A new survey1 has revealed how the government’s green heating policies are impacting voting intentions of oil households in rural counties like County Durham across England.
Nearly three in four (72%) voters on oil heating said the government’s proposals to stop them installing a replacement boiler after 2026, and instead switch to a heat pump, will influence how they cast their ballot in the next general election.
The survey also revealed that almost two thirds (65%) of voters are against government plans to limit the choice of renewable heating system they can install after 2026, whilst 63% of oil homes want the option of switching to a renewable liquid fuel.
Over 1,000 voters on oil heating were surveyed across England. In County Durham there are approximately 16,000 households on oil who would be affected by the government’s proposals if they go ahead.
In its 2021 Heat and Buildings Strategy2 the government proposed an end to the installation of new fossil fuel oil boilers in homes from 2026, with most expected to install a heat pump if their boiler is replaced. However, homes on mains gas can continue to replace their system like for like for nine more years until 2035. The plans are part of the UK’s ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Air Source Heat Pumps cost around £12,900 but homes on oil heating are typically older which means they often require significant modifications and energy efficiency upgrades for the technology to work effectively. According to BEIS’ Heat Pump Checker3, the total cost for these types of properties to transition to a heat pump can exceed £20,000.
Alternative solutions for oil homes include renewable liquid fuels such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). Nearly 150 properties have switched as part of a demonstration by trade associations OFTEC and UKIFDA. The fossil-free, sustainably sourced fuel reduces emissions by 88% following a £500 conversion. Research4 has also shown there is more than enough supply to meet demand across the heating, aviation and transport sectors.
Malcolm Farrow from OFTEC, the trade association for liquid fuel heating which conducted the survey, commented: “From this research, we can clearly see that rural voters on oil heating aren’t happy with the government’s rural energy proposals, and they’re planning to make their voices heard at the next election.
“Whilst we fully support the need to transition oil homes to greener heating, in the current cost of living crisis, we need solutions which are affordable and realistic for everybody. Heat pumps are an ideal choice for some homes, but we must recognise that for many oil homes the costs are simply unaffordable. “
“Rural homes need to be given a choice so they can adopt the right heating for their property. For the 16,000 oil heated homes in County Durham, the renewable liquid fuel HVO is an ideal alternative with a quick and simple conversion cost of around £500. Our successful demonstration project has proved it works and our industry is ready to deliver a wider rollout if the government can provide the necessary policy support.”
