Industry bodies present growing concerns that many households will face challenges of high costs and signification disruption compared to their current heating systems
Technicians and fuel distributors working in the liquid fuel heating sector are being urged to submit their views to a new government consultation examining how oil-heated homes should be decarbonised in the future.
The Alternative Clean Heating Consultation, launched in December, sets out the government’s preferred approach to transitioning oil-heated properties to heat pumps or heat networks.
However, industry bodies have raised concerns that, based on the government’s own data, many households could face high upfront costs, increased energy bills and significant disruption compared with their existing heating systems.
The consultation also recognises that alternative solutions may be technically necessary in some cases, including the potential use of renewable liquid fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil.
The liquid fuel heating industry has subsequently argued that renewable liquid fuels could be blended with kerosene to deliver immediate carbon reductions in existing oil boilers, without the need for costly system changes or household disruption.
According to the Future Ready Fuel campaign, this approach has already been tested in around 150 homes over the past three years, demonstrating that carbon savings can be achieved using existing infrastructure.
Industry trade bodies and regulators OFTEC, which operates an off-gas grid heating registration scheme and UKIFDA, which represents liquid fuel distributors, have announced that they will be submitting evidence to the consultation.
The organisations jointly delivered the hydrotreated vegetable oil demonstration project and are now encouraging wider industry participation through their collaborative ‘Future Ready Fuel’ campaign.
As part of the campaign, the organisations are also urging oil heated households, technicians and fuel distributors to respond to the consultation to ensure their views are not overlooked and that there are a range of affordable choices for consumers.
OFTEC chief executive Paul Rose and UKIFDA chief executive Ken Cronin said the consultation represents a critical moment for rural and off-grid households.
“The government is now preparing to make decisions over how oil heated homes will be heated in the future”, they said, adding that they “strongly believe that consumers, technicians and fuel distributors who will be directly impacted by these decisions should be able to have their say”.
“That’s why we’re pleased the government has finally launched this consultation, which we have been urging them to do for over two years. This will impact everything from the technology oil heated households use, the cost to switch and the price of fuel bills.
“Anyone can share their views and it’s quick, easy and free. You only have a few weeks to respond so don’t miss out on this important opportunity to ensure rural needs are not ignored in Westminster.”
The Alternative Clean Heating Consultation closes on 10 February 2026.
For more information visit www.futurereadyfuel.info/consultation
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