Ed Miliband is reportedly planning to ban the sale of underfloor heating systems that consume excessive power as part of a fresh net zero initiative. The Energy Secretary intends to introduce new efficiency requirements that would render approximately one-third of existing 'space heating systems' illegal to sell.
Proposed Regulations and Their Impact
According to The Telegraph, Mr. Miliband's renewed push for carbon neutrality could also mandate temperature controls and restrict some towel rails to operate only six hours per day. The proposed regulations aim to compel customers to switch to more expensive home systems designed to limit energy use, including features that restrict heating to specific times of the day or automatically shut off after detecting inefficiency from issues like draughts.
Political Backlash
Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho accused Mr. Miliband of pursuing a policy that amounts to 'Soviet-level intrusion' and means 'our lives are being dictated by net zero legislation'. Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice added: 'Mad Miliband's latest net zero push to restrict underfloor heating and electric towel rails is utter madness. Even the Romans had underfloor heating. Labour is choosing to focus on tone-deaf green ideology rather than bringing down household costs.'
Comparison with EU Regulations
The plans would bring Britain's energy regulations closer to those of the European Union, where only the most energy-efficient products are available. Reports suggest the new rules will apply only to new sales, not existing underfloor heating systems and towel racks.
Previous Government Actions
This follows the Labour Government's earlier announcement of plans for a nationwide ban on conventional tumble dryers, to be replaced by more expensive heat pump variants. The Government stated that the 'excess energy' used by some older household products 'creates an avoidable cost to society' through greenhouse gas emissions, which can be offset by state 'intervention'.
Economic Considerations
While officials maintain that the restrictions will incentivize companies to innovate, documents on the plans suggest extra costs 'will be passed directly on to the consumer in full'. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) insists customers will be better off in the long term despite initial price increases, although forecasts show this may only amount to an average saving of £8 when the rules take effect next spring.
A DESNZ spokesperson said: 'Our reforms will save households money by improving the energy efficiency of underfloor heating, towel rails and storage heaters.'
