PHAM NEWS | MARCH 2026 14 EnergyMatters Census highlights liquid gas growth


The UK’s liquifi ed petroleum gas (LPG) sector is now supplying 25 million litres of renewable liquid gases to customers nationwide, according to new fi gures published in Liquid Gas UK’s latest industry census. Supply is set to rise to over 35 million litres in bulk and close to 1 million litres in cylinders this year, taking renewable liquid gases to a combined market share of over 3%.


Heat pump subsidies could prove to be a false economy


The energy trade body EUA has issued a warning that current government heat pump subsidy schemes could morally compromise the transition to low carbon heating by leaving low income households with higher annual energy bills. Government schemes, such


as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) which offers £7,500 toward heat pump installation, and the forthcoming Warm Homes Plan, which pledges full funding for low income households, are intended to support a fair, greener future. However, the EUA points out that the government’s minimum efficiency requirement – a SCOP of just 2.8 – means many recipients of these subsidised heat pumps will cost around £200 more each year to heat their home than they would with a gas boiler. “We cannot call a policy ‘green’


if it makes the poorest families pay more for the privilege of decarbonising,” argues Mike Foster, CEO of EUA. “It is morally unacceptable to ask low income


households to shoulder higher running costs in order to meet national climate goals.” According to the EUA,


households would only benefit if installations achieve a SCOP of at least 3.5, or if customers are placed on a dedicated heat pump tariff. “When public money is used,


there is an ethical duty to protect the people receiving it,” Mike Foster adds. “A higher minimum efficiency standard or mandatory placement on a heat pump tariff is not just a technical detail – it is a moral obligation. Otherwise, these schemes risk turning support into hardship.” The EUA is also calling for


annual service checks to ensure heat pumps continue to operate effectively. “A heat pump installed at high efficiency, but left to deteriorate, fails both the household and the taxpayer,” says Foster. “Maintaining performance is part of the moral contract when spending public funds.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/326/24


George Webb, chief executive of Liquid Gas UK, comments: “Renewable liquid gases like bioLPG are playing a practical role in decarbonising heat, particularly for rural and off -grid homes and businesses which aren’t suitable for electrifi cation. “Supplying 25 million litres


Flexible pricing incentive


UK Power Networks’ Distribution System Operator (DSO) is bringing heat pumps into its fl exibility market, giving households new incentives to support a cleaner, smarter energy system. Over 6,000 heat pumps have already been integrated into the electricity operator’s fl exibility trading platform called Localfl ex. Residents in London, the East


and South East can now pre-heat their homes when renewable energy is abundant and reduce consumption during peak times for energy use, mirroring the way electric vehicle owners can optimise


Data highlights the benefi ts of controls


Heating control manufacturer Drayton has released analysis showing that upgrading heating controls is one of the most cost- eff ective ways to cut carbon emissions and reduce bills. This is according to the latest analysis of Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) data. MACC evaluates which energy-


saving measures provide the highest carbon reduction at the lowest set-up cost. Drayton’s updated review compares heating controls such as auto-balancing TRVs, and programmable thermostats against other methods, such as loft and wall insulation. Heating controls can provide


signifi cant carbon reductions, with TRVs having been shown to be one of the most cost-eff ective ways for UK households to cut carbon emissions and minimise energy bills. Having a negative MACC value indicates that the measure saves


12 months shows the pace of change and determination to deliver a futureproof fuel across our sector.”


Domestic heating, agriculture, leisure and industrial processing have been identifi ed as the biggest growth areas. Industrial demand is a


signifi cant driver of this growth, refl ecting the role LPG and renewable liquid gases can play in supporting industries that rely on high-temperature heat, such as glass manufacturing. For the 4 million UK homes


of renewable liquid gases to customers is a real milestone, and the fact this is expected to rise by 40% over the next


off the gas grid, it is argued that renewable liquid gases off er a drop-in alternative to electric technologies, integrating into existing LPG systems. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/326/25


charging times to save money. To make it easier for households


to participate, UK Power Networks has simplifi ed payment rules and streamlined the process for registering, cutting approval times to just a day. It also coordinates


Easy tariff switching


more money over its lifetime than it costs to install, with the results demonstrating that traditional heating controls off er a lower- cost, easily attainable solution for homeowners who are looking to make energy savings and carbon reductions. Nick Hunt, UK sales and


marketing director at Drayton, comments: “With the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis,


combined with the demand for low-carbon solutions, the MACC fi ndings demonstrate clear advantages for installers and homeowners. “In comparison to insulation,


upgrading heating controls off ers a quick, low-disruption solution. They deliver immediate benefi ts through reduced energy bills and improved heating comfort.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/326/27


Heat pump manufacturer Aira has launched what is claimed to be a first-of-its-kind capability that enables customers to synchronise their Aira Heat Pump or Aira Home Energy System with any energy tariff. People can choose from hundreds of available options, including those designed for EVs, heat pumps and a wide range of smart tariffs. By optimising directly against the customer’s selected tariff, Aira can unlock significant energy bill savings, greater performance insights and more control over how energy is used in the home. With an increasing number of


dynamic and time-of-use tariffs available across the UK, this new integration removes an important barrier to home electrification – being locked into a single tariff or energy provider for the lifetime of the product. Instead, Aira


with National Energy System Operator (NESO) service timelines, so consumers can support their local electricity network and also help balance supply and demand across the country. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/326/26


customers can select the tariff that works best for them, switch if they are not satisfied, and Aira Intelligence does the rest. Anthony Loizeau, Aira Group


CEO, comments: “We are proud to be the first clean energy tech installer to offer optimisation against any tariff for our heat pump and Aira Home Energy System customers. At a time when energy can feel complex and out of people’s control, new intelligence features like this unlock real savings and put the power back into people’s hands.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/326/28


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