OFTEC | Oil Installer

Industry urges Government on rural decarbonisation strategy as customer cost concerns grow

Ahead of publication of the government’s long-awaited Warm Homes Plan, the liquid fuel heating industry has called for the adoption of five key recommendations that will ensure a successful transition for the complex rural off-gas grid sector. As a new survey of off-gas grid consumers reveals increasing concerns over the cost of transitioning to low carbon heating, the government is being urged to set out a clear road map for decarbonising rural households, The survey of 1,364 households that use oil heating, conducted by trade associations OFTEC and UKIFDA, revealed 60% of respondents are more worried about the costs of switching to low carbon heating systems than they were three years ago. The results have been shared ahead of the government’s expected publication of its Warm Homes Plan which will outline Labour’s policy programme to deliver the UK’s net zero targets. There are an estimated 1.7 million oil households in the UK who could be affected. The survey also revealed: Trade associations OFTEC and UKIFDA have written to Miatta Fahnbulleh, the minister responsible for the Warm Homes Plan, outlining five key recommendations to successfully deliver off-grid decarbonisation for rural homes as part of its strategy. Industry’s 5 recommendations Successful decarbonisation strategy Paul Rose, CEO of OFTEC, and Ken Cronin, CEO of UKIFDA, said: “Decarbonising the UK’s 1.7 million oil heated homes is a complex challenge as they face unique barriers due to their age, construction and rural location. Government policy must therefore focus on desired outcomes rather than mandating a single technology, such as electrification, which in many cases isn’t practical or affordable. Not to mention the significant shortage of installers. “A genuine technology neutral strategy would give households real choice and unlock a wider mix of cost effective and practical low carbon options. This includes renewable liquid fuels which have already been successfully demonstrated in around 150 off-grid buildings. “Whilst we all share the ambition to drive down our carbon emissions, in this even more challenging economic environment post April, both the government and households need to pull every lever and focus on affordable and practical low carbon solutions. Many rural businesses also rely on oil heating and would benefit from a wider choice of options. “We will continue to work positively with the government and wider industry to deliver successful decarbonisation across the off-grid sector.” Image provided by OFTEC.