Carbon Connect launches new inquiry: Future Gas Series Pt 3, Consumers and the Future of Heat

The third and final part of the Future Gas Series will examine downstream issues relating to the role of the consumer in decarbonising gas in the UK.

This inquiry will explore consumers attitudes towards heat, the acceptability of different decarbonisation methods, how open consumers might be to accepting changes to their homes and places of work, as well as ethical and safety considerations, particularly concerning perceptions around the use of hydrogen as a source of heat and how vulnerable customers can be protected during a transition. The inquiry will also investigate the economic and technical implications of converting or replacing appliances to use low carbon gas, how a large-scale transition might be delivered and how this might be paid for.

This inquiry is being co-chaired by Dr Alan Whitehead MP, Labour Member of Parliament for Southampton Test, Alan Brown MP, SNP Member of Parliament for Kilmarnock and Loudoun, and James Heappey MP, Conservative Member of Parliament for Wells.

For more information on the background and questions on this inquiry please visit:

  • The Inquiry Outline, which provides a general overview of this project and how it fits in with Part 1 and Part 2 of the Future Gas Series
  • The Call for Evidence, which details the questions we would like this inquiry to cover.

Call for Evidence

The call for written evidence on ‘Future Gas Series Part 3- Consumers and the Future of Heat’ is now closed

If you would like to submit evidence late, arrange a call to give verbal evidence on any of the topics covered in this inquiry or have any questions about the inquiry, please email Jo at Joanna.furtado [at] policyconnect.org.uk (Joanna[dot]furtado[at]policyconnect[dot]org[dot]uk) or call on 020 7202 8571.

“I am delighted to be continuing to work with Carbon Connect on the third report in the Future Gas Series. Building on our first and second reports in this series, Next Steps for the Gas Grid and producing Low Carbon Gas, this research inquiry into consumer attitudes, engagement and acceptance of low carbon gas will give a key insight into the challenges and opportunities for consumers in a transition to low carbon heat.” Dr Alan Whitehead MP, Labour Member of Parliament for Southampton Test & Shadow Energy and Climate Change Minister 

“Part Three of the Future Gas Series comes at a time when momentum is building around the role of the consumer in the energy system. This report will provide insight into how consumers can be protected and empowered in a transition to low carbon gas. I encourage you to join us and Carbon Connect on this project.” Alan Brown MP, SNP Member of Parliament for Kilmarnock and Loudoun & SNP Westminster Energy and Transport Spokesperson 

“I am excited to be once again collaborating with Carbon Connect on this inquiry. Our first report showed the way for the future of the gas grid, and the second report shed light on how we can produce sufficient, sustainable and affordable low carbon gas. This third report will provide answers on how consumers can be placed at the heart of a transition to using low carbon gas for heating.” James Heappey MP, Conservative Member of Parliament for Wells

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    James Heappey MP at the launch of Future Gas Series Part 2