Net zero tsar may give ground on oil boilers on first day in job

THE new Energy Secretary will give ground in a row over the ban on oil boilers in one of her first moves in the role.

The Government faces calls to scrap a proposed 2026 ban on new oil boilers in rural homes and instead encourage the uptake of renewable fuels to help meet net zero goals.

Opposition to the ban has been led by George Eustice, the former environment secretary, who likened it to a rural ultra low emission zone scheme. He proposed an amendment to the Energy Bill to introduce effective subsidies on biofuels for domestic heating and also called for the ban to be subsequently dropped.

A similar amendment that allows environmentally friendly oils to be sold to households at lower prices has now been tabled by Claire Coutinho, the new net zero tsar. If it passes after the Energy Bill returns to Parliament next week, the amendment could pave the way for the Government to drop or delay the 2026 deadline, by allowing oil boilers using renewable fuels.

Existing oil boilers can be modified to run on renewable fuels, but they are relatively expensive without subsidies.

Backers say biofuels can reduce emissions from heating by around 90 per cent, but there are concerns that the crops used to create them could displace food production or tree planting.

Mr Eustice said: “I am very pleased that the Government has recognised the potential that renewable liquid fuels could play in decarbonising properties that are off the gas grid and will now be supporting the new amendment.”

The amendment comes days after the Government said it could bring in higher subsidies for off-grid homes to switch to heat pumps, amid a low take-up of the green technology.

Property owners who fail to comply with new energy efficiency rules could face jail under government plans.

Ministers want to grant themselves sweeping powers to create new criminal offences and increase civil penalties as part of efforts to hit net zero targets.

Under the proposals, those who fall foul of regulations to reduce their energy consumption could face up to a year in jail and fines as high as £15,000.

Tory backbenchers are set to rebel against the proposals, contained in the Energy Bill, which they fear would lead to the criminalisation of homeowners, landlords and businesses.