Apply for a grant to move to low carbon heating

​​​About the grant

The Low Carbon Heating Incentive helps you move your house or business from fossil fuel heating systems to a low carbon alternative.

As a property owner, you can receive a grant of up to £9,000 to help you with the installation costs.

Fossil fuel heating systems account for around one third of Jersey’s greenhouse gas emissions. Changing to a low carbon heating system can:

• lower your heating bills
• reduce your home's carbon emissions
• futureproof your property

If you meet the application approval criteria​, you can receive:

• up to £9,000 in match funding for air source heat pumps, or up to £4,000 for the other approved technologies to support the cost of installing a low carbon heating sys​tem
  
• low income households can receive up to £15,000 funding for air source heat pumps, without the need to match fund, or up to £10,000 to support the cost of other approved technologies, without the need to match fund​
  

Eligible technologies included are:

• air source heat pumps
• electric flow boilers
• electric storage heaters
• panel radiators
• underfloor heating

Energy efficiency improvements can also be included within the funding amount. Find more information on inclusion of energy efficiency measures. 

Find more information on energy use and home heating options.

How to apply

To apply for a grant, contact a contractor from the list of approved contractors on the Contractor Quality Scheme (CQS). 

Your chosen contractor will check that you meet the eligibility criteria, provide guidance and advice.

If you decide to go ahead, they will apply for a grant for you.

Who can apply (eligibility criteria)

You can apply for a grant if you’re:

• an owner occupier or landlord
• a non-resident landlord
• a tenant responsible for the maintenance and replacement of the property’s heating system stipulated in the lease

If you’re a landlord, you can access funding for up to 5 properties. 

Properties owned by Social Housing Trusts or parishes are eligible for the scheme.  The maximum number of properties is still 5.

You can apply for a grant if you’re a Government of Jersey employee.

Properties owned by trusts are not eligible as the beneficial owners are not easily identifiable.

To be eligible for the grant, you must:  

• be completely replacing a fossil fuel heating system such as coal, oil or gas. The heating system must be disposed of as part of the works and can’t be sold or reused. If the fossil fuel heating system has already been removed, evidence must be provided. The heating system must have been operational on or after 1 April 2022. Evidence may include an EPC or fuel bill, confirming an operational fossil fuel heating system in situ or a fuel delivery on or after 1 April 2022. If the system was removed before 1 April 2022 it will not be eligible for grant funding. Heating systems that rely on fossil fuels, as well as existing low-carbon heating systems, are not eligible for funding.
• hold a valid EPC for the property. This must be generated using the Jersey rdSAP tool for domestic properties or the Jersey iSBEM tool for non-domestic properties.
• be considering a new low carbon heating installation. Existing installations will not be eligible to receive retrospective funding. New installations are defined as those for which a quote to complete the work has not yet been accepted and no equipment has been ordered 
• not have already had five successful applications through the scheme unless they are applying as a landlord
• be identifiable by name. Properties held in share transfer arrangements or owned by companies will only be included in the scheme if the beneficial owners is listed in the application form

Where any change is made to these terms and conditions, they are effective only for new applications and do not apply retrospectively.

Buildings must meet these eligibility requirements:

• only existing properties in Jersey are eligible
• any outstanding loft or wall insulation recommendations outlined on the property's EPC must be completed during the project

How much you could get

You can apply for up to £9,000 match funding for the installation of an air source heat pump or up to £4,000 for the other approved technologies.

Funding will not be granted over £9,000 unless the property owner meets one of the low income criteria.

For every pound of grant funding awarded it must be demonstrated that the property owner is spending a pound of their own money on the project.

Low income funding and eligibility

Property owners qualifying as low income can apply for up to £15,000 without the need to match fund. Low income funding is not available for tenants.

To qualify as low income, you must meet 1 of the following criteria:

1. receive 1 or more Government benefits when you apply for a grant, this includes:

• Income Support
• cold weather bonus
• pension plus
• health access scheme

​The contractor will provide this information to the Scheme Administrator during the approval process. 

