Audit and compliance

Why do we audit?

We pay out public money so we need to make sure it's being spent properly and people are following the rules. Audit checks are one way to do this. They also help us identify and protect against errors and fraud.

Anyone can be selected for an audit check at any time. We select heating systems based on a number of reasons, including random sampling.

What does an audit check involve?

There are two different types of audits, and your heating system could be selected for either.

We ask for your cooperation if you receive an audit request. If you don’t respond to the request, we may suspend your payments while we try to make arrangements for auditors to visit.

You can read more about our enforcement powers in our volume 2 guidance, see chapters 13 and 14. 

What documents do I need to keep during my accreditation?

  • a copy(s) of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certificate
  • a copy(s) of the MCS compliance certificates
  • a copy of the domestic Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
  • purchase receipts for the heating system
  • fuel receipts for biomass boilers and stoves
  • calibration certificates, if applicable (where the heating system is metered).

You might also be asked for further evidence - for example, photographic evidence for the heating system or meter, copies of utility bills, copies of correspondence for grant funding and a copy of the metering for payment installer metering questions that your installer gives you, if your heating system is metered.

What is non-compliance?

Non-compliance is an activity which does not comply with the scheme regulations, such as failing to comply with ongoing obligations, using non-compliant equipment or using heat for non-eligible purposes.

We have rigorous systems in place for the prevention, detection, and investigation of non-compliance cases.

What actions can we take?

If you are found to be non-compliant, depending on severity, we may:

  • suspend payments temporarily or withhold them permanently
  • revoke the installation’s accreditation
  • recover overpayments

Where overpayments have been made, we will seek to recover these amounts by offsetting them against future payments. Where this isn’t possible, we will instead request the money owed to be repaid. We will be flexible in repayment terms, but we expect participants to engage with us or our agents. We will use a debt collection partner if we are satisfied money is owed and participants in debt are not engaging with us.

Fraud and counter fraud

We take a zero tolerance approach to fraud and have a dedicated Counter Fraud Team to detect, prevent and deter it. Examples of dishonesty to make a financial gain from the scheme include:

  • intentionally not reporting a change in your circumstances
  • applicants or other individuals within the supply chain submitting false or misleading documents to gain access to the scheme, or to increase payments due from the scheme.

Where we identify suspected fraud or unethical practices, we’ll refer the individuals in question to the relevant authorities which may include Action Fraud, the Police or Trading Standards.

If you have concerns about suspected fraud, please report it to us:

For further information, visit our Counter Fraud web page.

Something you don't understand. Check our key terms.

Publications and updates