With the consultation open for a few more days, the huge number of submissions already received from rural communities and the industry speaks volumes about the strength of feeling.
With the consultation open for a few more days, the huge number of submissions already received from rural communities and the industry speaks volumes about the strength of feeling.
Technicians and fuel distributors have just a few days left to respond to a government consultation on the future of home heating as a record breaking milestone is achieved.
Over 12,000 oil heated households, technicians and fuel distributors have now made a submission to the government’s Alternative Clean Heating consultation, which is asking for feedback on the types of heating systems needed to deliver off-grid decarbonisation.
The surge in responses is a significant milestone which reflects the growing demand for affordable and practical alternatives to the government’s current plans.
Policymakers expect most homes on oil heating to switch to heat pumps, despite the consultation stating the cost could be £16,900. For harder to treat homes which require additional energy efficiency upgrades, the cost could be even higher. This means the £7,500 grant available through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme still leaves a significant shortfall.
The government has recognised this challenge and asked for views on alternative solutions in this new consultation. In response, oil heating users, technicians and fuel distributors have been calling on the government to support renewable liquid fuels, such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), which is one of the options being considered.
Industry trade associations OFTEC and UKIFDA have outlined how these fuels could initially be introduced as a blend with kerosene.
This HVO blend would work seamlessly in the existing heating system, with no upfront cost or disruption, whilst dramatically reducing carbon emissions. Recent surveys have found over 90% support for these fuels from oil heated homes.
OFTEC CEO Paul Rose and UKIFDA CEO Ken Cronin commented: “The government asked households, technicians and fuel distributors for their views on the future of home heating and the response couldn’t have been louder and clearer. To reach 12,000 submissions with a few days still to go reflects the strength of feeling across rural parts of country.
”We all want to reduce their carbon emissions, but households need a choice of solutions which are practical and affordable. With only days remaining until the consultation closes, we urge everyone working in the industry that hasn’t yet spoken up to do so now. This is your final chance to ensure your voice is heard by policymakers.
”Likewise, given the strength of feeling we are seeing, we expect to see a similarly comprehensive and positive response from the government in due course.”
For more information about the Future Ready Fuel campaign visit www.futurereadyfuel.info/consultation
Image from Margaret Major
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