From the policy perspective, we have seen an end to the off-gas grid boiler ban (it was due in 2026) and the gas boiler ban (it was due in 2035). Both are warmly welcomed and demonstrated that government does, even if reluctantly, listen to public opinion on these matters. Increasingly the future role of gas is looking more secure, stretching beyond 2050 despite the protestations of some.

Clean Power 2030 looks likely to become an “aspiration” rather than a “target” as reality sets in. However, the consensus on net zero by 2050 has broken down, perhaps irrecoverably, as the issue becomes political football. And unfortunately, we have yet to see an end to the Stalinist boiler tax aka Clean Heat Market Mechanism.

I have no doubt that next year will be equally challenging, highs and lows for the industry but as I always remind myself and my team, the fundamentals have not changed and therefore doubters will be persuaded as the evidence remains on our side.

What is also in no doubt, is the gratitude we all owe to those who will be working over the Christmas holiday period. Control room staff, call-centre staff, on-call engineers may not always get the credit they deserve but their work comes closely into focus at this time of year when we take a break, but they don’t.

Another year has ticked by and I am also grateful to those who read my blog (even more to those who feedback their comments) and to the members of EUA without whom we could not do the work for the industry that we do. Next year you will see some changes to our look; a bit of a re-fresh which I hope you recognise and appreciate. Our work, advancing energy for homes and business continues.

On behalf of all the team at EUA, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.