Ban on new fossil fuel boilers delayed

Thursday, 16 May 2024 at 08:43

A ban on installing new fossil fuel boilers in Jersey has been pushed back indefinitely.

It was due to take effect in 2026. No new date has been set.

The Environment Minister is prioritising work on updating building bye-laws instead.

Deputy Steve Luce is also pausing the introduction of mandatory certificates - Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) - showing new owners or tenants how energy efficient homes are.

Deputy Luce says he remains committed to supporting islanders with the move towards greener ways of heating their homes:

“It makes total sense to begin the work on the building bye-laws and technical guidance first, to consider exactly what standards will be required to help us meet our net zero ambitions.

“Putting back the ban on replacement fossil fuel boilers isn’t a cancellation of the policy, but is a signal that we’re reprioritising some of this work to make sure it’s done in the right order, at the right time.

A government-run incentive scheme, offering financial help to switch away from fossil fuel heating system, remains open.

275 households have benefited so far from the Low Carbon Heating Incentive of £5,000 match funding, or up to £10,000 unmatched for low income households.

A consultation on EPC's will run this year, but the legislation will not be brought forward in this government's term.

Islanders can still apply for a subsidy towards a Home Energy Audit and an EPC.