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Politics Home Article | Will the Warm Homes Plan deliver for rural communities?
Duncan Carter, Corporate Affairs Manager
| Calor Gas
The much anticipated Warm Homes Plan was finally revealed by the government last month.
The Warm Homes Plan (WHP) shifts from a ‘fabric first’ towards a ‘heat pump first’ approach. Combined with the decision to end the Energy Company Obligation, which had a fabric-first approach, more homeowners will be encouraged to install low–carbon heating technologies.
But, are the right technologies being supported, and will rural households have access to the support needed to decarbonise their heating fairly and affordably?
While heat pumps will undoubtedly play an important role in many homes, there is no single solution that fits the diverse realities of the UK’s rural housing stock. Many rural homes are older, harder‑to‑treat, and face significant challenges with insulation, electricity supply, and installation. For these households, which often face higher levels of fuel poverty, mandating only electric solutions risks imposing high upfront and running costs, substantial disruption, and, ultimately, limited consumer uptake.
For rural MPs, the WHP must be read alongside the consultation on Exploring the Role of Alternative Clean Heating Solutions which closes on 10th February. This seeks to identify alternatives for the estimated 20 per cent of homes the government recognises might not be suitable for heat pumps.
Calor welcomes the government’s ambition and the principle of universal access outlined in the WHP. However, the plan lacks a strategic approach for rural homes as many of the technologies currently supported might not be suitable, locking them out of schemes. Fairness and consumer choice for rural households must sit at the heart of policy design.
This means ensuring that Renewable Liquid Gases (RLGs) – such as BioLPG – are fully taken forward in the government’s heat strategy.
BioLPG is already available in the UK and is fully compatible with existing heating systems, and can cut carbon emissions immediately. BioLPG, offers up to 90 per cent carbon savings compared to conventional LPG, while producing dramatically lower particulate and NOx emissions than heating oil.
Heat pumps can cost upwards of £12,000 to install in off‑grid homes, even before fabric improvements are considered. The bill for some homes can be considerably higher. In contrast, switching to BioLPG requires no disruption, protects consumer choice, and ensures a just transition for households that cannot easily electrify.
The consultation rightly acknowledges the potential of renewable liquid fuels. An ambitious and well‑designed Renewable Liquid Heating Fuel Obligation, similar to that already deployed in the transport sector, would unlock investment, give certainty to producers, and accelerate supply of RLGs at scale. It is vital the government continues its dialogue with industry to bring forward an obligation as this would enable rural households to transition quickly and affordably.
As the UK shapes its future heat policy, the priority must be a pragmatic, consumer‑led pathway that delivers emissions reduction while safeguarding rural communities. Heat pumps have an important role to play, but they are not the only answer. RLGs present a ready‑made, cost‑effective and low‑carbon solution that can work alongside electrification – not in competition with it.
If the WHP is to properly deliver for rural communities, RLGs like BioLPG must be given the full policy recognition they deserve.
