As this issue lands on your doorstep, we will be close to the deadline for responses to the Government’s consultation on alternatives to heat pumps. If you haven’t yet submitted yours, or encouraged your partner, your children, your neighbours, your employees and your customers to do the same, now is the time to come together and act. Don’t look back and say you were too busy.
The reality is straightforward: if we want to stay busy in five years’ time, every single response matters. You can send yours in three easy steps:
Stand Up for the Future of Your Home Heating – three easy steps
1. Visit the campaign page
Visit: www.futurereadyfuel.info/consultation-response/ to go straight to the dedicated Stand Up for the Future of Home Heating page on the Future Ready Fuel website.
2. Learn what’s at stake
Read the key details about the Government consultation, the aims of the campaign, and the industry’s proposal to introduce a renewable liquid fuel blend as a practical, affordable alternative for off-grid homes.
3. Send your response in minutes
Choose the pre-written consultation response, personalise it if you wish, and it will be submitted directly to Government on your behalf.
This moment is one of the most significant in our industry’s history.
I have been genuinely moved by the scale of engagement so far. Thousands of letters, submissions and documents have already been sent to government from consumers, boiler technicians, drivers and political representatives. To everyone who has taken the time to contribute – thank you!
At the core of these submitted responses is a clear message, and that is the Government must recognise the unique circumstances of rural off-grid households and ensure they have access to affordable, practical decarbonisation options. People want to play their part in reducing emissions, but they cannot afford the huge upfront costs, they don’t want major disruptions to their homes, and above all, they want choice, not ultimatums.
“DON’T LOOK BACK AND SAY YOU WERE TOO BUSY.”
It was humbling to be in Westminster and watch residents of Kehelland deliver this message directly to the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, speaking not just for themselves, but for all the 4.2 million customers our industry serves.
Government must also listen to local politicians who are urging caution. Their rural constituents are already navigating a cost-of-living crisis and making difficult financial decisions. The cost of installing and running a new heating system, the disruption involved, and the need for additional energy-efficiency improvements all matter. Any solution will only succeed if it offers choice, avoids imposition, and is affordable, cost-effective and convenient.
And crucially, the Government must align all of this with the industry’s own proposal, which is a pathway that requires no upfront cost to the consumer, uses their existing boiler, avoids distribution, and can be rolled out quickly.
Our industry is made up of many family-owned businesses, deeply rooted in their communities and trusted by their customers, as demonstrated so clearly by the wonderful people from Cornwall. UKIFDA and OFTEC members are a vital link in engaging households on the journey to net zero, and government must harness this trust and local expertise when shaping decarbonisation strategies for hard-to-treat homes.
Onwards to Liverpool
And with “come together” very much in mind, it feels fitting to look ahead to our EXPO in Liverpool, which is now just two months away. It arrives at a pivotal moment for our industry, set against the backdrop of this consultation, looming elections in Wales and Scotland, and the many other challenges we are navigating. Above all, Liverpool represents opportunity, and it’s a moment for us to come together to unite around the future of our industry and the direction we want to take.
I look forward to bringing everyone together in Liverpool. We have a great deal to discuss, and even more to shape collectively.
Image credit: iStock
