News from 2022
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- December 2022
UK government confirms voucher delivery for £600 Northern Ireland energy bill support
The UK government has confirmed that around 500,000 Northern Ireland households without direct debits will receive £600 energy bill support as vouchers issued from mid-January 2023.
Grants and SchemesEnergy Bills and the Price CapYour Type of Home
Default tariff (price cap) factsheet withdrawn
The government withdrew its Energy Security Bill factsheet on the default tariff price cap on 29 December 2022, after removing the Energy Price Cap measure from the Bill.
Electrification of Heat project releases latest insights on installation challenges and consumer barriers
The Electrification of Heat demonstration project has reported that 47 per cent of participants who declined a heat pump cited disruption, with installation averaging £14,800 per property.
SSEN appoints Freedom Group of Companies Ltd as design and build contractor for £41 million programme
SSEN Distribution has appointed the Freedom Group of Companies Ltd as design and build contractor for 12 network investment projects worth £41 million, with construction due to start in January 2023.
Bulb sale process concluded
The sale of Bulb Energy concluded on 20 December 2022 after a 10-month process, with its 1.5 million customers transferred to HiveCo, owned by the Octopus Energy Group.
CAT publishes home energy saving tips guide
The Centre for Alternative Technology has published a free guide setting out lower-cost ways for households to cut carbon emissions and energy bills, covering heating, hot water and electricity use.
Electrification of Heat project finds mass heat pump rollout feasible but innovation needed
Energy Systems Catapult has published findings from the Electrification of Heat Demonstration Project, which installed 742 heat pumps across Great Britain and identified disruption, space, technical and cost barriers to mass adoption.
Joint letter sent to energy firms over prepayment voucher access
Five consumer and energy organisations have written to energy suppliers calling for immediate action after a third of Energy Bill Support Scheme vouchers sent to traditional prepayment customers went unredeemed.
Octopus completes Bulb transaction
Octopus Energy completed its purchase of Bulb's customers, business assets and liabilities, including customer credit balances, on 20 December 2022, shortly after the price cap observation window opened.
Octopus purchases Bulb for £113 million
Octopus Energy paid the government £113 million for Bulb in December 2022, under a sale that left taxpayers funding wholesale costs and facing a shortfall.
Which? responds to unredeemed Energy Bill Support Scheme vouchers
Which? says a third of Energy Bill Support Scheme vouchers sent to traditional prepayment customers have not been redeemed, and has joined other bodies in writing to energy firms.
Government confirms £600 single payment for Northern Ireland households and £200 Alternative Fuel Payment for Great Britain
The government has confirmed a single £600 payment for all Northern Ireland households and a £200 Alternative Fuel Payment for Great Britain homes using fuels such as heating oil, with payments starting in January 2023.
Grants and SchemesYour Type of HomeEnergy Bills and the Price Cap
Christmas prepayment compulsion ban period begins
Electricity and gas suppliers in Northern Ireland have begun a Christmas period during which they will not compel customers in debt onto a prepayment meter unless the customer asks for it.
Energy Bills and the Price CapRules and RegulationSmart Meters
IM 009 approved as a substantial innovation measure
Ofgem has published that the standard uplift innovation measure IM 009 was approved as a substantial innovation measure on 16 December 2022, following an application under the scheme's technical approval process.
MPs debate prepayment meter self-disconnection and call for a ban
MPs debated self-disconnection of prepayment meters in the Commons on 15 December 2022 and agreed a motion urging the Government to outlaw the practice and halt forced switches.
Energy Bills and the Price CapRules and RegulationSmart Meters
Ofgem criticised over continued remote switching to prepayment
MPs have criticised Ofgem for failing to act on remote switching of smart meters to prepayment mode, six weeks after the regulator called the practice unacceptable.
ECIU analysis finds rooftop solar payback just over six years and grid-scale solar cheaper than gas
ECIU analysis published on 13 December 2022 finds rooftop solar paying back in just over six years and grid-scale solar plus battery already cheaper than gas power.
SSEN reports multi-million pound upgrade to North Acton electricity network
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks has announced a multi-million pound upgrade to the electricity network serving North Acton, published on 13 December 2022.
GoodWe launched the HCA Series residential smart EV charger
GoodWe has launched the HCA Series, an AC wallbox for home EV charging offered in single-phase and three-phase variants and designed to work with the company's solar and hybrid inverters.
Energy UK publishes briefing on supplier support for customers as bills rise
Energy UK has published a briefing setting out the support energy suppliers give customers, including around £54 million of discretionary help on top of more than £1 billion in mandatory schemes each year.
BEIS opens consultation on the design of the ECO+ scheme for 2023 to 2026
BEIS opened a consultation on 6 December 2022 on the design of the ECO+ energy efficiency scheme for 2023 to 2026, a £1bn programme aimed at households outside existing fuel poverty support.
Grants and SchemesRules and RegulationInsulation and Glazing
Investigation reveals almost 500,000 court warrants for forced PPM installations since end of lockdown
An investigation for the i paper found energy firms secured almost 500,000 court warrants to install prepayment meters in the homes of customers in debt since the end of lockdown.
Energy Bills and the Price CapSmart MetersRules and Regulation
Enhanced Home Energy Scotland support launched
From 2 December 2022 homeowners in Scotland can claim a standalone Home Energy Scotland grant of £7,500 for heat pumps or energy efficiency work, with an extra £1,500 for rural homes.
Grants and SchemesScotland, Wales and Northern IrelandWhere to Start
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.
Amazon removes two heater products including one over safety concerns
Amazon says it removed two plug-in heater products in December 2022, one over safety concerns, after Which? testing found mini heaters that failed UK electrical safety rules.
Autumn Statement reinstates triple lock and extends Energy Price Guarantee
The Chancellor reinstated the triple lock, uprated benefits in line with inflation and extended the Energy Price Guarantee for a further 12 months at a higher price, Age UK has reported.
BEIS minister confirms £200 Domestic Alternative Fuel Payment timing
A BEIS minister has told MPs the £200 Domestic Alternative Fuel Payment will be paid in the New Year, with most households receiving it through their electricity bills.
UK BEV sales exceed petrol car sales in a single month for the first time
Battery electric cars outsold petrol cars over a 12-month period in the UK for the first time, with 516,490 new BEVs bought against 504,010 petrol cars in the year to May 2026.
BEVs become second most popular powertrain in UK
Battery electric cars became Britain's second most popular powertrain after petrol in 2022, as plug-in vehicles took a record share of a shrinking new car market.
British Gas makes £12 million donation to Energy Support Fund
British Gas has donated £12 million to its Energy Support Fund, double its previous contribution and more than a tenth of first half pre-tax profits, as suppliers widen help with bills.
Building Regulations uplift requires EV chargepoints in new homes and buildings
The December 2022 uplift in Building Regulations requires electric vehicle charge points in all new homes and buildings in the UK, and smart functionality in every charge point installed from then on.
Charities and consumer groups write joint letter to energy firms on prepayment customer access to support
Five consumer and anti-poverty organisations wrote jointly to energy suppliers in December 2022 demanding immediate action so traditional prepayment meter customers could access government bill support.
Charter debt repayment reduction takes effect for prepayment customers
Electricity and gas suppliers in Northern Ireland have cut the maximum debt repayment deduction for prepayment customers from 40 per cent to 20 per cent, under a voluntary charter running to 31 March 2023.
Deadline for migrating first-generation smart meters missed
Around four million first-generation smart meters had still not been migrated to the central platform service by the end of 2022, despite a government requirement that the work be complete by then.
Directions No. 1 issued for Northern Ireland energy suppliers
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero issued Directions No. 1 under the Energy Prices Act 2022, requiring Northern Ireland domestic suppliers to seek agreement before changing tariffs on any day other than the first of a quarter.
