Almost two million rural homeowners face a heating dilemma if the government goes ahead with plans to phase out fossil fuel heating systems in off-grid homes and businesses, according to a new statement by Liquid Gas UK.
The organisation said people living in rural properties across England have warned against proposals to upgrade coal or oil-fired heating systems to greener electric systems costing around £18,000.
It said that with many households already struggling with the rising cost of living, 95% of rural homeowners say it is a cost they cannot afford.
Under current plans to decarbonise rural heating, from 2026 homes not connected to England’s mains gas grid will be prevented from installing new fossil fuel heating systems, Liquid Gas UK noted.
A survey of over 1,000 rural homeowners commissioned by Liquid Gas UK found almost 80% were unaware any changes were on the horizon.
Liquid Gas UK, which represents companies in the liquified petroleum gas (LPG) industry, said the proposals failed to take into account the complexity of heating rural properties.
It said the government should offer a range of options to help owners of all property types and budgets improve their homes’ carbon footprint.
“Many rural homes are more expensive to retrofit and upgrade with energy efficiency measures than newer-built properties, so a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work for such a complex mix of housing stock,” said Sophia Haywood, director of public affairs at Liquid Gas UK. “Rural homeowners want to be able to select the system that’s right for them, picking from as many low-carbon heating technologies and cost options as possible.”