Last week the Prime Minister gave a speech in Downing Street regarding a reset of government policy around net zero.
Here we take a look at what this could mean for Heating Oil users.
He gave a number of examples of the types of policy in his opinion that are causing issues including banning boilers in homes that can never conceivably install a heat pump and a ban on off grid oil boilers in just 3 years’ time. Additionally, he commented that the cost for off grid in 3 short years was exorbitantly expensive and that he was concerned about imposing these costs and causing so much disruption without a proper debate, while ignoring the progress the country has made on carbon reduction compared to other countries.
At the heart of his announcement was the view that it cannot be right to ask the British people to sacrifice even more and that the real risk is losing the consent of people because they view the policies us unfair which ultimately leads to not achieving the emission goals as set out.
He announced a fairer and better approach to heating homes achieving a balance without imposing costs. As stated not doing so would cause public support to collapse.
He made the following comments:
Promise to never force anyone to rip out their boiler.
The oil boiler ban moves from 2026 to 2035.
Those homes that can never take a heat pump will have a lifetime exemption - estimated this will cover 20% of all homes.
Boiler upgrade scheme will be increased to £7,500 from £5,000 for those that want to move earlier.
Other comments and announcements.
The Prime Minister also moved the ban on petrol and diesel cars to 2035 from 2030, reduced the target for gas boiler replacement to 80% and removed imposition of energy efficiency measures on landlords.