Rules and RegulationEnergy SuppliersEnergy Bills and the Price Cap
Domestic water source heat pump system commissioned in Cirencester
A 13 kW Kensa Evo water source heat pump drawing heat from a Cotswold lake through three pond mat collectors was fitted and commissioned in a five-bedroom detached house in December 2022.
EHPA reports 59,862 UK heat pump sales in 2022
The European Heat Pump Association's survey data show 59,862 UK heat pump units were sold in 2022, a rise of 17,103 on 2021 and growth of 40 per cent.
Energy Ombudsman launches dispute resolution scheme for energy broker market
The Energy Ombudsman launched a dispute resolution scheme for the energy broker market in December 2022, extending its remit to microbusiness consumers who use brokers.
equiwatt took part in National Grid's Demand Flexibility Service
equiwatt took part in National Grid's Demand Flexibility Service in winter 2022/23, the company has confirmed, and is now trialling automated energy saving features with Energy Systems Catapult.
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.
Final decision on 20 per cent hydrogen grid blending by end of next year
The government has said it will decide by the end of 2023 whether to blend up to 20 per cent hydrogen into the natural gas grid, under the British Energy Security Strategy.
Government issued flow temperature guidance
The government issued guidance in December 2022 on lowering combi boiler flow temperature, after Which? had already been encouraging the practice before energy bills rose sharply in October 2022.
Government report finds hydrogen's role in home heating likely limited
A December 2022 government report concluded that hydrogen's role in home heating looks likely to be limited rather than widespread, and that its deployment is unlikely to prove economically viable by the 2026 decision point.
Holistic Network Design and Centralised Strategic Network Plan blueprint due by end of 2022
The government's British Energy Security Strategy, published in April 2022, set out a blueprint for the whole energy system by the end of 2022 through the Holistic Network Design and Centralised Strategic Network Plan.
MCS appointed The IAA as a new contractor certification body
MCS has appointed The IAA as a new contractor certification body, the first new-to-scheme certifier in over 10 years, covering heat pumps, solar PV and solar heating.
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.
NEA projects 8.4 million UK households in fuel poverty from April 2023
National Energy Action projects 8.4 million UK households will be in fuel poverty from April 2023, up from 4.5 million, as the Energy Bills Support Scheme ends and the price guarantee rises.
Octopus doubles Octo Assist hardship fund to £15m
Octopus Energy has doubled its Octo Assist hardship fund to £15 million, after earlier increases from £5 million to £7 million, as suppliers expand discretionary support for customers.
Octopus Energy takes on 1.5 million customers from Bulb
Octopus Energy took on an additional 1.5 million customers from Bulb in December 2022, a transfer that reshaped the supplier market and lifted its customer base.
OVO announces £50m Customer Support Package
OVO has announced a £50m Customer Support Package for winter 2022, including payment holidays on prepayment debt, a 200% rise in emergency top-up credit and a partnership with the Trussell Trust.
OVO Energy introduces temporary ban on forced prepayment meter installations over Christmas
OVO Energy has paused forced prepayment meter installations over Christmas and suspended debt recovery until at least March 2023, but says forced installations will resume in the new year.
OVO Energy suspends debt recovery until at least March 2023
OVO Energy has suspended debt recovery until at least March 2023, so prepayment top-ups pay only for usage and standing charges rather than existing arrears.
Partnership project launches to support terminally ill people in fuel poverty
A partnership led by gas distributor SGN with Cadent, Northern Gas Networks and Wales & West Utilities is funding energy advice and benefits support for terminally ill people in fuel poverty across Britain.
Phase out of Russian oil and coal use committed by end of 2022
The government's British Energy Security Strategy commits to phasing out Russian oil and coal by the end of 2022, with Russian LNG imports to end as soon as possible afterwards.
Pre-payment meter crisis hits smart meter customers, new data shows
Freedom of Information data shows 48,062 smart meters were switched to prepayment mode for debt in the first half of 2022, more than in the whole of 2021.
Press release announces Value of Solar Heat findings
Solar Energy UK has published findings that pairing solar panels with a heat pump can cut a home's annual energy bills by up to £3,164, based on bill cap rates applied from October 2022.
Renewable Heat Incentive ended
The Renewable Heat Incentive closed in 2022 and was replaced by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which pays a one-off grant towards the upfront cost of a heat pump in England and Wales.
Research reveals nine million adults living in cold damp homes at Christmas
A Warm This Winter survey of 2,186 adults found 18 per cent of the population, or 9.02 million adults, were living in cold damp homes in December 2022.
Research reveals PPM customers living in cold damp homes and self-disconnecting
Research for the Warm This Winter campaign finds 64% of prepayment meter customers are vulnerable, 13% have self-disconnected and 31% live in cold damp homes.
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.
Solar Energy UK publishes The Value of New Build Solar report calling for mandatory solar on new homes
Solar Energy UK has published The Value of New Build Solar, modelling bill and carbon savings across four UK case studies and calling for mandatory solar on new homes in England, Scotland and Wales.
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.
Wickes begins using Infact data in its marketing
Wickes has used independently verified energy saving facts and figures from Energy Saving Trust's Infact bulletin in its customer marketing since December 2022, the trust has said.
Yorkshire Building Society energy advice tool launched
Yorkshire Building Society launched an energy saving tool built by Energy Saving Trust in December 2022, giving customers a personalised action plan for their homes.
- November 2022
IEA released The Future of Heat Pumps
The International Energy Agency published The Future of Heat Pumps on 30 November 2022, its first comprehensive global outlook on the technology, linking the global energy crisis to a surge in sales.
Rates for January to March 2023 added
The government added Energy Price Guarantee regional unit rates for January to March 2023 to its published tables, setting the maximum amounts suppliers could charge under the scheme.
Citizens Advice responds to ECO+ scheme and Help for Households campaign expansion
Citizens Advice has welcomed extra funding for energy efficiency measures under the ECO+ scheme but says an energy saving campaign must be matched by continued financial support for households in crisis.
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.
Ofgem publishes outcomes of review of Severe Weather Compensation Arrangements
Ofgem has published the outcomes of its review of the Guaranteed Standards of Performance for Severe Weather, the review it committed to as Action 19 of the Storm Arwen Report.
Ofgem opens statutory consultations on supplier financial resilience measures
Ofgem opened statutory consultations on 25 November 2022 covering new capital adequacy requirements, ringfencing of Renewables Obligation balances and powers to direct ringfencing of credit balances.
Ofgem publishes Default Tariff Cap level for 1 January 2023 to 31 March 2023
Ofgem has published the Default Tariff Cap level for 1 January to 31 March 2023, raising the dual fuel direct debit cap by 21 per cent to £4,279.
The 2022 amendments take effect
Wales has brought its 2022 energy efficiency, ventilation and overheating amendments into force, with new Approved Documents L, F and O applying to building work from 23 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.
Rules and RegulationInsulation and GlazingScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
New Approved Documents take effect
New Welsh building regulations covering energy efficiency, ventilation and overheating took effect on 23 November 2022, replacing Approved Documents L1A, L1B and parts of F for dwellings in Wales.
Pre-payment Meters (Self-disconnection) Bill receives First Reading
Anne McLaughlin's Ten Minute Rule Bill on prepayment meter self-disconnection received its First Reading on 19 October 2022, seeking a grace period before disconnection and debt management support.
Energy Bills and the Price CapRules and RegulationEnergy Suppliers
Trickle vent rules take effect in Wales
Changes to Approved Document F requiring trickle vents in the majority of replacement windows and doors came into effect in Wales on 23 November 2022, five months after the same rules began in England.
Citizens Advice responds to Ofgem review into support for vulnerable customers
Citizens Advice has called on energy suppliers to do everything in their power to identify and support struggling customers, after Ofgem's review into support for vulnerable customers.
Ofgem completes Market Compliance Review of supplier support for vulnerable customers
Ofgem has completed a Market Compliance Review of how suppliers support customers in vulnerable situations, rating all suppliers into three groups and requiring improvement plans from every one.
