Energy Independence news in 2022
12 stories, newest first.
- December 2022
ESO puts two coal power stations on stand-by amid low wind, solar and freezing temperatures
National Grid ESO placed two UK coal power stations on stand-by to help manage demand during a winter of low wind and solar generation and freezing temperatures.
- November 2022
Low Carbon Hub releases Warmer Winter Checklist for Oxfordshire residents
Low Carbon Hub has published a Warmer Winter Checklist of tips and resources for Oxfordshire households facing higher energy costs, alongside a Crowdfunder aiming to raise £15,000 for fuel poverty support.
Default smart meter reading frequency rule tied to 3 November 2022 installation date
Smart meters installed before 3 November 2022 default to daily readings, while those installed since, or affected by a supplier switch or contract change, default to half-hourly readings.
ECIU analysis finds UK gas imports could have been cut by a fifth with Estonian heat pump deployment rates
Analysis by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit finds that matching Estonia's heat pump installation rate would have cut UK domestic gas use by 34% and gas imports by 19% in 2021.
- September 2022
Government announces lifting of moratorium on UK shale gas production
The government has lifted the moratorium on UK shale gas production and set out a two-year Energy Price Guarantee limiting a typical household bill to £2,500 a year from 1 October.
Liz Truss announces energy support package
Liz Truss has announced an energy support package setting the Energy Price Guarantee at £2,500 a year for the average Great Britain home, capping business costs for six months and lifting the fracking ban.
- July 2022
ECIU analysis finds electric households saving £1,180 a year over fossil fuel households
Analysis by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit finds households with heat pumps and electric cars saved an average £1,180 a year by avoiding gas and petrol, with the gap set to widen.
- June 2022
Green Open Homes Week held in Oxford
More than 150 visitors toured 38 Oxford homes during Green Open Homes Week in June 2022, part of an Energy Saving Homes project run by nine community groups with Low Carbon Hub funding.
- March 2022
E3G publishes briefing on replacing Russian gas at speed
E3G has published a briefing arguing that energy efficiency, clean heat and renewables could by 2025 replace four times the gas the UK imports from Russia, faster than new oil and gas fields can be built.
E3G publishes nine-step home energy security plan
E3G has published a nine-step demand-side plan it says would cut Russian gas imports by 80 per cent this year and save households an average of £150.
European Commission announces REPowerEU plan to end dependence on Russian fossil fuels
The European Commission has set out REPowerEU, a plan to cut demand for Russian gas by two thirds before the end of 2022 through diversified supplies, faster renewables and less gas in heating.
- January 2022
Tesla launches Go Off-Grid mode for Powerwall
Tesla has added a Go Off-Grid mode to its Powerwall home battery app, letting owners simulate a power cut, alongside news that Powerwall is now suitable for off-grid installations.