If you received a letter from us when the scheme launched in early 2023, but are no longer eligible at the point of applying, you won’t be entitled to funding. However, you can still access the match funding available to all property owners.

​2. be over the age of 65 and excluding the value of primary residence have assets, such as savings, belongings, investments and property, under:

• £30,000 if living alone
• £50,000 if married or co-habiting 

​To apply through the self-declared asset limit you must complete a form which will be provided by the approved contractor. The contractor will need to provide a signed copy of this form with the application and check a form of ID to confirm date of birth.

Properties with secondary heating systems  

Properties with several heating systems such as those with a swimming pool, pool house or self-contained unit on the property are still eligible for funding.

The technology installed must entirely replace any fossil fuel space or water heating in the property's main residence. The fossil fuel heating system must be removed as part of the works. This may mean that a fossil fuel space or water heating system remains present elsewhere on the property. For example, in a pool house.

If a property already has low carbon space heating but a fossil fuel powered water heating system, the property owner may apply for funding for a low carbon water heating system.

Heating systems that only heat swimming pools or pool houses are not eligible for funding under this scheme.

Properties with shared heating systems   

Multi-dwelling buildings with shared heating systems are eligible for funding.

Individual applications must be made on behalf of each property owner. The split cost of the removal of the shared fossil fuel heating system must be detailed within the application.

If only 1 dwelling is applying for the grant, that premises must be permanently disconnected from the shared fossil fuel heating system.

Technologies included

The technologies available for funding are:

• air source heat pumps (air to water only)
• electric flow boilers
• electric panel radiators
• electric storage heaters
• piped underfloor heating (wet)
• electric mat underfloor heating (dry)

Energy efficiency improvements can also be included within applications. Find more information on inclusion of energy efficiency measures.​

This list may be expanded in further phases of the scheme. 

A single heat pump must not exceed a maximum output of 45kWth. Multiple heat pumps may be used in a single installation with a total design heat load of not exceeding 70kWth.

The chosen low carbon heating technology will also need to be on the UK's MCS certified list. MCS is a standards organisation which creates and maintains standards that allow for the certification of products, installers and their installations. Manufacturers and contractors can advise on this. The full list of MSC certified renewable technologies can be found on MSC.

Inclusion of energy efficiency measures

A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is needed for the grant. Find more information on Home Energy Audits.

There are no minimum EPC rating requirements for a property to be eligible for funding. Outstanding loft or easy wall insulation recommendations must be completed as part of the project. If they are not possible, a reason must be provided on the application form.

Reasons for owner-occupiers may include:

• lack of funds available
• advice from contractor
• lack of installers available

These reasons are not applicable to landlords.

It is also advised that any other outstanding recommendations listed on the property's EPC are actioned.

Properties making applications for funding can include the costs of energy efficiency improvements in their application. The maximum amount of funding per property remains at £9,000 match funding or £15,000 for those qualifying as low income.

Energy efficiency improvements included within the funding are limited to those listed on the property's EPC. These may include, but are not limited to:

• upgrading or installing loft insulation
• cavity wall insulation
• installing double glazed windows
• draught proofing

The lead contractor is responsible for completing or sub-contracting this work. The Government of Jersey will only process payments to the lead contractor listed on the application or the named sub-contractor.

Property owners wishing to install loft insulation themselves can do so. The lead contractor will be responsible for supplying the materials and including their cost within the application. The property owner must install the loft insulation as per the manufacturer's instructions within the grant's window of validity.

For certain properties, such as large traditional buildings like churches and places of worship, obtaining an EPC may not be possible or practical. In such cases it is permissible for the application to proceed without the EPC, provided that all the requirements of the design process set out in the CQS process are met.

Grant approval process

The Scheme Administrator will check that your application meets the following criteria:

• the contractor submitting the application is approved under the Contractor Quality Scheme (CQS)
• no previous successful applications have been made for funding for the property
• the property has a current Energy Performance Certificate
• an Energy Supply Enquiry has been submitted for the property
• the property's current primary space heating is from a fossil fuel and the installation will be a switch completely away from fossil fuels. The fossil fuel boiler must be removed by the contractor during the works rather than be re-used 
• the proposed installation must be an eligible technology on the published MCS technology list
• the contractor confirmed that they provided advice to the property owner on the total installation costs and the system running costs
• the contractor provided advice on at least 2 different low carbon heating technology options
• if needed, you received a planning permission

Confirmation by the property owner

Once the application is submitted, the Scheme Administrator will email you.

