Devon’s oil-heated households urged to respond to government clean heating consultation

Residents in Devon who rely on oil heating are being urged to have their say on the future of home heating, as more than 3,000 oil-heated households across England have already responded to a government consultation in just a matter of weeks.

The call comes as the Government’s Alternative Clean Heating consultation remains open until 10 February 2026 and is set to influence which technologies households off the gas grid may be able to use in the years ahead.

There are around 41,000 homes in Devon heated by oil, many of them in rural areas, and campaigners say it is vital their views are heard before decisions are finalised.

Responses submitted so far show strong concern among households about the potential cost and disruption of switching away from oil. Many respondents have urged the government to support renewable liquid fuels, such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), as a lower-carbon alternative.

The Government’s current preference is for off-grid homes to transition to heat pumps or heat networks. However, figures within the consultation indicate that for a household with an existing oil heating system, the cost of switching to a heat pump is estimated at £16,900. For harder-to-treat buildings, costs could be even higher.

While a £7,500 grant is available through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, this still leaves many households facing thousands of pounds in additional costs, and older, draughtier properties such as many of those on Dartmoor are unsuitable for a heat pump without extensive works being carried out beforehand to properly insulate the building. Critics of the so-called “heat pump first” approach argue that older and rural properties may require such extensive upgrades, it would make the transition more disruptive and expensive.

Acknowledging some of these challenges, the government has invited households to share their views on alternative heating solutions through the consultation. One option being highlighted by the liquid fuel heating industry is the use of renewable liquid fuels blended with kerosene. Industry representatives say this could work immediately in existing oil boilers, significantly reducing emissions without upfront costs or major disruption. The approach has already been trialled in 150 properties as part of an industry demonstration project.

Trade bodies OFTEC, which operates an off-grid technician registration scheme, and UKIFDA, representing liquid fuel distributors, are submitting evidence from these trials as part of the consultation.

As part of the Future Ready Fuel campaign, both organisations are encouraging oil-heated households across Devon to respond.

OFTEC CEO Paul Rose and UKIFDA CEO Ken Cronin said:

“It’s very encouraging to see over 3,000 oil heated households have already responded to this new consultation in just a few weeks. This reflects the strength of feeling amongst homes on oil that they want affordable and practical solutions when it comes to switching to cleaner heating solutions.

“Current proposals often overlook the unique challenges of heating older properties, which those of us living in rural areas are all too aware of. We believe a fair transition must focus on choice and include options like renewable liquid fuels, which allow households to decarbonise without the stress of major building work or unmanageable costs.

“The good news is submitting your views is quick, easy, and free. With only a few weeks remaining before the consultation closes, we urge households across the county to take this opportunity to ensure their voices are heard.”

The Alternative Clean Heating consultation closes on 10 February 2026. More information about the Future Ready Fuel campaign is available at www.futurereadyfuel.info/consultation