In welcoming the appointment of Miatta Fahnbulleh MP as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) says that her appointment has come at a pivotal moment for the UK’s heating sector, as the decisions taken during this Parliament will have a profound impact on how successfully the UK can reduce carbon emissions, strengthen energy security and help households manage energy costs.
HHIC director Stewart Clements (pictured above with the new Minister) says he is looking forward to the opportunity of working closely with the new Secretary of State and her team to ensure that policies are practical, evidence-based and capable of delivering meaningful progress towards net zero. To achieve a successful transition, he argues that government policy should focus on five key priorities:
(1) Put consumer affordability first
Consumer affordability remains the single most important factor influencing whether households are willing and able to invest in lower-carbon heating technologies.
The challenge facing policymakers is considerable. Around 28 million homes across the UK rely on a wide variety of heating systems and are built to vastly different standards. Some properties may require significant fabric improvements before low-temperature heating can operate effectively. Many households are also facing ongoing financial pressures and are understandably cautious about major investments. For this reason, affordability must remain at the heart of any heat decarbonisation strategy.
Consumers are far more likely to embrace change if they can see clear financial benefits, whether through lower energy bills, reduced maintenance costs or access to affordable funding mechanisms. Policies that help households manage costs while reducing emissions will be more successful in securing long-term public support than those that focus solely on carbon targets.
The transition to low-carbon heat must be delivered with consumers, not simply to consumers. If households perceive decarbonisation as expensive or disruptive, progress will inevitably slow. Creating pathways that are affordable and attractive will be essential to accelerating uptake.
(2) Adopt a technology-neutral approach
One of the most important principles for government to adopt is technology neutrality. There is no single heating solution capable of meeting the needs of every property across the UK. The country’s housing stock is among the oldest and most varied in Europe.
There are a number of highly efficient solutions available, as well as new and emerging technologies that have the potential to contribute to decarbonisation. Different technologies will be appropriate for different homes depending on factors such as property type, location, insulation levels, existing heating infrastructure and household budgets.
Government policy should therefore focus on outcomes rather than prescribing a single technology pathway.
A technology-neutral framework encourages innovation, supports consumer choice and allows the market to identify the most cost-effective solutions for different circumstances. It also helps ensure that emissions reductions can be achieved more quickly by making use of all available technologies rather than limiting options.
The objective should always be to reduce carbon emissions in the most practical and affordable way possible.
(3) Deliver immediate carbon savings by targeting the least efficient systems
While long-term transformation is essential, there are also opportunities to achieve significant carbon reductions today.
One of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to reduce emissions is by targeting the oldest and least efficient heating appliances still operating in UK homes. Many households continue to rely on ageing non-condensing boilers and poorly performing heating systems that consume more energy than necessary and generate higher carbon emissions.
Replacing these systems with modern, highly efficient alternatives can deliver immediate benefits. Consumers typically experience lower energy consumption, reduced running costs and improved comfort, while carbon emissions fall significantly.
This approach offers a pragmatic route to early carbon savings while supporting a smoother transition towards lower-carbon technologies in the future.
By focusing on the least efficient systems first, policymakers can secure meaningful emissions reductions now, as well as having the potential to achieve the greatest economic savings, rather than waiting for longer-term infrastructure and technology changes to take effect. This is a practical step that would benefit consumers, support installers and contribute directly to national carbon reduction objectives.
(4) Strengthen consumer confidence and trust
Consumer confidence will be fundamental to the success of the low-carbon heat transition. Households need clear and consistent information, trusted advice and reassurance that any investment they make will deliver the performance, comfort and energy savings they expect.
Building this confidence requires a combination of robust product standards, effective consumer protection, quality assurance schemes and ongoing investment in installer skills.
Installers are often the most trusted source of advice for homeowners. Ensuring they have access to high-quality training and up-to-date technical knowledge will be critical as new technologies become more widely adopted.
The industry already benefits from well-established initiatives such as Benchmark, which helps ensure heating systems are installed, commissioned and maintained correctly. Annual servicing supported by Benchmark gives consumers confidence that their systems continue to operate safely and efficiently throughout their lifespan.
As low-carbon technologies become more prevalent, there is a strong case for extending the principles of Benchmark across these systems. Doing so would help protect consumers while ensuring technologies continue to deliver their intended efficiency and carbon savings over many years.
Government should also support the development and enforcement of clear national standards for the installation of low carbon technologies. Consistent installation requirements, backed by robust compliance and consumer protection measures, will help safeguard households against poor-quality installations and improve system performance.
When consumers are confident that products will perform as promised and that installers are properly trained, they are far more likely to embrace new technologies.
(5) Work in partnership with industry to deliver investment and growth
The UK heating industry has a proud history of innovation, manufacturing excellence and investment. Manufacturers, installers and supply chains support thousands of highly skilled jobs across the country and contribute significantly to economic growth. Many UK businesses are already developing and exporting world-leading heating technologies that support decarbonisation both at home and overseas.
Government and industry share the same ultimate objective: reducing emissions while maintaining reliable, affordable heating for consumers.
Achieving this objective will require close collaboration. Early engagement with manufacturers, installers and supply chains can help ensure policies are practical, deliverable and capable of attracting the long-term private investment needed to transform the sector.
Policy certainty is particularly important. Businesses are more willing to invest in new products, manufacturing facilities and workforce development when they have confidence in the long-term direction of government policy.
A collaborative approach will accelerate innovation, protect jobs and maximise opportunities for economic growth across the UK, while supporting the transition to net zero.
Looking ahead
The decarbonisation of heat represents one of the UK’s greatest opportunities to deliver lower emissions, stronger energy security and more affordable energy for households. It is also one of the most complex challenges facing policymakers.
Success will depend on maintaining public support, recognising the diversity of UK homes and ensuring that consumers remain at the centre of decision-making. Affordability, technology neutrality, immediate carbon savings, consumer confidence and strong industry partnerships must all form part of the solution.
HHIC and its members are ready to work with the Secretary of State and the wider government to help develop policies that are practical, affordable and capable of delivering lasting results.
By working together, we can ensure the transition to low-carbon heat benefits consumers, supports economic growth and helps the UK achieve its net zero ambitions.
