Why over 7,500 rural households have responded to a government heating consultation

by Malcolm Farrow, director of marketing and external affairs at OFTEC

Over the past few weeks, thousands of oil heated households living in rural areas have stepped up to ensure their voices are heard. We have now hit a significant milestone: over 7,500 people have responded to a government consultation on the future of their home heating.

This number isn’t just a statistic. It represents a powerful strength of feeling from ordinary people who want a say in the heating systems they can use. Crucially, it’s also a clear signal that rural households don’t want to be, once again, overlooked by Westminster. 

The activity centres around the Alternative Clean Heating consultation launched by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The government is asking for anyone to share their views until it closes on 10 February this year. It’s an important opportunity for rural households and businesses to influence policy. So, why are so many people taking the time to respond?

1. Rural households are in a cost of living crisis

While the government’s current position is that heat pumps and heat networks should be the main way we decarbonise heating from our homes and businesses, it is beginning to recognise that one size does not fit all. The consultation document itself highlights a stark reality for many who currently using oil heating: the stated cost to switch to a heat pump in the consultation is approximately £16,900.

For the hardest to treat homes, the cost is likely to be even higher. Even with the £7,500 grant available through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, households are still left facing a hefty bill to make the switch. At a time when the cost of living crisis continues to squeeze family budgets, this financial barrier is, for many, simply insurmountable.

2. Putting choice back on the table

Rural communities aren't asking for special treatment, they are asking for choice. This is the driving force behind our Future Ready Fuel campaign. We are calling for the government to, alongside heat pumps, support the use of renewable liquid fuels such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).

These fuels could initially be introduced as a blend with kerosene, working immediately in existing oil boilers. This approach would significantly reduce carbon emissions without the need for massive upfront costs or the disruption of replacing entire heating systems.

The viability of this solution has already been proven through an industry demonstration project involving 150 properties across the country, showing that a greener future doesn't have to mean a more complicated or expensive one.

All our homes are different. Our lifestyles and heating needs are different. That’s why it’s so important choice is at the centre of the transition to low carbon heating. Otherwise, we risk leaving already struggling households with poor outcomes or no practical choices.

3. A voice in the conversation

Let’s be honest, government consultations and policy documents don’t always get a huge amount of attention. That’s why it’s amazing to see the unprecedented strength of feeling with thousands of households engaging. This is not about resisting change. On the contrary, people in rural areas want to make their villages and communities a better place, from improving local infrastructure to reducing emissions. But they want to be part of the conversation and to ensure a transition is fair and practical for everyone, not just those with the deepest pockets.

This consultation is a decisive chance for rural households to help shape the future. Hundreds of people are responding every day. If you haven't yet shared your views, we urge you to do so before the 10 February deadline. We know everyone is busy, so we have made the process as simple as possible. It takes just 30 seconds of your time to ensure your voice is counted.

Find out more and have your say today at: www.futurereadyfuel.info/consultation