Electrification not the only solution: The SIA Responds to E3G Briefing Paper
The Stove Industry Association (SIA) welcomes E3G’s briefing paper Low Carbon, Lower Heating Bills published yesterday (28th August 2025) and its focus on lowering household heating bills and decarbonising UK homes. However, the SIA believes it is important to recognise that there is no single solution to the energy bills crisis.
Electrification will undoubtedly play a vital role, but a strategy that relies on one technology alone is risky and excludes millions of households for whom heat pumps are not yet practical or affordable.
Modern Ecodesign-compliant stoves can offer:
Affordable, renewable heat – Using locally sourced, sustainably managed wood, they provide a cost-effective alternative or back-up to gas and electricity.
Very low emissions – Independent testing shows Ecodesign stoves cut particulate emissions by up to 90% compared with open fires, and by around 80% compared with older stoves, with seasonal efficiencies above 75%.
Grid resilience – Stoves help reduce peak electricity demand during the winter months and cold snaps and provide reliable heating in the event of power cuts or supply interruptions.
Choice for hard-to-treat homes – Many heritage, off-grid, or rural properties are poorly suited to heat pumps. Modern stoves ensure these households are not left behind in the transition to low-carbon heating.
Wellbeing and security – Beyond economics, stoves deliver warmth, comfort and peace of mind.
In short, electrification is a key part of the UK’s energy future, but it is not the only solution.
A balanced approach which includes modern, low-emission wood burning stoves alongside heat pumps, solar, and insulation will deliver the most resilient, affordable and fair heating transition for UK households.
