Decarbonising heat in homes
Business and Trade Committee
Closed
Inquiry
The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee has launched an inquiry examining the path to decarbonising heating in homes. The BEIS Committee will examine the Government’s ‘Buildings and Heat Strategy’, due in November, and investigate the policies, priorities and timelines which are needed to decarbonise heating in residential buildings …
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28
Recommendations
11
Conclusions
1
Report
5
Oral sessions
16
Letters
6
Events
Activity timeline 24 events
18 May
2022
2022
1 Mar
2022
2022
9 Feb
2022
2022
3 Feb
2022
2022
Report published
16 Nov
2021
2021
Oral evidence
8 Sep
2021
2021
22 Jul
2021
2021
13 Jul
2021
2021
13 Jul
2021
2021
13 Jul
2021
2021
8 Jul
2021
2021
8 Jun
2021
2021
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 5 sessions
16 Nov 2021
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Decarbonising heat in homes
Ian Rippin · Microgeneration Certification scheme
Juliet Phillips · E3G
Marcus Shepheard · Climate Change Committee
Zoe Guijarro · Citizens Advice
8 Jun 2021
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Oral evidence session
Caroline Bragg · Association for Decentralised Energy
Ed Dodman · Ombudsman Services
James Richardson · National Infrastructure Commission
Jenny Hill · Committee on Climate Change
Matthew Copeland · National Energy Action
Neil Kenward · Ofgem
Polly Billington · UK100
Stephen Knight · Heat Trust
20 Apr 2021
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Oral evidence session
Emma Harvey · Coalition for the Energy Efficiency of Buildings
Juliet Phillips · E3G
Mark Barrett · University College London
Naomi Baker · Energy Saving Trust
16 Mar 2021
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Private meeting; Oral evidence session
Angie Needle · Cadent Gas
David Renard · Local Government Associations’ Environment, Economy, Housing and Transport Board
George Day · Energy Systems Catapult
Greg Jackson · Octopus Energy
Michael Lewis · E.ON
Patrick Chauvin · Stonewater
Randolph Brazier · Energy Networks Association
Steve Keeton · Vaillant Group UK Ltd
9 Feb 2021
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Oral evidence
Craig Dyke · National Grid Electricity System Operator
Dr Richard Lowes · University of Exeter
Dr Will McDowall · University College London
Graham Halladay · Western Power Distribution
Gus McIntosh · SGN
Ian Rippin · Microgeneration Certification Scheme Service Company
Professor Janette Webb · University of Edinburgh
Professor Nick Eyre · University of Oxford
Reports 1 report · click to expand
| Title | HC No. | Published | Items | Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in homes | HC 1038 | 3 Feb 2022 | 39 | Responded |
Recommendations & Conclusions
16 results
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Seventh report - Decarbonising hea…
Ineffective historic heating policy and the absence of a clear, strategic policy direction for low...
Ineffective historic heating policy and the absence of a clear, strategic policy direction for low carbon heating has created confusion and uncertainty in the transition to low carbon heating and has affected investor confidence. We welcome the long overdue publication …
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Government Response
The government acknowledges the need for clarity and outlines its approach, including aiming for as many homes as possible to reach EPC C by 2035 and phasing out natural gas boilers by 2035, with strategic decisions on heat by 2026.
Department for Business and Trade
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2
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Seventh report - Decarbonising hea…
Evidence was clear that for low carbon heating installations to work effectively and to heat...
Evidence was clear that for low carbon heating installations to work effectively and to heat homes adequately, properties need to be upgraded to the correct levels of energy efficiency. It is critical then that Government policies and strategies are interlinked. …
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Government Response
The government acknowledges the need for interlinked policies and highlights its plans, including a strategic decision on hydrogen by 2026, the Future Homes Standard, and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Department for Business and Trade
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5
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Seventh report - Decarbonising hea…
We congratulate the Department on its work on heat networks, including the consultation on heat...
We congratulate the Department on its work on heat networks, including the consultation on heat network zoning. We support the rollout of heat networks across the country, the retrofitting of high-density housing, and the installation of heat networks in new …
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Government Response
The Government acknowledges concerns around heat networks and mentions its support for the market, data publication and forthcoming regulatory framework, but does not specifically commit to giving Ofgem the mandate and resources to expand and enforce consumer protections.
Department for Business and Trade
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8
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Seventh report - Decarbonising hea…
We note that the then Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government felt it only...
We note that the then Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government felt it only played a “limited role” in the decarbonisation of heating in housing and demand that Ministers prioritise this crucial work more clearly in the future.