CIPHE responds to Autumn Statement 2022 warning on fuel poverty
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering has called the 2022 Autumn Statement a first step, warning that more immediate action is needed to reduce the threat of fuel poverty for struggling households.
Energy price guarantee to rise to £3,000 in spring and be extended 12 months
The Energy Price Guarantee will rise to £3,000 in the spring and be extended for another 12 months, a change the CIPHE says leaves domestic consumers facing a 164% rise in two years.
Autumn Statement announces £6 billion extra energy efficiency funding from 2025
The Chancellor has announced a further £6 billion of energy efficiency funding from 2025, doubling annual investment, alongside an ambition to cut energy consumption from buildings and industry by 15% by 2030.
Which? responds to low redemption of Energy Bill Support Scheme vouchers among prepayment customers
Which? has called on energy firms and the government to work with top-up outlets to find out why a third of traditional prepayment customers have not redeemed Energy Bill Support Scheme vouchers.
Chancellor confirmed EPG support until end of March 2024
Ofgem has set the energy price cap for April to June 2023 at £3,280, below the £3,000 Energy Price Guarantee level confirmed by the Chancellor on 17 November 2022 and running to March 2024.
Household Support Fund extended to 31 March 2024
The Autumn Statement of 17 November 2022 added £1 billion to the Household Support Fund, extending it in England by twelve months to 31 March 2024.
BSI becomes first UKAS accredited lab for EV charger testing
BSI has become the first laboratory accredited by UKAS to test and certify electric vehicle chargers, giving an independent mark of assurance on charger safety and performance.
EPG NI scheme confirmed already in force
Lord Callanan told the Lords Grand Committee on 16 November 2022 that the energy price guarantee Northern Ireland scheme is already in force, as regulations defining domestic supply were considered.
Fuel Bank Foundation issues advice on unredeemed EBSS vouchers for prepayment customers
The Fuel Bank Foundation has urged prepayment meter customers to check for and redeem their Energy Bill Support Scheme vouchers after figures showed low redemption rates in October.
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.
Jaguar Land Rover partners with Andersen EV for luxury home charging
Jaguar Land Rover has agreed a partnership with British charger maker Andersen EV to offer the A2 home charging point to owners of its electrified Jaguar and Land Rover models.
ECIU analysis finds insulation could cut gas imports by three times more than new North Sea drilling
Analysis from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit finds insulating UK homes to a basic standard could save more gas by 2035 than already approved North Sea fields would produce.
Ofgem writes to suppliers on remote switching of smart meters to prepayment mode
Ofgem wrote to energy suppliers in November 2022 setting out their licence obligations when remotely switching smart meters to prepayment mode, citing concern over the practice.
Rinnai launches electric Infinit-E hot water cylinder range
Rinnai has put its Infinit-E electric hot water cylinders on sale, a stainless steel range that adds an electrical option to a manufacturer known mainly for gas fired water heaters.
Committee publishes Twenty-Fifth Report on regulation of energy suppliers
The Committee of Public Accounts published its Twenty-Fifth Report on the regulation of energy suppliers on 13 November 2022, with the Government response following in February 2023.
Public Accounts Committee publishes report on regulation of energy suppliers
The Committee of Public Accounts has found that Ofgem's regulation of energy suppliers failed, leaving billpayers to cover £2.7 billion in costs from 29 supplier failures since July 2021.
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.
Grants and SchemesHeat PumpsScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
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.
Grants and SchemesScotland, Wales and Northern IrelandWhere to Start
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.
Solis unveils new energy storage inverter series
Ginlong (Solis) Technologies has unveiled three series of energy storage inverters, including two sixth-generation models for Europe, at its virtual Solis Inno Day and New Product Launch 2022.
ECIU report finds EVs generate net lifetime savings over combustion cars in Britain and Germany
An Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit report published on 8 November 2022 finds that electric cars deliver net lifetime savings over equivalent combustion models in Britain and Germany.
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.
Second instalment of Cost of Living Payment paid in November 2022
The second instalment of the GBP 650 Cost of Living Payment, worth GBP 324, was paid automatically to most eligible low-income households in November 2022.
Citizens Advice publishes report on digital disadvantage and exclusion in the energy market
Citizens Advice has published a report finding that digitally disadvantaged households face a higher risk of loyalty penalties in the energy market while the offline services they depend on are getting worse.
Ofgem approval preceded the DFS launch
Ofgem approved the Demand Flexibility Service on 4 November 2022, the date the National Energy System Operator now gives for the launch of the scheme that pays homes to cut peak electricity use.
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.
Smart MetersEnergy Bills and the Price CapEnergy Independence
NEA publishes response to Ofwat charging rules and tariff innovation consultations
NEA has published its response to two Ofwat consultations on charging rules and tariff innovation, setting out 14 recommendations covering customer safeguards, licence alignment and co-design.
West Midlands awarded more than £1m for Warmer Homes West Midlands programme
The West Midlands Combined Authority has awarded more than £1 million to Act on Energy to expand free energy advice for vulnerable households across the region this winter.
Autumn Statement 2022 allocates £1 billion to Household Support Fund
The Government has said local councils will receive £1 billion for the Household Support Fund, announced in the Autumn Statement 2022, as disability charity Scope reports low awareness of the scheme.
Autumn Statement announces new approach to consumer protection from April 2024
The government said in the November 2022 autumn statement that it would take a new approach to consumer protection from April 2024, working with consumer groups and industry on options including social tariffs.
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.
Rules and RegulationHeating ControlsScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
BUS digital service passes Government Digital Standards beta assessment
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme's digital service passed its Government Digital Standards beta assessment in November 2022, letting installers make initial voucher applications online.
CfD Allocation Round 4 secures 11GW of new wind and solar at record low offshore wind prices
Analysis from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit finds the gas crisis will add £4,400 to the average household energy bill by April 2024, as Contracts for Difference auctions secure 11GW of new wind and solar.
Chancellor announces additional £6bn for energy efficiency from 2025
The Chancellor's autumn statement added £6bn for energy efficiency from 2025 to 2028, doubling annual government investment, with a new taskforce to deliver a 15% cut in consumption.
Demand Flexibility Service launched
The Demand Flexibility Service, which pays households to cut electricity use at peak times, launched for winter 2022/23 after Ofgem approval, with 1.6 million homes and businesses taking part in its first season.
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.
ECO insulation delivery reported stalled after internal government delays
Analysis from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit says insulation delivery under the Energy Company Obligation has stalled, with 18,750 low income households potentially missing measures worth £300 each.
Electrical Fire Safety Week 2022 highlights rise in electric heater use
Electrical Safety First reports around 4 million more people in the UK are using electric heaters than a year ago, as Electrical Fire Safety Week 2022 highlights the safety risks of cheaper heating.
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.
Grants and SchemesEnergy Bills and the Price CapScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Energy Price Guarantee began lowering gas and electricity prices
The Consumer Council's Home Energy Index records that the Government Energy Price Guarantee artificially lowered gas and electricity prices in Northern Ireland from 1 November 2022 until 30 June 2023.
Energy Price Guarantee benefits begin to be passed through in Northern Ireland
Households in Northern Ireland began receiving Energy Price Guarantee support through their suppliers from 1 November 2022, with the benefit set to cover increased costs back to 1 October.
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.
Government announces public information campaign to cut energy use by 15% this winter
The government has announced a public information campaign aimed at helping households and businesses cut their energy use by 15 per cent over the winter of 2022.
Government commits to consultation on targeted bill support
Energy UK says the Government has still not held the consultation on targeted bill support it promised in the 2022 Autumn statement, as fuel poverty and customer debt remain far above pre-crisis levels.
Navien launched the Combi Crossover range
Navien launched its ON Combi Crossover boiler range late in 2022, a category the manufacturer says can service any sized home, with the NCB700 ON able to heat three showers at once.
Ofgem opens consultation proposing MSC and BAT extension to March 2024
Ofgem has opened a consultation proposing that the Market Stabilisation Charge and the Ban on Acquisition-Only Tariffs run until March 2024, a year beyond the end date already decided.