As the property owner, you must confirm that all information provided is correct and give your permission for the application.

You’ll need to confirm your:

• full name
• date of birth
• property address
• contractor business name
• proposed low carbon heating system type
• value of the grant requested
• that you own or co-own the property of the installation. Where there are multiple owners, confirm that you’re acting with the agreement of all owners
• that you'll comply with the grant's terms and conditionsfound on this page
  

If you have a lasting power of attorney (LPA) in place, the confirmation of consent should be provided by the attorney, and the consent email field should be populated with the attorney’s email address, making clear they are operating as an attorney. The contractor must inform the Scheme Administrator of this via the form or by email.

If you don’t use emails or can’t access online services to provide your consent, the Scheme Administrator will contact you by phone or post.

If multiple contractors apply for 1 property, you can only give your consent to 1 of them. Once consent is given, the Scheme Administrator will reject any applications from other contractors.

If you apply for low-income funding due to being in receipt of certain benefits, the Scheme Administrator will check your eligibility with Employment, Social Security and Housing.

If the information in the submission is incomplete or inaccurate, further verification will be required. This may result in grant rejection or delay.

Payment of grants and deposit

Payment of grants

The grant will be paid directly to the contractor.

As the property owner you’re responsible for paying the remaining cost directly to the contractor.

The grant will be paid once:

• we received confirmation that the installation is registered through CQS
• the contractor has completed the redemption form through the Scheme Administrator

Match funding from the Government of Jersey should be calculated based on the total installation cost inclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST). The contractor is responsible for collecting the full value of the GST on the goods or service. Property owners will need to pay GST as normal.

As it is a grant payment, GST should not be itemised on the invoice sent to Government.

If you’re a contractor and would like an example invoice, email climateemergency@gov.je.

Expiry of grants

Once your grant is approved, the installation can take place.

The grant will be valid for 16 weeks from the date of approval. You must use your grant before this date.

Extensions will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances. To request an extension, the contractor must contact the Scheme Administrator before the expiry date.

Deposit payments

Deposits may be paid by the Government of Jersey to cover the value of goods that need to be ordered in advance.

Match-funded applications only apply to applications for heat pumps where the grant being applied for exceeds £6,000.

Deposits will only be approved once the Scheme Administrator received:

• evidence of the order for the goods up to the total value of the deposit being requested
• evidence that the goods have been received on-Island
• completion of a part-redemption form to the Scheme Administrator

The contractor should pay their supplier within 7 days after they receive the deposit payment from the Government of Jersey. If this isn’t paid, we reserve the right to recover the deposit.

If the installation is not completed within 16 weeks of receiving the grant, we reserve the right to recover the deposit.

Until the point that the goods covered by the deposit payment are installed in the customer's property they remain the property of the Government of Jersey.

Deposit value limits

​

Clawback provision

You may need to pay us back if you install a low carbon heating system using the grant and replace it with a fossil fuel system within 12 months. This can be up to the full value of your grant.

Where the comprehensive scheme quality control processes have found that the system had been incorrectly designed or installed, we reserve the right to reclaim up to the full value of the grant from the contractor.

Fraudulent applications or claims

Your application will be rejected if you make a fraudulent consent or application. The case may be referred to the police.

If you receive a grant and we found out that the terms and conditions of the scheme have been breached, we reserve the right to:

• recover any fraudulently obtained funding
• refuse future grant applications

Who to contact about the scheme

Property owners

To apply for the grant, speak to an approved contractor.

If you have a problem or complaint about the contractor’s work:

• first speak to your contractor
• if problems are unresolved, email the Contractor Quality Scheme at hello@cqs.je

If the problems continue, it’ll be escalated to the CQS committee.

For general feedback about the Low Carbon Heating Incentive, you can give us your feedback.

