MCS Transition: Make sure you’re prepared

By Julian Boss, RISE Supply Chain – Retrofit Technical Lead

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is a core requirement for Warm Homes funded retrofit programmes – it sets, defines and maintains standards for low carbon energy technology products, contractors and their installations.

This year, the scheme is undergoing a significant update. The transition is a major overhaul to shift the focus from administrative compliance to installation quality and performance – achieving a clear goal: stronger consumer protection, clearer standards and greater confidence in low-carbon technologies. Installers will also have a direct relationship with MCS, supported by dedicated account managers.

Although the transition focuses on installers, it will affect the entire retrofit ecosystem. Manufacturers, distributors, retrofit coordinators and resident engagement teams all play a role in ensuring installations meet scheme requirements. As Warm Homes programmes scale up, strong supply chain understanding of MCS will be essential for smooth delivery.

When will this happen?

The transition will take place in stages. By the end of March, certification bodies must transition via The UK Accreditation Service (UKAS).

Once this is complete, installers will be contacted by their certification body, asking them to comply with the new regulations. While an exact deadline has not been set, installer transitions are expected to take place throughout 2026.

MCS has advised:

“Your Certification Body will contact you when the redeveloped Scheme is available to you. While your Certification Body will manage your move, installers will need to go through a series of checks and complete application steps with MCS at the same time”

What are the key changes?

MCS will transition to a scheme with clearer requirements and a stronger emphasis on consumer protection. To support this, installers will need to make some admin and process changes to ensure compliance.

Apply for a new installer agreement held directly with MCS
For domestic installations, use an approved financial protection product, as outlined in the Installer Operating Requirements
Create installation certificates in the MCS Installations Database (MID) within 30 days of commissioning (previously 14 days)
Record more information on MID, including:

Consumer Code membership will no longer be necessary and you will be put in touch with a dedicated MCS Account Manager for support and guidance throughout the process.

While the changes will require some adjustment, overall the goal is for there to be less of a focus on administration, to enable more of a focus on quality installations. This will help you to keep customers happy and grow your reputation.

How to prepare

You will hear from your certification bodies when it’s time to start implementing the changes, but you don’t need to wait to start getting prepared.

A few simple steps can help:

Understand the new scheme structure
Read the Installer Operating Requirements: These outline the new administrative and operational expectations.
Review the Installer Agreement: Understand the obligations you’ll hold directly with MCS.
Identify requirements: Which MCS performance requirements are relevant to the technology you design and install.
Identify your key MCS roles: Ensure roles for Licensee, Main Contact and Technical Supervisor are clearly defined.
Review financial protection products: Domestic installations will require an approved protection product.
Train customer-facing teams: Make sure staff understand the Customer Commitment and requirements in place to protect consumers.
Stay in touch with your certification body: They will guide your formal transition and notify you when it’s time to apply.