Ofgem publishes open letter accepting review recommendations
Ofgem has accepted the recommendations of its review into severe weather compensation, proposing higher payments, a larger cap and faster payment intervals for households left without power.
Ofgem writes to suppliers on remote switching of smart meters to prepayment mode
Ofgem has written to energy suppliers telling them to review their obligations and processes on switching smart meters to prepayment mode remotely, after a review found failings across the market.
Rules and RegulationSmart MetersEnergy Bills and the Price Cap
Ohme and Volkswagen ID. Buzz bundled package announced
Ohme and Volkswagen have bundled an Ohme Home Pro smart charger with financed ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo models, the charger maker announced in November 2022.
OPSS intervenes over carbon monoxide risk in Belling, New World and Stoves gas cookers
The Office for Product Safety and Standards intervened in November 2022 to have more than 66,000 Belling, New World and Stoves gas cookers updated over a carbon monoxide risk.
Part L compliance date for heating controls takes effect in Wales
BEAMA guidance confirms that Part L of the Building Regulations applies to heating controls installed with gas or oil boilers in Wales from November 2022, five months after the English date.
Power NI changes bill layout for price changes
Power NI has changed how its bills show charges when a price change falls inside a billing period, splitting units and standing charges into before and after lines.
Scheme consulted on under the name ECO+
The government consulted on the policy proposals that became the Great British Insulation Scheme under the name ECO+ in November 2022, with Ofgem later named as intended administrator.
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.
StatisticsScotland, Wales and Northern IrelandYour Type of Home
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.
Tesco ends free EV charging at its stores
Tesco ended free electric car charging at its stores on 1 November 2022, introducing fees for every charger regardless of speed, with rates later rising in March 2023.
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.
Energy Price Guarantee scheme documents first published
The government published the technical scheme documents for the Energy Price Guarantee on 31 October 2022, setting out the agreements behind support for household gas and electricity bills across the UK.
Research finds homeowners preparing to invest over £16 billion on green home improvements
The Glass and Glazing Federation reports that UK homeowners are preparing to spend more than £16 billion on green home improvements, research it conducted during the nationwide energy crisis.
Which? warns hundreds of thousands of prepayment meter customers could miss government support
Which? has warned that hundreds of thousands of prepayment meter customers may miss government energy support, and called on suppliers to make sure the discount reaches them.
Ofgem price cap calculations move to quarterly
Energy UK has confirmed that Ofgem now recalculates the price cap every three months rather than every six, so sustained falls in gas prices reach household bills sooner.
Energy crisis narrows electricity to gas price ratio, strengthening heat pump running cost case
Nesta reports the electricity to gas price ratio has fallen from over 5 in 2021 to around 3.8, and to around 3.3 under the Energy Price Guarantee, improving heat pump running cost comparisons.
Energy Price Guarantee ministerial direction page first published
The government published the ministerial direction letters authorising the Energy Price Guarantee on 25 October 2022, setting out the formal instructions behind support for domestic energy consumers.
Energy Prices Act 2022 amendments to the tariff cap Act in force
Amendments made by the Energy Prices Act 2022 to the Domestic Gas and Electricity (Tariff Cap) Act 2018 came into force on 25 October 2022, adding a public spending consideration, a post-review statement duty and a 25 working day rule.
Energy Prices Act 2022 receives Royal Assent
The Energy Prices Act 2022 became law on 25 October 2022, giving ministers powers to run price reduction schemes for household electricity and gas in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Nesta publishes analysis of heat pumps and the energy crisis
Nesta analysis published on 25 October 2022 estimates that replacing a gas boiler with a heat pump cuts gas use by more than 70% and wholesale gas costs by over £1,100 a year.
Consultation on the New Build Heat Standard closes
The Scottish Government's consultation on its New Build Heat Standard closed on 20 October 2022 with 112 responses, most of them from organisations rather than individuals.
Energy Costs (Pre-payment Meters and Social Tariffs) Bill receives First Reading
Kenny MacAskill's Ten Minute Rule Bill on prepayment meters and social tariffs had its First Reading on 19 October 2022, seeking to end higher standing charges for prepayment customers.
Rinnai UK launches free heating and hot water system design service
Rinnai UK has launched a free design service for heating and hot water systems, offered by email or phone and forming part of its H3 product range.
Which? publishes 11 tips for cutting heating bills this winter
Which? has published eleven measures for cutting heating bills in winter 2022, covering boiler settings, cylinder and pipe insulation, heating controls, draught-proofing and professional loft insulation.
Energy Prices Bill brought from the House of Commons with Explanatory Notes published
BEIS published Explanatory Notes for the Energy Prices Bill on 18 October 2022, setting out how the Energy Price Guarantee, the Energy Bills Support Scheme and relief for businesses will work.
Energy Prices Bill explanatory notes printed by House of Lords
Explanatory notes to the Energy Prices Bill, brought from the Commons on 18 October 2022, set out the Energy Price Guarantee, the Energy Bills Support Scheme and payments for homes off the gas grid.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announces EPG duration reduction
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt cut the Energy Price Guarantee's duration from two years to six months on 17 October 2022, meaning the scheme that capped typical household bills at £2,500 would end in April 2023.
Chancellor statement sets end date for energy support schemes
The Chancellor's 17 October statement confirmed the Energy Price Guarantee, Energy Bills Support Scheme and Energy Bill Relief Scheme end in their current form on 31 March 2023, pending a review.
Grants and SchemesEnergy Bills and the Price CapRules and Regulation
Commons passes Money and Ways and Means resolutions for the Bill
The House of Commons passed Money and Ways and Means resolutions on 17 October 2022, giving parliamentary approval for spending and revenue raising under the Energy Prices Bill.
Heat Pump Ready Programme: Stream 1, Phase 2 page first published
The government published guidance for the second phase of its Heat Pump Ready Programme competition, restricted to projects already contracted under phase one, with applications closing on 7 November 2022.
Power NI announces residential price decrease from 1 November 2022 under Energy Price Guarantee
Power NI has announced a 10 per cent cut to residential electricity bills from 1 November 2022, as the Energy Price Guarantee discount offsets an underlying tariff increase agreed with the Utility Regulator.
CREDS publishes Green uplift report on fuel and transport poverty
CREDS and Green Alliance have published a report recommending sales mandates for heat pumps and zero emissions vehicles, EPC band C by 2028 and cheaper electricity to cut fuel and transport poverty.
Energy Prices Bill introduced in Parliament
The Energy Prices Bill was introduced in Parliament on 12 October 2022 to put the Energy Price Guarantee, Energy Bill Relief Scheme and related winter payments on a legal footing.
Powervault launches new PVCompact range
Powervault announced its new PVCompact home energy storage range on 12 October 2022, with the launch to take place at the Solar & Storage Exhibition at the NEC later that month.
Citizens Advice published its response to the REMA consultation
Citizens Advice has told the government's Review of Electricity Market Arrangements that consumer interests must be built into reform from the start, warning that poor design could leave vulnerable households worse off.
ECO4 Delivery Guidance version 1.0 published
Ofgem published version 1.0 of the ECO4 Delivery Guidance and Measures Table on 11 and 14 October 2022, setting the eligibility, project and evidence rules for the scheme's first year.
Samsung launches EHS Mono HT Quiet heat pump in the UK
Samsung announced the UK launch of the EHS Mono HT Quiet, a high temperature, low noise air source heat pump, on 11 October 2022, with UK availability from the start of November in 8, 12 and 14kW capacities.
MCS published consultation on solar PV product standards
MCS has opened a one-month consultation on proposed updates to its Solar PV and Bespoke Building Integrated PV product standards, with comments due by midday on 7 November 2022.
Mitsubishi Electric launches Seasonal Efficiency Guide on ErP
Mitsubishi Electric has published a Seasonal Efficiency Guide explaining the Ecodesign Directive for Energy Related Products and how it affects air conditioning products in manufacturing, testing and reporting.
