As autumn edges closer on the calendar, the long stretch of sunshine, barbecues, and barely a drop of rain are starting to feel like a distant memory. Soon enough, the evenings will be creeping in earlier, the mornings will have that familiar nip in the air, and the heating dial will start to look a bit more tempting.
With the change in season knocking at the door, it’s the perfect time to take stock of what’s happening in the world of off-grid energy – and ask the all-important question: is this the right time to make the switch to LPG?
Why LPG?
For decades, LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) has long been a trusted choice for the many off-grid homes and businesses throughout the UK that aren’t connected to the mains gas grid. For those households in rural areas facing energy off-grid challenges, it’s a fuel that ticks a lot of boxes.
It’s versatile, efficient, and cleaner than many traditional alternatives like heating oil or solid fuel, and unlike newer technologies such as heat pumps, which often require expensive home insulation upgrades, bigger radiators, or even underfloor heating to deliver the same level of warmth, LPG offers an immediate solution without the need for disruptive and costly retrofits.
It’s also incredibly adaptable. From heating your home, to cooking in the kitchen, to powering your appliances, LPG delivers a steady, efficient, and controllable energy source. You’ll get the comfort of instant, on-demand energy without having to compromise on performance.
One of the biggest draws right now is LPG’s environmental edge. When compared to oil and other traditional fossil fuels, LPG has a noticeably lower carbon footprint. With sustainability climbing higher on everyone’s agenda, making the switch to LPG can not only help you cut your carbon impact but also prepare your household for future energy regulations.
Market snapshot
If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that energy markets are rarely predictable. Prices can rise and fall at short notice, often influenced by global events far beyond our control. Just today, it was announced that the energy price cap, which covers around 20 million households in England, Wales and Scotland, will rise by 2% in October, double what had been forecasted. According to Tim Jarvis, Director General of Markets at Ofgem, this increase is largely driven by higher network and policy costs.
The result? Average annual mains gas and electricity bills will rise to £1,755, up by £35, adding yet more pressure on households already juggling rising living costs.
From global supply chain challenges such as those experienced when Russia invaded Ukraine, to fluctuating oil prices, it’s understandable that many households are asking, ‘Is it the right time to make a change?’.
For households in rural locations off the mains gas grid, LPG has proven to be a comparatively stable option and has shown resilience against the most dramatic spikes. While no energy source is immune to market pressures, at Northern Energy we work hard to keep prices competitive and supply secure, reflecting both the rises and falls within the marketplace.
That means less time worrying about sudden price spikes, and more confidence your LPG storage tank will stay topped up when you need it most.
Convenience counts
Aside from price and carbon savings, one of the best things about LPG is how easy it makes life. Unlike solid fuels, there’s no need to haul bags of coal or stack logs in the rain. You also don’t have the worry of being left in the cold if power lines come down during winter storms – your LPG supply keeps running.
LPG deliveries are simple and hassle-free, and with the modern tank monitoring systems, you can even take the worry out of reordering. Your supplier will often know you need a top-up before you do. And let’s be honest, when the evenings are darker and the weather’s not on your side, convenience is worth its weight in gold.
A future-Proof Choice
The energy world is changing fast, with renewables and low-carbon options taking centre stage in both political debates and household conversations. The UK government is committed by law to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 100% of 1990 levels (Net Zero by 2050) under the Climate Change Act (2008).
On the BBC news this morning, Energy Minister Michael Shanks MP, highlighted the government’s push for more clean, domestically produced energy to help stabilise prices and reduce reliance on imports.
So where does that leave off-grid households right now? The good news is that LPG is already part of the solution. Traditional LPG is already cleaner than heating oil, giving an immediate reduction in emissions without compromising on reliability or performance. But more exciting is what lies ahead: renewable gases such as BioLPG and rDME are beginning to make their way into the market, and will offer households a practical way to transition towards net zero without a costly overhaul of existing systems.
By switching to LPG now, you’re not only upgrading to a fuel that works harder and cleaner – your also future-proofing your energy supply. Your infrastructure will be ready to adapt seamlessly as greener gases become more widely available, meaning no major upheaval, no expensive retrofits, and no worry about being left behind as the energy landscape shifts.
In short, LPG gives you the best of both worlds: an efficient, dependable fuel for the present, and a clear pathway into a lower-carbon future.
So, should you switch?
Every home is unique, with different energy needs, budgets and routines. But for many off-grid customers, autumn is the ideal time to make the move to LPG. By acting now, you’ll have everything in place before the cold winter months arrive, and you’ll benefit from a more stable and efficient fuel source that’s kinder to the environment.
Making the switch now also offers a smoother path toward lower-carbon alternatives like BioLPG.
Why choose Northern Energy Gas?
At Northern Energy, we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible, helping you weigh up the options, arrange installation by our in-house fully qualified engineering team, and keep your LPG tank full all winter long with our auto-refill scheme.
We’re not like other suppliers that only have a limited number of drivers, each of which can only do so many driving hours!
In addition to being your trusted LPG supplier, with our commitment to providing the best service and value at all times, we have the ability to flex up our deliveries. So what makes us different? Our Chairman and our board of directors can, and do, all jump in a wagon and help out in busy periods. So you can be assured that you’ll receive your LPG delivery – on time, every time!
Plus, with our LPG Package*, you'll receive vat paid deliveries, flexible ways to pay, and our auto refill service - so you and your family stay toasty all year round. Great and complete peace of mind!
A final thought
As the leaves fall, and the nights draw in, switching to LPG could be the upgrade that keeps your home warmer, your bills steadier, and your energy future greener, helping you reduce your carbon footprint. After all, autumn is all about preparing for what’s to come – and there’s no better time than now.
Ready to make the switch?
Our friendly and experienced customer service team at Northern Energy Gas is here to help. From answering your questions to arranging a smooth, hassle-free switch, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Get in touch with us today for a no-obligation quote – and start enjoying the benefits of LPG before the real winter chill sets in.
Call us on 01423 772 789. We’re here to help.