If you have any more questions or would like to appeal a rejected application, email the Environment and Climate team at climateemergency@gov.je.

Contractors​

If you’re a current CQS contractor and have questions about:

• an application you made, email applicationLCHI@jec.co.uk
• a redemption you made, email redemptionLCHI@jec.co.uk

Role and responsibilities of each organisation

Government​

The Government of Jersey is responsible to:

• create the terms and conditions of the scheme 
• determine the requirements of the Contractor Quality Scheme

Jersey Electricity

Jersey Electricity have been engaged to administer the scheme. They hold responsibility for grant processing and approvals.

Their functions include but are not limited to:

• process applications
• provide feedback to government on how the scheme is operating
• provide monthly reports of uptake and delivery to government
• handle individual queries related to applications
• process payments to contractors

Contractor Quality Scheme

The Contractor Quality Scheme is responsible to:

• ensure contractors within the scheme provide high quality installations
• define and maintain standards
• provide confidence to consumers who wish to invest in low carbon heating

​A CQS committee is in place to oversee contractor appeals around the CQS process and agree any changes to the CQS documentation. 

Property owner

Property owners are responsible to:

• confirm their eligibility details
• ensure all information provided within the application is accurate
• confirm their consent for a grant application to be made on their behalf 
• agree to abide by the terms and conditions outlined on this page
• ensure that the property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• take part in audit and compliance processes as requested
• if needed, get planning permission for the works. Find out when you will need planning and building permission
  

Contractors

Contractors play a key role in the scheme. They are the primary point of contact for property owners who want to participate in the scheme.

Find a list of approved contractors on CQS.

Contractors are responsible to:

• undertake a detailed survey and assessment of the property’s specific heating requirements
• provide property owners with:
  
• advice on the best-suited technology for their property
• likely changes to running costs
• provide true and accurate costs of the work and value for money
• submit an Energy Supply Enquiry (ESE) to Jersey Electricity  
• confirm information provided is accurate
• register installations with CQS
• submit applications and paperwork required to obtain funds at the end of work
• notify building control of the notifiable works. The usual route for notifying building control still applies
• provide further information related to installations upon request
• engage with audit and compliance processes as requested
• keep a copy of any information needed for the submission of applications for the next 6 years. Not including personal information for those on low income. Data such as copies of self-declared asset forms must be deleted after the installation is complete 

Heating, water and electrical systems: permissions needed

Support for heating sector professionals

Audit and compliance

CQS carry out site and desk audits to help ensure that the funds from the scheme have been used correctly and in line with eligibility criteria. These are done on a statistical or a targeted basis. Desk audits can be by phone or email.

CQS may request access to inspect a property which relates to an application or has had the grant paid. CQS will give property owners at least 2 days’ notice ahead of a site audit taking place. Contact them for more information.

Jersey Electricity, as the Scheme Administrator, and CQS or the Government of Jersey may contact the contractor or the property owners to carry out their own checks.

Information will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2018.

Data protection​​

Personal information collected by approved contractors and the Scheme Administrator will be kept to a minimum.

The property owner’s personal data will be shared with Jersey Electricity as the Scheme Administrator. Only employees working within the Scheme Administration team will have access to this data. It will not be shared more widely across Jersey Electricity, Government of Jersey or anyone else related to the scheme. Your data will not be used for any other purpose other than administration and monitoring of the incentive scheme.

As Data Controller, Government of Jersey reserve the right to become Scheme Administrators in the future and to access necessary data to carry out this function.

The approved contractor will also need to share personal information with CQS. This will not include any sensitive information related to eligibility for low-income funding.

All data held by CQS will be on a secure database and used exclusively for the purpose of assessment and quality assurance installations. Property owners can object to the processing of their personal data by emailing hello@cqs.je. Objecting may result in CQS not being able to approve the installation.

Approved contractors must delete:

• all sensitive information related to income status once the installation is complete
• all other information held on customers after 6 years

Any information held on customers must not be used for any other purpose unrelated to this incentive scheme.

Find more information on the Strategic Planning, Policy and Performance privacy policies.