That’s according to trade association OFTEC who are considering the impact of government plans to phase out the installation of fossil fuel heating systems during the 2020s, starting in homes off the gas grid and new builds. They say that the 135,000 oil heating households in Scotland, as well as thousands of LPG users, could therefore face having to buy new electric heating pumps, which can cost between £8-20,000.
]And OFTEC are instead lobbying for fossil fuels to be replaced with low carbon liquid biofuels, which are being developed.
CEO Paul Rose said: “We firmly support plans to decarbonise home heating, but government’s current thinking is concerning. While policy decisions have yet to be made, heat pumps are the indicated preference – but this could cause major problems for cash-strapped rural households. Financial support to help the poorest families switch heating systems would most likely be made available but many households will be expected to fund the work themselves. The vast majority just won’t be able to do this. “Introducing policy which isn’t fit for purpose could have severe consequences.
“The impact on consumers must be central to discussions on the future of heating, and cost and disruption minimised if support for climate change action is to be forthcoming.”
