The Government needs to have a serious rethink. We need to improve the take-up of heat pumps – but not at the cost of household bills and people’s livelihoods. 

The path to decarbonising heat also needs to give consumers the ability to choose which project works for them: heat pumps, heat networks, hydrogen, and other technologies all have a role, and should not be played against each other.

There are a number of ways that the Government can change its approach: lowering the target of heat pumps to match delivery of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme; using the Mechanism to drive hydrogen ready boilers alongside heat pumps, or removing the Mechanism altogether.

Germany offers a stark warning of the dangers of pursuing a one-size-fits-all strategy for home heating. Its proposed gas boiler ban caused uproar, a fall in the Government’s poll ratings, and a predictable dash for traditional boilers before the ban was slated to come in. 

It underscores that consumers want and need choice. 

Heat pumps can be supported without penalising those who can’t or don’t want them now. And they are not the only solution: there is no need for the Government to put all its eggs in one basket.

It is widely accepted we need a dual energy system with gas – natural gas now and hydrogen in the future – playing a key role. 

The Government should be looking at ways to support the development of consumer products like hydrogen-ready boilers, and blending hydrogen with natural gas, to complement and support the transition to heat pumps.

I speak for the gas industry when I express commitment to decarbonisation, and a willingness to do what it takes to get there. 

Ditching the boiler tax will help us deliver options that work for everyone, protect domestic manufacturing, and ensure that no consumers are left behind. 

Graham Edwards OBE is chief executive officer at Wales & West Utilities