Government Response
The government recognizes the need to phase out fossil fuel heating systems, using market trigger points and learning from the transition to low carbon transport, but doesn't commit to anything specific in response to the committee's statement.
Department for Business and Trade
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9
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Seventh report - Decarbonising hea…
The Future Homes Standard is another key policy in the Energy White Paper.
The Future Homes Standard is another key policy in the Energy White Paper. It aims for new build homes to be fitted with low carbon heating, and high levels of energy efficiency to ensure that homes built to the Future …
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Government Response
The government is committed to phasing out high-carbon fossil fuel heating in buildings off the gas grid during the 2020s, primarily through electrification of heat, but recognizes the need for a pace that works for industry and consumers, including targeted financial measures and regulations, with a consultation on new regulations already conducted in October 2021.
Department for Business and Trade
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12
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Seventh report - Decarbonising hea…
Delivering net zero by 2050 will require a ban on the installation of fossil fuel...
Delivering net zero by 2050 will require a ban on the installation of fossil fuel heating systems by the mid-2030s at the latest. We note that the Government signalling, instead of setting, an end-date for the phase out of gas …
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Government Response
The government discusses the Green Home Finance Innovation Fund, the Green Home Finance Accelerator Programme (doubling funding to £20 million), and consultation on incentivizing mortgage lenders, but doesn't directly commit to a ban on fossil fuel heating systems or more ambitious plans for pricing and innovation, as the recommendation urged.
Department for Business and Trade
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13
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Seventh report - Decarbonising hea…
We recommend that in the context of the phasing out of gas boilers, the Government...
We recommend that in the context of the phasing out of gas boilers, the Government adopts a clear and specific end-date by regulating through legislation the phase out of gas boilers. We also recommend that the Government sets out its …
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Government Response
The Government outlines the measures being taken to ensure the market is in place to deliver on the ambition of 600,000 annual heat pump installations by 2028, including financial support, market intervention and regulations. They are working with industry to ensure the enabling conditions are right to support this growth through initiatives like the Heat Pump Ready Innovation Programme and by ensuring appropriate training is available.
Department for Business and Trade
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14
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Seventh report - Decarbonising hea…
It is vital that the Government should meet its target to deliver a minimum of...
It is vital that the Government should meet its target to deliver a minimum of 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028 or it will fall off course in delivering net zero by
Government Response
The government describes its plans for a market-based mechanism and consultation but does not directly address how it will meet the 600,000 heat pump target, only stating that the mechanisms are *designed to deliver* on the ambition.
Department for Business and Trade
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21
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Seventh report - Decarbonising hea…
We recommend that the Government introduce a heat decarbonisation sector deal by 2023 so that...
We recommend that the Government introduce a heat decarbonisation sector deal by 2023 so that there may be a heightened focus on scaling up low carbon heating markets and reducing costs.
Government Response
The government says they are committed to keeping costs fair and affordable, exploring options to shift energy levies away from electricity, expand carbon pricing, and remove costs from electricity bills, with proposals to be published in 2022, while providing financial support through existing schemes.
Department for Business and Trade
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23
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Seventh report - Decarbonising hea…
The Government must urgently develop a low carbon heating training programme, in partnership with industry...
The Government must urgently develop a low carbon heating training programme, in partnership with industry and trade unions. The training programme should align with the Government’s own target to deploy 600,000 heat pumps by 2028 and the plans it has …
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Government Response
The Government agrees that further action is needed to increase consumer awareness and mentions progress made in raising public awareness and interest in climate change, enhancing communication channels, and increased investment into the digital service, Simple Energy Advice, but doesn't directly address developing a low carbon heating training program in partnership with industry and trade unions.
Department for Business and Trade
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25
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Seventh report - Decarbonising hea…
In addition to working with industry and trade unions, we recommend that the Government works...
In addition to working with industry and trade unions, we recommend that the Government works closely with local and regional authorities in England allowing local leaders to deliver coherent services to their populations, for example through the regional delivery of …
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Government Response
The government acknowledges the vital role of local and regional governments and mentions the Local Net Zero Forum, the Local Net Zero Programme, and funding for various decarbonisation schemes delivered in partnership with local authorities, but does not commit to specifically working with local and regional authorities on the regional delivery of the adult skills budget, or promoting the connection between net zero policies and ‘green job’ creation.
Department for Business and Trade
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27
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Seventh report - Decarbonising hea…
We call on the Government to prioritise the development and launch of a replacement for...
We call on the Government to prioritise the development and launch of a replacement for the Green Homes Grant, delivered locally through regional and local government in England instead of centrally by the Department. Ministers should provide an update on …
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Government Response
The government acknowledges the role of local authorities in decarbonising homes and mentions strategies and milestones for decarbonizing heating, but doesn't commit to prioritizing a replacement for the Green Homes Grant delivered locally, as specifically recommended.
