The liquid fuel heating industry is in a strong position to transition off-grid homes onto low carbon heating, with a focus on putting householders at the heart of the decision making. That was the message from OFTEC’s 2026 conference, held in Tewksbury, where manufacturers, training providers, technicians, and fuel distributors recently gathered.
OFTEC Chairman Neil Sawers opened the conference by emphasising the importance of telling the consumer story. He highlighted that rather than concentrating on technical solutions and strategy documents, policymakers must focus on delivering positive outcomes for households, including a warm home and affordable heating bills.
The first speaker of the event was Tim Miller from the Future Ready Fuel team. He highlighted their recent campaign which saw 16,000 people recently respond to the government’s Alternative Clean Heating consultation.
Malcolm Farrow, director of marketing and external affairs at OFTEC, then addressed the changing political landscape, stressing the need for the government to accelerate its decision making on decarbonisation.
Mark Williams, Head of Training at City Training Cardiff, spoke about the critical role of competent technicians. He explained that skilled professionals will be the primary drivers in transitioning homes onto low carbon heating.
Concluding the speaker sessions, OFTEC CEO Paul Rose outlined the trade association’s approach. While continuing its robust support for liquid fuels, he emphasised that OFTEC must recognise the industry is changing.
Paul welcomed the steady increase in technicians joining OFTEC’s registration scope for heat pumps and outlined plans for OFTEC to support more technologies.
Following the conference, OFTEC CEO Paul Rose commented: “It’s been a very positive conference and our industry is in a strong position to deliver the transition to low carbon heating in the off-grid sector. What was clear throughout the discussion is that the needs of the consumer must be front and centre. They must have practical and affordable solutions, with the technology to deliver that coming second.
“We strongly believe renewable liquid fuels have a vital role to play in delivering these positive outcomes for oil heated households and we continue to invest in, and support, this approach. We are ready to deliver, and we urge policymakers to work with us and listen to the clear consumer demand for this approach.
“At the same time, we are pleased to welcome more technicians onto our registration scope for heat pumps. OFTEC runs a highly trusted scheme and we believe the future lies in a technology neutral approach. That’s why we provide technicians with the comprehensive support they need to install all the different renewable heating solutions.”
Image: The OFTEC Board 2026 (Oftec)