Money Saving Boiler Challenge launched by Nesta and partners
Nesta launched the Money Saving Boiler Challenge with Which?, Energy UK, EDF, E.ON Next and Octopus Energy, an online tool guiding households to lower combi boiler flow temperature to 60°C or below.
Ofgem opens consultation on wholesale additional risk allowance index approach
Ofgem has opened a consultation on how the wholesale additional risk allowance is calculated for the January to March 2023 cap period, with responses due by 24 October 2022.
Review of Electricity Market Arrangements consultation closes
The Government's consultation on electricity market arrangements, which included how the cost of electricity is set, closed on 10 October 2022, with the End Fuel Poverty Coalition calling for reform.
Energy Price Guarantee regional rates page first published
The government first published its Energy Price Guarantee regional rates page on 7 October 2022, setting out the maximum unit rates suppliers could charge under the scheme in England, Scotland and Wales.
Guidance updated with delivery, funding and definitions clarifications
The government has updated its guidance for the closed Sustainable Warmth Competition, clarifying delivery, timescales, grant funding, eligible homes and costs, and adding a definitions section.
ECIU analysis finds poorly insulated band F homes cost £1,000 more to heat this year than band C homes
Analysis by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit finds that homes rated EPC band F will cost around £1,750 more in total energy costs this year than band C homes, split between household bills and Government support.
Scam texts impersonate the Energy Bills Support Scheme as the £400 grant rolls out
Which? has reported scam texts that impersonate the Energy Bills Support Scheme, telling recipients they are eligible for a discounted bill and linking to a fake application site as the £400 grant is paid out.
Grant UK launches Uflex and Uflex MINI Overlay underfloor heating systems
Grant UK has added the Uflex and Uflex MINI Overlay System to its underfloor heating range, a dry, non-screeded option intended for retrofit projects where floors cannot be raised much.
£200 energy bill reduction to begin in October 2022
A £200 reduction in energy bills for most households in Great Britain was set to begin in October 2022 under the Energy Bills Support Scheme, alongside wider measures to cut reliance on imported gas.
Autumn Statement 2022 announces EPG increase
The Autumn Statement 2022 raised the Energy Price Guarantee to £3,000 for typical annual household consumption from April 2023 and extended it to the end of March 2024.
Cap period 9a cap levels take effect
Ofgem's cap period 9a levels took effect on 1 October 2022, setting the maximum a typical dual fuel direct debit household pays at £3,549 a year until 31 December 2022.
CfD portfolio to start reducing consumer bills from October
Contracts for difference are set to turn negative from October, meaning low-carbon generators pay money back when electricity prices are very high, reducing consumer energy costs.
Chancellor announces Treasury review into energy support
In October 2022 the Chancellor announced a Treasury-led review into energy support, as disability charity Scope reported a sharp rise in demand for its energy and cost of living services.
Charity warns of household fire risk as millions plan to use electric heaters this winter
Electrical Safety First says 42 per cent of UK adults are using or considering an electric heater to heat a single room this winter, an eight point rise on last year, and warns of fire risk from unsafe use.
CO alarm requirement for landlords in England took effect
From 1 October 2022 landlords in England must provide a carbon monoxide alarm in any living accommodation room containing a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers.
Energy bills increased sharply
Which? has said it was encouraging households to lower combi boiler flow temperatures before energy bills rose sharply in October 2022, ahead of government guidance that December.
Energy bills to rise 64% on last winter
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition says energy bills will rise by 64 per cent against last winter within a week of the Chancellor's mini-Budget, with 6.99 million UK households forecast to be in fuel poverty.
Energy bills to rise for variable tariff customers under the Energy Price Guarantee
Households on variable tariffs face an average 27% rise in bills from 1 October 2022 under the Energy Price Guarantee, and suppliers are raising direct debits to cover the extra cost.
New energy price cap to push bills up by 80 per cent for variable tariff customers
Which? reports that the energy price cap taking effect on 1 October 2022 will raise bills by 80 per cent for households on variable tariffs, with appliance running costs rising sharply.
Energy Price Guarantee begins for domestic consumers
The Energy Price Guarantee took effect on 1 October 2022, capping the unit cost of gas and electricity so that a typical UK household pays around £2,500 a year for two years.
Energy unit prices surge overnight as Energy Price Guarantee takes effect
Combined electricity and gas unit costs rose by between 23% and 27% overnight on 1 October 2022 as the Energy Price Guarantee took effect, with the level depending on payment method and location.
Energyworks grants capped due to unprecedented demand
Energyworks grants in Brighton and Hove were capped in October 2022 after unprecedented demand, with later funding from UK Power Networks topping up existing awards and paying for 174 new £200 grants.
Flexi variable costs updated for the quarter from 1 October 2022
ScottishPower has published the variable cost elements of its Flexi product for the quarter beginning 1 October 2022, showing changes to smart meter, balancing, distribution and transmission charges.
Fuel poverty estimates to rise with 1 October price cap change
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition estimates 21 million people in around 9 million homes will be in fuel poverty from the 1 October price cap rise, rising to 28 million people in January 2023.
GBP2,500 price freeze reported to take effect with fuel poverty still affecting millions
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition estimates 16.4 million people in 6.9 million UK households will remain in fuel poverty in winter 2022/23 even under a reported GBP2,500 price freeze.
Energy Bills and the Price CapYour Type of HomeRules and Regulation
UK government announces target to cut energy use from buildings by 15% by 2030
The UK government has set a target to cut energy use from buildings by 15 per cent by 2030 against 2021 levels, alongside its existing aim for homes to reach EPC C.
Government decides to go ahead with doubling the ECO scheme
The Government has decided to double the Energy Company Obligation, an industry-designed scheme, as analysis shows poorly insulated homes cost about £1,000 a year more to heat than band C homes.
Heating control savings estimates updated to Energy Price Guarantee gas prices
BEAMA has updated its estimates of fuel bill savings from heating control upgrades to reflect the gas prices set by the Energy Price Guarantee from 1 October 2022.
Heating ControlsWhere to StartEnergy Bills and the Price Cap
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.
Grants and SchemesScotland, Wales and Northern IrelandInstallers
HETAS brings back #getfiredup campaign for 2022
HETAS has relaunched its #getfiredup campaign for October 2022, promoting approved retailers and Cleaner Choice solid fuel appliances to consumers as the heating season begins.
Household energy bills rose 27%
Typical household energy bills rose by 27% in October 2022, following a 54% increase in April, according to parliamentary research on domestic energy prices.
UK inflation reaches 41-year high of 11.1%
UK inflation reached 11.1% in October 2022, a 41-year high, as household energy bills rose sharply and government support for bills was paid out.
Muller EV Ltd T/A Andersen EV enters administration
Muller EV Ltd, trading as Andersen EV, entered administration in October 2022, with certain assets taken over by Andersen EV Plc and no contractual warranty support for units bought before 24 October 2022.
Nesta analysis finds energy crisis has narrowed the whole life cost gap between heat pumps and gas boilers
Nesta analysis published in October 2022 found the energy crisis moved heat pumps £100 to £250 a year closer to gas boilers on whole life cost, with combined policies making them cheaper still.
Octopus Energy and Halifax announce heat pump pilot scheme
Octopus Energy and Halifax have announced a pilot scheme offering Halifax mortgage customers air source heat pumps for as little as £2,000 fully installed, according to analysis published by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit.
Octopus Energy identified as acquirer of Bulb
Octopus Energy was named in October 2022 as the buyer of Bulb's customers, business assets and liabilities, including customer credit balances, after a sale delayed from the summer.
Octopus Energy takes over Bulb customers
Bulb's customers were moved to Octopus Energy in October 2022 under Ofgem's Supplier of Last Resort process, ending the largest supplier failure of the energy crisis.
