scot_selfbuild said:

 

Question:

I know that the MCS installer applies for the grant on our behalf, but when during the process can they apply for it? / when does it pay out?

 

Background / reason:

I thought that we would only pay the amount remaining (full quote minus BUS grant) but we’ve had a couple of installers (small businesses) say we need to pay in line with their standard stage payments as they can only claim the grant after install is certified and then the final payment is taken care of by the grant, plus a refund for any difference.

 

I realise many here will say just don’t bother with the grant, but on balance for us, we’re keen on going with the NIBE ASHP, which requires approved installers and comes with a 5 or 7 year warranty. I’m just looking to check that this pay / refund isn’t unusual or unreasonable. My only hesitation is making sure they don’t turn around at the end and say we’re not elligible.

 

I hate not being in control of the process - can you tell? 🤣

 

The installer will make an application for the grant to confirm eligibility as soon as you sign on the dotted line for a contract. It's normal practise to ask for stage payments first and then apply for the grant after commissioning. Once the initial grant eligibility has been confirmed with OFGEM the installer has 120days to finish and apply for grant redemption.

[SimonD]

43 minutes ago, BotusBuild said:

We paid all the invoices in full, and then the grant was paid back, IIRC, via the MCS company.

 

MCS and the consumer protection companies don't really like this structure any more. They prefer the BUS grant to be subtracted from the quote.

[BotusBuild]

8 minutes ago, SimonD said:

MCS and the consumer protection companies don't really like this structure any more.

We were a little nervous until the payment came through