Department for Business and Trade
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29
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Seventh report - Decarbonising hea…
The current apportioning of environmental levies disincentivises the switch to electrified low carbon heating solutions,...
The current apportioning of environmental levies disincentivises the switch to electrified low carbon heating solutions, such as heat pumps, because the running costs are greater than a gas boiler. As we have seen with the ongoing gas market crisis, increases …
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Government Response
The government acknowledges the disincentives in current electricity and gas pricing, commits to keeping costs fair, and states they are exploring options to shift or rebalance energy levies away from electricity, with proposals to be published in 2022.
Department for Business and Trade
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31
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Seventh report - Decarbonising hea…
We call on Ministers to mandate the Committee on Fuel Poverty to monitor and report...
We call on Ministers to mandate the Committee on Fuel Poverty to monitor and report annually on the transition costs on fuel poor households. (Paragraph 125) Consumer engagement and protection
Government Response
Ministers cannot mandate the actions of the Committee on Fuel Poverty but will continue to work closely with them.
Department for Business and Trade
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32
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Seventh report - Decarbonising hea…
Consumer engagement and awareness when it comes to the decarbonisation of domestic heat is low.
Consumer engagement and awareness when it comes to the decarbonisation of domestic heat is low. One of the greatest shortfalls of the Heat and Buildings Strategy is that it misses the opportunity to outline the Government’s plan to drive up …
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Government Response
The government agrees that further action is needed to increase consumer awareness, is working to develop a strategy for climate change communications, enhance communication channels, and increase investment into the digital service, Simple Energy Advice.
Department for Business and Trade
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33
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Seventh report - Decarbonising hea…
It is clear that current technologies to decarbonise home heating lack widespread consumer awareness and...
It is clear that current technologies to decarbonise home heating lack widespread consumer awareness and are at price points that make transition costly for most households. The sector needs to demonstrate more commitment to improving their product capabilities and greater …
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Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's conclusion.
Department for Business and Trade
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Government Response AI assessment · 39 of 28 classified
Accepted
14
Acknowledged
16
Deferred
3
Rejected
1
Total
28 recs + 11 conclusions
Correspondence 16 letters
1 Mar 2022
To committee
Letter from the COP President on decarbonisation of domestic heat
Parliament page
9 Feb 2022
To committee
Letter from the Chair to the COP26 President on the decarbonisation of heat in homes
Parliament page
8 Sep 2021
To committee
Letter from the Minister of State for Housing on policies for decarbonising heat in homes
Parliament page
22 Jul 2021
To committee
Letter from the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury relating to policy relevant to domestic heat decarbonisation
Parliament page
13 Jul 2021
From committee
Letter to the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury requesting a Minister to attend a session on Decarbonising Heat in Homes
Parliament page
13 Jul 2021
To committee
Letter from the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury on the request to attend the Decarbonising Heat in Homes inquiry session
Parliament page
13 Jul 2021
To committee
Letter from the Chair to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government requesting a Minister to attend the Decarbonising Heat in Homes inquiry session
Parliament page
8 Jul 2021
To committee
Letter from the Minister for Housing declining the invitation to give oral evidence to the Committee’s Decarbonising heat in homes inquiry
Parliament page
27 May 2021
To committee
Letter from the Chief Executive, Octopus Energy, to the Chair relating to decarbonising heat in homes
Parliament page
13 May 2021
To committee
Letter from Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica, to the Chair relating to decarbonising heat and Centrica’s hybrid heat pump trial
Parliament page
27 Apr 2021
To committee
Letter from Greg Jackson, CEO, Octopus Energy to the Chair in follow up on points from oral evidence on Decarbonising heat in homes
Parliament page
13 Apr 2021
To committee
Letter from the Secretary of State to the Chair regarding the Green Homes Grants Voucher Scheme
Parliament page
23 Mar 2021
To committee
Letter from the Director of Strategy, Cadent Gas, to the Chair in follow up to oral evidence given to the Decarbonising heat in homes inquiry
Parliament page
23 Mar 2021
To committee
Letter from the Chair of the Local Government Association Environment, Economy, Housing and Transport Board to the Chair in follow up to oral evidence given to the Decarbonising heat in homes inquiry
Parliament page
23 Mar 2021
To committee
Letter from the Chief Executive of E.ON to the Chair in follow up to oral evidence given to the Decarbonising heat in homes inquiry
Parliament page
4 Mar 2021
To committee
Letter from the Chair to the Secretary of State regarding the Green Homes Grant
Parliament page