Energy SuppliersRules and RegulationEnergy Bills and the Price Cap
Ofgem publishes ECO4 delivery guidance
Ofgem has published version 1 of its ECO4 delivery guidance, setting out the minimum requirements, exemptions, scoring rules and scheme interactions that govern how energy suppliers deliver the obligation.
Policy costs removed from energy bills from October 2022
Social and Environmental Obligations were removed from household energy bills from October 2022, with the Chancellor funding the schemes through taxation instead of charging billpayers.
Price cap forecast raised to around £3,000 due to Ukraine conflict
Forecasts for the October 2022 energy price cap rose from £2,400 to around £3,000 after the conflict in Ukraine pushed up global gas prices, the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit said.
Energy Bills and the Price CapRules and RegulationWhere Our Energy Comes From
Public spending impact added to cap statutory factors
Ofgem has confirmed that since October 2022 it must consider the effect of the energy price cap on public spending when setting the cap level.
RPSA and PCA spray foam guidance withdrawn for review
Industry guidance on spray foam insulation published by the RPSA and PCA in November 2021 was withdrawn in October 2022 pending a full review, leaving surveyors and lenders without a shared framework.
SSEN announces VFES project to embed vulnerability features into network planning
SSEN Distribution has announced a £144,000 project to build forecasts of customer vulnerability into its network planning, with a report due in early 2023.
New unit rates and standing charges take effect under the EPG
From 1 October 2022 the Energy Price Guarantee replaced the planned price cap, setting variable tariff unit rates at around 34p per kWh and standing charges at 46p per day for direct debit customers.
Warm Home Discount to increase to £150 in October
The Warm Home Discount rises from £140 to £150 in October 2022 and its eligibility expands by almost a third, to reach three million households.
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
Citizens Advice calls for winter moratorium on prepayment meter installations
Citizens Advice has called for a winter moratorium until April 2023 on moving customers to prepayment meters under warrant and on switching smart meters to prepay to recover debt.
Energy Bills and the Price CapSmart MetersRules and Regulation
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.
Reconciliation deadline for rebate payments
Councils in England had to complete all Council Tax Rebate payments within the reconciliation process by 30 September 2022, with unspent discretionary funding repayable after 30 November.
Home Upgrade Grant: Phase 2 guidance first published
The Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 guidance for local authorities was first published on GOV.UK on 29 September 2022, setting out £630 million for off gas grid homes in England.
SHDF Wave 2.1 and HUG Phase 2 open for applications
The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2.1 and Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 opened for applications on 29 September 2022, under the government's Help to Heat collection of household energy schemes.
Up to £1.5 billion Help to Heat funding launched for SHDF wave 2 and Home Upgrade Grant
The government has opened up to £1.5 billion in Help to Heat funding for social housing providers and local authorities in England to upgrade around 130,000 low-income and social homes.
Ofgem publishes good practice for supporting customers in payment difficulty
Ofgem has published examples of good practice for energy suppliers supporting customers in payment difficulty, saying it wants to raise standards across the consumer debt journey.
Rinnai UK announces availability of Naked Energy VirtuHOT products
Rinnai UK has added Naked Energy's VirtuHOT solar thermal and PVT range to its continuous flow hybrid hot water systems, claiming up to 3.5 times the carbon savings of conventional solar panels.
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.
Grants and SchemesEnergy Bills and the Price CapScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Energy Bills Support Scheme ministerial direction published
The government has published the ministerial direction that puts the Energy Bills Support Scheme on a legal footing, requiring domestic electricity suppliers to pay the £400 discount to eligible households.
Rules and RegulationEnergy Bills and the Price CapGrants and Schemes
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.
Scotland, Wales and Northern IrelandEnergy Bills and the Price CapYour Type of Home
Nesta launches live heat pump show home service at visitaheatpump.com
Nesta has launched a live booking service at visitaheatpump.com to test how people interested in heat pumps move from signing up to visiting a working system in London and Glasgow.
ev.energy app release adds detailed charge summaries
ev.energy has added energy source breakdown, charging duration, Smart Charging and Solar Charging savings, reward point insights and a simplified carbon rating to its app's charge summaries.
PBCC adds postcode-level energy consumption and EPC datasets
The Place-Based Carbon Calculator has added postcode-level gas and electricity consumption data for England, Scotland and Wales, plus UPRN-linked Energy Performance Certificate data for England and Wales.
Analysis updated for Energy Price Guarantee announcement
The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit has updated its analysis of home insulation costs to reflect the Energy Price Guarantee, finding that Treasury could recover insulation spending through lower bills by early 2025.
Energy Markets Financing Scheme announced jointly by HM Treasury and Bank of England
HM Treasury and the Bank of England have announced a joint Energy Markets Financing Scheme to address liquidity requirements faced by energy firms in UK wholesale gas and electricity markets, designed as a last resort.
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.
Government announces two-year Energy Price Guarantee at £2,500 for typical household from 1 October 2022
The government has announced an Energy Price Guarantee limiting a typical UK household to £2,500 a year for two years from 1 October 2022, superseding the energy price cap.
UK Government confirms energy bills freeze at average £2,500 a year for Great Britain
The UK Government has confirmed average gas and electricity bills in Great Britain will be frozen at £2,500 a year, with the £400 rebate retained and a new fund for heating oil customers.
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.
Rules and RegulationEnergy Bills and the Price CapEnergy Independence
Liz Truss appointed Prime Minister with 57.4% of the vote
Liz Truss has been appointed Prime Minister with 57.4% of the vote, and the National Insulation Association has summarised her stated positions on decarbonisation, net zero and the cost of living.
E3G publishes recommendations for UK emergency energy response
E3G has published a briefing urging emergency financial support, £5bn of energy efficiency investment, energy market reform and green finance regulatory reform in response to rising UK energy bills.
tado° acquired aWATTar in 2022
tado° has confirmed that it acquired aWATTar, a pioneer in dynamic energy tariffs, in 2022, as part of its push into home energy management and tariff-linked device control.
ASC provision increased considerably since the beginning of the gas crisis
Ofgem has reported that monthly provision of Additional Support Credit to vulnerable prepayment customers rose from around £4m before September 2022 to between £8m and £18m a month.
CIPHE warns households about burn and scald risks from heating hacks
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering has warned that cost of living driven changes to heating systems may cause burns and scalds, especially in households with young, elderly or disabled occupants.
Citizens Advice published Out of the cold calling for a winter moratorium on forced prepayment meter installation
Citizens Advice has called for a winter moratorium on the forced installation of prepayment meters, warning that millions of households are disconnecting because they cannot afford to top up.
Energy Bills and the Price CapRules and RegulationSmart Meters
DCC warns up to 500,000 smart meters may not be migratable
The Data Communications Company told the government in September 2022 that technical limits on devices could leave more than 500,000 smart meters unable to move onto the central platform.
Government announces £2.5bn energy efficiency funding
The government has published how £630m of Home Upgrade Grant money and £780m of Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund money will be spent, part of a £2.5bn energy efficiency plan announced last September.
Green levies to be moved from bills to general taxation
Liz Truss confirmed that green levies which partly pay for insulating poorer homes will move off household energy bills and onto general taxation, a change backed by NGOs and the energy industry.
Mini-Budget announces £1bn ECO expansion from April 2023
The Chancellor's Plan for Growth adds £1bn to the Energy Company Obligation over three years from April 2023, targeted at vulnerable households in the least efficient homes.
Mini-Budget ends effective ban on onshore wind in England
The Chancellor's mini-Budget of September 2022 ended the effective ban on building onshore wind in England and added GBP1bn to a scheme that installs energy saving measures in fuel poor homes.
Rules and RegulationWind, Hydro and Micro-CHPWhere Our Energy Comes From
Mini-Budget pledges over GBP1bn for home insulation
The Chancellor's mini-Budget pledged more than GBP1bn of extra funding for home insulation over three years, which the End Fuel Poverty Coalition says falls far short of the GBP5bn needed.
