Estate agents struggling with ‘confusing’ official energy policy on oil tanks

Confusion over the government’s plans to transition rural properties to greener heating systems combined with rising mortgages costs has left many country estate agents scratching their heads as well as risking putting off would-be homebuyers.

The Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC), the trade body for off-grid heating technicians, has seen a rise in the number of agents asking for advice on the government’s proposals to transition rural properties on fossil fuel heating systems onto renewable technologies.

FOUR MILLION

There are an estimated four million properties across the UK similar to the one pictured that are not connected to the mains gas grid and use alternative fuels sources including oil heating, LPG or electric storage heaters.

In 2021 the government published its Heat and Buildings Strategy which proposed phasing out the installation of new fossil fuel heating systems in homes from 2026.

In most cases, these properties will be expected to install a heat pump when their existing boiler stops working.

Rural homes are often more difficult as they have low energy efficiency and would require costly and disruptive renovations.

Now OFTEC is calling for calm and points out that these ‘proposals’ are still in the consultation stage and with a General Election next year the 2026 date is optimistic.

RENEWABLE

So far around 150 oil heated properties across the UK have successfully transitioned to a renewable liquid fuel – Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil – as part of an industry initiative.

Malcolm Farrow, head of public affairs at OFTEC, says: “As the cost-of-living crisis collides with the UK’s net zero ambitions it’s important everyone has the facts so they can make an informed decision.

“Quite simply, there is no suggestion at all that homes with fossil fuel heating, such as oil, will have to remove their existing boilers.

 “The focus must be on delivering green heating solutions which are practical to install and, more importantly, affordable to avoid putting any unnecessary burden on one group of homeowners.”