Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland News: page 7
- December 2022
HES Grant and Loan scheme launched
The Scottish Government launched the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme in December 2022, replacing cashback with a standalone grant of up to £7,500 for clean heating and up to £7,500 for energy efficiency.
Ministers commit to a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard
Scottish Ministers have opened a second consultation on a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard, setting proposed energy and environmental targets and moving implementation to Autumn 2029.
Scotland tightens building regulations emissions requirements
Updated Scottish building regulations took effect from 1 December 2022, requiring new homes to cut carbon emissions by 32 per cent and new non-domestic buildings by 20 per cent against previous standards.
WHD to split into separate England and Wales and Scotland schemes from SY12
Ofgem's annual Warm Home Discount report confirms that from Scheme Year 12 the scheme will split into separate England and Wales and Scotland schemes, with the supplier threshold cut.
- November 2022
Approved Document L Volume 1 takes effect in Wales
The 2022 edition of Approved Document L Volume 1, setting energy efficiency guidance for dwellings in Wales, takes effect on 23 November 2022, with transitional arrangements running to November 2023.
Grand Committee considers Energy Prices (Domestic Supply) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2022
The House of Lords Grand Committee agreed regulations defining domestic electricity and gas supply in Northern Ireland, so the energy price guarantee scheme can apply there.
Scottish Government responds to Heat Pump Sector Deal Expert Advisory Group Recommendation 4
The Scottish Government has set out how it will fund heat pump installation in Scotland, citing £1.8 billion for heat and energy efficiency and a £42 million standalone grant scheme.
Scottish Government responds to Recommendation 12 on fabric energy efficiency support
The Scottish Government has confirmed a £15,000 maximum for energy efficiency measures under the Home Energy Scotland Loan and Cashback scheme and committed to replacing cashback with a standalone grant.
Scottish Government response to Heat Pump Sector Deal Expert Advisory Group published
The Scottish Government has published its response to the Heat Pump Sector Deal Expert Advisory Group, setting out how it will address recommendations made in the group's December 2021 report.
Minister for Climate Change sets out proposals to improve energy efficiency of all Welsh homes
The Welsh Government set out proposals on 8 November 2022 to improve the energy efficiency of all Welsh homes, delivered in two parts under a fabric first, worst first and low carbon approach.
Building Regulations changes on thermostatic room controls apply in Wales from November 2022
Changes to the Building Regulations requiring thermostatic room controls when a boiler is replaced in an existing dwelling apply in Wales from November 2022, five months after England.
Energy Bills Support Scheme to begin in Northern Ireland
Households in Northern Ireland will start receiving the £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme payment from November, the Prime Minister said, months after the equivalent support began in Great Britain.
Equality impact assessment published for Winter Heating Payment (Low Income) (Scotland) Regulations 2023
The Scottish Government has published an equality impact assessment for its £50 Winter Heating Payment, which replaces Cold Weather Payments and will reach around 400,000 people from February 2023.
Scottish Government publishes cost of living crisis analytical report
The Scottish Government's November 2022 cross-government analysis estimated around 860,000 households in Scotland, 35 per cent, would be in fuel poverty under a £2,500 price cap scenario.
Scottish Government publishes Heat in Buildings Supply Chains Delivery Plan
The Scottish Government published its Heat in Buildings Supply Chains Delivery Plan in November 2022, setting out steps to grow the green heat sector and launching a £17.6 million innovation support programme.
Winter Heating Payment regulations to be laid with first payments in February 2023
Scottish ministers will lay Winter Heating Payment regulations in November 2022, bringing them into force in January 2023, with the first guaranteed £50 payments to around 400,000 low-income households in February 2023.
- October 2022
£1.2 million support package announced for consumer-facing advice services
The Scottish Government has announced a £1.2 million package of support for consumer-facing advice services, published alongside its 2022 update on progress against the Heat in Buildings Strategy.
HES loans and cashback scheme to be relaunched by Autumn 2022
The Scottish Government has confirmed that its successor to the Home Energy Scotland loans and cashback scheme will relaunch in Autumn 2022, with applicants required to use TrustMark or MCS approved suppliers.
Winter Heating Payment replaced Cold Weather Payments in Scotland
The Winter Heating Payment replaced the Cold Weather Payment in Scotland from winter 2022/23, ending DWP cold weather payments to Scottish claimants and paying a flat annual sum instead.
- September 2022
Cost of Living Support Scheme closed
The Welsh Government's £150 Cost of Living Support Scheme closed on 30 September 2022, ending payments for retrospective and new-build council tax banding cases and the window for registration responses.
Welsh Fuel Support scheme opens for applications
The Welsh Fuel Support scheme opened for applications on 26 September 2022, paying eligible households a one-off £200 from their local authority towards winter fuel bills.
Government confirms energy bill support for Northern Ireland and off-grid homes
The government has confirmed Energy Price Guarantee support, the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme discount and a £100 alternative fuels payment for Northern Ireland and off-grid households.
Warmer Homes Scotland contract due to expire
The Scottish Government's national fuel poverty scheme, Warmer Homes Scotland, was due to end in September 2022, with ministers proposing a new seven year successor scheme to replace it.
- August 2022
Scottish Government publishes analysis of domestic EPC reform consultation
The Scottish Government has published its analysis of responses to a 2021 consultation on reforming domestic Energy Performance Certificates, with broad support for new ratings on cost, carbon and energy use.
- July 2022
Scottish Government launches New Building Heat Standard Part II consultation
The Scottish Government has opened a 12 week consultation on plans to stop direct emissions heating systems being installed in new homes and non-domestic buildings warranted from April 2024.
New Build Heat Standard Part 2 consultation opens
The Scottish Government opened a second consultation on its New Build Heat Standard on 28 July 2022, setting out plans to ban direct emissions heating systems in new buildings from 2024.
Welsh Government extends Fuel Support Scheme to more than 400,000 households with £90m investment
The Welsh Government is investing £90m in its Fuel Support Scheme, extending a £200 payment to more than 400,000 low-income households in Wales from autumn 2022.
Scottish Government publishes New Build Heat Standard Consultation: Part II
The Scottish Government has opened a second consultation on its New Build Heat Standard, proposing to ban direct emissions heating systems in new buildings applying for a building warrant from 1 April 2024.
- June 2022
Government confirms extension and expansion of Warm Home Discount scheme in Scotland to 2026
The UK government has confirmed it will extend and expand the Warm Home Discount in Scotland to March 2026, raising the rebate to £150 and lowering supplier participation thresholds.
Scottish Government publishes response to LIWHA consultation
The Scottish Government has confirmed Low Income Winter Heating Assistance will replace Cold Weather Payments in Scotland from winter 2022-23, paying £50 a year without a cold weather trigger.