Revised electricity storage requirements came into effect
Revised technical and compliance requirements for electricity storage in EREC G98 and G99 took effect from September 2022, aligning storage with other generating units on Great Britain's distribution networks.
SSEN invests £6.8m to refurbish Dorset overhead network
SSEN has begun a 55-week, £6.8 million refurbishment of the overhead electricity network from Poole through Blandford Forum to the edge of Yeovil, due for completion in August 2023.
Warm This Winter petition passes 110,000 signatures shortly after launch
The Warm This Winter petition passed 110,000 signatures within days of launching, as the End Fuel Poverty Coalition estimated 12 million UK households would face fuel poverty this winter.
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.
Grants and SchemesYour Type of HomeScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- August 2022
Chameleon Technology launches the ivie app
Chameleon Technology has launched the ivie app, a free energy-saving app that uses smart meter data and can be upgraded with live data through the ivie Bud in-home display.
JRF publishes energy price analysis of August 2022 price cap and Cornwall Insight forecasts
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has published a briefing on the August 2022 Ofgem price cap and new Cornwall Insight forecasts, warning that low-income households face severe financial harm.
Ofgem publishes default tariff cap levels for cap period 9a
Ofgem has set the default tariff cap for 1 October to 31 December 2022 at £3,549 a year for a typical dual fuel direct debit household, an increase of 80 per cent.
Period 9a cap level announced with separated additional risk allowance approach
Ofgem has set out how it split the wholesale additional risk allowance into two parts for the October to December 2022 price cap, to prevent suppliers recovering more than the efficient cost of hedging.
SSEN reports progress on £14.2m North West Highland network upgrade
SSEN Distribution says 200 new poles and 13km of overhead lines are in place between Slattadale and Ullapool as part of a £14.2m North West Highland network upgrade due for completion in March 2023.
Warm This Winter campaign launches in response to energy bills crisis
The Warm This Winter campaign launched on 26 August 2022, demanding emergency financial support, funded home insulation and a faster shift from gas to renewables as energy bills rose.
Resolution Foundation publishes report on policy options for soaring energy prices
The Resolution Foundation has published a report setting out policy options for soaring energy prices, proposing either a social tariff for poorer households or universal price cuts recouped through income tax.
Lunar Energy acquired Moixa
Lunar Energy, a home electrification company founded in 2020, has acquired UK battery software firm Moixa and announced a next-generation home battery system for launch later in 2022.
Nesta calls for COVID-style government response to cut household gas use 20% by next winter
Nesta has urged the government to set a target of cutting household energy demand by 20% by next winter, through boiler settings, smart thermostats and insulation.
Resolution Foundation calls on politicians to promote energy demand reduction ahead of winter crisis
The Resolution Foundation has urged UK political leaders to promote household energy demand reduction, citing French and Dutch guidance, alongside existing bill support measures, ahead of a winter crisis.
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.
SSEN launches HOMEflex project for domestic flexibility market
SSEN Distribution has launched a two-year project, backed by £331,000 in Network Innovation Allowance funding, to build household and microbusiness trust in the domestic flexibility market.
Updated IWI moisture guidance distributed by TrustMark at BEIS request
Guidance clarifying that moisture-closed internal wall insulation is not prohibited on solid walls has been released by Dr Sarah Price and distributed by TrustMark at the request of BEIS.
Ofgem decides against moving supplier failure costs out of standing charges
Ofgem has decided not to move the costs of supplier failures out of electricity standing charges and onto unit prices, saying high energy users including disabled and elderly consumers would be unfairly disadvantaged.
Which? responds to Ofgem decision to continue recovering supplier failure costs via standing charge
Which? has responded to Ofgem's decision to keep recovering the costs of supplier failures through the standing charge, calling for an urgent review of how bills can be made fairer.
Nesta moves from discovery to live pilot for heat pump show home service
Nesta has moved its heat pump show home work from discovery to a live pilot, planning a small-scale launch in September to let people see a working heat pump in real life.
OPSS issues safety warning on gas grills in GDHA range cookers
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has warned that using the gas grill with the door closed on certain Belling, Stoves and New World range cookers can build up dangerous carbon monoxide.
Poorly insulated homes to pay £1,000 more on gas bills this winter
ECIU analysis published on 10 August 2022 finds homes rated EPC band F face a gas bill £968 higher than band C homes this winter, as the price cap is forecast to reach £3,958.
Energy Bills and the Price CapWhere to StartInsulation and Glazing
Which? responds to £5,000 energy bill estimates with call for more support
Which? has called on the government to increase financial support for households after estimates suggested energy bills could reach £5,000, saying existing help will not cover predicted rises.
Citizens Advice says latest price cap forecasts show no time to waste on further support
Citizens Advice has responded to the latest Cornwall Insight price cap forecast by calling on the government to raise benefits in line with the cost of living, saying there is no time to waste.
Cornwall Insight publishes new price cap forecasts
Cornwall Insight's 9 August 2022 forecasts put the October 2022 price cap at £3,582, rising to £4,266 in January 2023 and peaking at £4,426 in April 2023.
Simpson & Partners opens pre-orders for wireless energy manager
Simpson & Partners has opened pre-orders for a wireless energy manager that links its EV chargers with solar and home consumption data through the company's app.
JRF estimates cost of living increase of £2,550 between 2021/22 and 2022/23
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation estimates household costs will rise by £2,550 between 2021/22 and 2022/23, with energy accounting for £1,550 of that increase.
Ofgem moves default tariff cap to quarterly updates
Ofgem confirmed in August 2022 that the default tariff cap would be updated every three months instead of every six, changing how often household energy prices are reviewed.
ECO 4 becomes a reality but delivery is at 25 percent of traditional capacity
The Installation Assurance Authority says ECO 4 legislation has been laid after delays, but industry delivery is running at only 25 percent of traditional capacity as installers consider layoffs.
Friends of the Earth research identifies almost 9,000 energy crisis hotspots in England and Wales
Friends of the Earth research identifies almost 9,000 energy crisis hotspots across England and Wales, with Birmingham and Bradford ranked highest among 30 local authority areas at greatest risk of serious financial hardship.
Government decides not to double ECO scheme
The Government decided not to double the Energy Company Obligation, an industry-developed proposal, as analysis showed poorly insulated homes facing gas bills almost £1,000 higher than band C homes.
Grants and SchemesRules and RegulationInsulation and Glazing
Nord Stream 1 pipeline closed
Russian gas flows to Europe continued until the Nord Stream 1 pipeline closed in August 2022, six months after the invasion of Ukraine, leaving Europe unable to refill storage with Russian gas.
Ofgem decides to extend MSC and BAT until March 2023
Ofgem has decided to extend the Market Stabilisation Charge and the Ban on Acquisition-Only Tariffs until March 2023, with a further consultation proposing an extension to March 2024.
Ofgem decides not to apply proposed offsets against the unexpected SVT demand adjustment
Ofgem has confirmed a £41 per customer cap adjustment for unexpected standard variable tariff demand from 1 October 2022, and declined to offset it against other allowances.
Ofgem decides to use a lower quartile benchmark for unexpected SVT demand costs in the default tariff cap
Ofgem has decided to add £41 to the default tariff cap for typical dual fuel non-prepayment customers from 1 October 2022, using a lower quartile benchmark for unexpected standard variable tariff demand costs.
Sutton exhaust-air heat pump commissioning under way after poor trial performance
One Sutton home's exhaust-air heat pump has been fully commissioned after the trial found the standard control software was not activating it, with the fix being rolled out to the other five homes.
Warmer Homes Scotland criteria revised
Scottish ministers revised the eligibility criteria for Warmer Homes Scotland in August 2022, widening access to the national fuel poverty scheme, particularly for households aged 60 to 75.
Wireless update intended to fix smart meter switching problem
A wireless update in 2022 was meant to fix older smart meters that stop sending automatic readings after a supplier switch, but the Centre for Sustainable Energy says some problems may remain.
