Next month the House of Commons will consider the next stage of the Energy Bill. The aim of the Bill is to help increase the resilience and reliability of energy systems across the UK, support the delivery of the UK’s climate change commitments and reform the UK’s energy system while minimizing costs to consumers and protecting them from unfair pricing.
Earlier this year, Richard supported his colleague, George Eustice's Private Member's Bill which sought legislative changes to make renewable liquid heating fuel a more viable source of heating for people whose homes are not connected to the gas energy grid. In a rural constituency this is an important issue as many properties use energy which is "off grid", do not have access to a mains gas supply and rely on alternative means for heating their homes. Details are here: Richard supports Bill to give residents who live "off grid" more options for cost-effective heat in their homes whilst reducing carbon emissions | Richard Fuller
Since then, the Government has introduced the Energy Bill and George Eustice has tabled an amendment to the Bill which would, if accepted, make it easier for homeowners to make the switch to renewable liquid heating fuel.
Richard has added his support to the amendment to the Bill. Speaking ahead of the debate, Richard said: "This amendment provides an opportunity for the Government to consider this alternative heating source which could make such a difference to constituents whose homes are not connected to the gas grid.
We know that the technology exists to adapt existing boilers to run not on kerosene but on hydrotreated vegetable oil, a renewable fuel derived from waste and that making the change is relatively straightforward and much less expensive than other options such as heat pumps. We have seen for some time now the use of renewable fuels in transport and if we can make that switch to home heating, it could provide an alternative and cheaper option for many people who live in rural constituencies."