- July 2022
Government confirms delivery details of £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme
BEIS has confirmed that the £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme will be paid in six monthly instalments from October 2022, setting out how each payment method will receive the discount.
Government response to EBSS technical consultation published
The government has published its response to the Energy Bills Support Scheme consultation, confirming £400 per household in six instalments from October 2022.
Help to Heat collection page first published
The government's Help to Heat collection page, which gathers its household energy grant schemes in one place, was first published on GOV.UK on 29 July 2022.
Online energy efficiency service launched as part of Help to Heat
The government has launched an online service to help homeowners make informed choices on the energy efficiency of their homes, announced alongside final details of the £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme.
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.
Rules and RegulationScotland, Wales and Northern IrelandBoilers and Heating
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.
Sungrow and TÜV Rheinland co-issued the PID Zero anti-PID solution
Sungrow and TÜV Rheinland have co-issued PID Zero, an anti-PID solution for residential solar systems that suppresses potential induced degradation by day and recovers modules at night.
BEIS Committee publishes report on energy pricing and the future of the energy market
The BEIS Committee has published a report on energy pricing and the future of the energy market, calling for regulatory reform of Ofgem, a social tariff and a home insulation programme.
Which? responds to concerns that support on energy bills is outdated
Which? has called on Ofgem to penalise underperforming energy suppliers and to work with government and suppliers on targeted bill support, saying customers are struggling to understand bills and pricing.
OPSS safety notice issued for Belling, Stoves and New World gas range cookers with gas grills
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued a safety notice covering 127 Belling, Stoves and New World gas range cookers, requiring their withdrawal from the market over carbon monoxide risk when grills are used with the door closed.
NEA projects 8.2 million UK households could be in fuel poverty from October
National Energy Action has projected that 8.2 million UK households, one in three, could be in fuel poverty from October if the price cap takes average annual bills to £3,250.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme installer guidance published
Ofgem has published version 1.0 of its installer guidance for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, setting out eligibility rules, grant values and the voucher process for MCS certified installers in England and Wales.
ev.energy launches Charge History feature in its app
ev.energy has redesigned the charging timeline in its app, adding a Charge History screen that breaks sessions down by type and shows cost where the company holds that data.
NEA publishes response to Ofgem retail financial resilience and Direct Debit consultation
The National Energy Action charity has told Ofgem that proposed financial resilience rules for suppliers should only go ahead if they do not push up the price cap, while backing stronger Direct Debit rules.
Rules and RegulationEnergy SuppliersEnergy Bills and the Price Cap
Ember analysis attributes 80% of UK wholesale electricity price rise to fossil gas
Ember analysis finds fossil gas caused 80 per cent of the rise in UK wholesale electricity prices between July 2021 and June 2022, with gas adding £93/MWh to a £120/MWh increase.
Where Our Energy Comes FromEnergy Bills and the Price CapStatistics
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.
Grants and SchemesEnergy Bills and the Price CapScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
High Court found the Net Zero Strategy unlawful
The English High Court ruled in July 2022 that the government's 2021 Net Zero Strategy was unlawful and inadequate for meeting the UK's legally binding 2050 emissions target.
SolarEdge launches Home smart energy ecosystem for three phase installations
SolarEdge has announced a three phase version of its Home smart energy ecosystem, combining a hub inverter, a 4.6kWh low voltage battery and a backup interface for homes with three phase supply.
JRF publishes energy price analysis of July 2022 price cap
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has published a briefing on the July 2022 Ofgem price cap and new Cornwall Insight forecasts, setting out what low and middle income families are expected to spend on gas and electricity.
Energy Bills and the Price CapRules and RegulationStatistics
Energy price crisis drives record UK solar deployment in first half of 2022
Solar Energy UK reports 556MW of solar capacity connected across all scales in the first half of 2022, with residential rooftop installations in six months already exceeding the whole of 2021.
Nesta launches beta web tool to help households lower boiler flow temperature
Nesta has published a beta web tool that gives households tailored instructions on changing boiler settings, saying lower flow temperatures could cut household energy use by 6 to 8 per cent.
CREDS publishes report on distributional effects of net-zero pathways
CREDS research finds that all modelled net-zero pathways hit vulnerable UK households hardest on energy and motor fuel costs, with low-income groups spending over twice the share of income that high earners do.
NEA publishes Impact Report for April 2021 to March 2022
National Energy Action has published an impact report for April 2021 to March 2022, saying more than 6.5 million UK households were in fuel poverty after the 1 April price cap rise.
Grand Committee considers the Electricity and Gas (Energy Company Obligation) Order 2022
The House of Lords Grand Committee approved the draft Electricity and Gas (Energy Company Obligation) Order 2022 on 12 July 2022, extending and expanding the ECO4 scheme in Great Britain until March 2026.
Energy-saving materials VAT rate cut to 0% in Great Britain
VAT on energy-saving materials installed in residential buildings in Great Britain is now 0%, HM Revenue and Customs guidance states, with the relief running until 31 March 2027.
Ofgem CEO tells MPs October cap rise will exceed previous prediction
Ofgem's chief executive told MPs the October price cap will rise by more than the £800 previously predicted, as forecasters put winter bills near £3,300.
Citizens Advice publishes research on consumer impact of energy supplier failures
Citizens Advice research published on 10 July 2022 finds 28 energy supplier failures since August 2021 affected over 4 million customers and calls for reform of failure and Special Administration processes.
UK Energy Incubator Hub closes and its customers move to Octopus Energy
UK Energy Incubator Hub closed on 9 July 2022 and Ofgem appointed Octopus Energy to take on its customers under the Supplier of Last Resort process.
Cornwall Insight raises price cap forecast to average £3,304
Cornwall Insight raised its forecast for the October 2022 and January 2023 price caps to £3,245 and £3,634, an average of £3,304, as gas costs drive the increase.
WMCA launches two major retrofit schemes in the West Midlands
The West Midlands Combined Authority has launched two retrofit schemes, one covering 600 social homes and another opening in Elmdon and Foleshill, as a Birmingham couple report £1,000 annual fuel savings.
Nesta report warns of heat pump installer shortage
Nesta's report finds only 3,000 trained heat pump engineers in the UK against a need for at least 27,000 within six years, warning that installer shortages could hold back net zero targets.
Ofgem launches review of arrangements for recovering the costs of supplier failure
Ofgem has closed its review of how the costs of supplier failure are recovered, deciding to keep the existing methodology rather than move recovery onto unit rates.
UK renewables auction secures 11 GW at record low prices
The UK's seventh contracts for difference auction on 7 July 2022 secured 11 GW of renewable capacity at the lowest wind and solar prices recorded, according to the energy think tank Ember.
Warm Home Discount (England and Wales) Regulations 2022 come into force
The Warm Home Discount (England and Wales) Regulations 2022 were made on 6 July 2022 and came into force the following day, continuing the scheme in England and Wales until 31 March 2026.
Energy Bill [HL] 2022-23 introduced in the House of Lords
The Energy Bill was introduced in the House of Lords on 6 July 2022, with measures on heat networks, smart appliances, building energy performance and business energy audits.
Octopus Electric Vehicles launches bundled EV package with Ohme charger and Intelligent Octopus tariff
Octopus Electric Vehicles has launched a bundled package giving drivers a new car, an Ohme Home Pro charger, an EV energy tariff and 5000 miles of free charging.
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.
NEA publishes report calling for a new social tariff in the energy market
National Energy Action has published a report arguing that the government must create a social tariff, a discounted energy deal for low income households, to cut bills during the cost of living crisis.
Ofgem published ECO4 New Measures and Products draft guidance
Ofgem has published draft guidance for comment on how it will administer the new measures and products routes under ECO4, with responses due by 18 July 2022.
BEIS publishes Energy Bill summary impact assessment
BEIS has published a July 2022 summary impact assessment for the Energy Bill, setting out net present values, business costs and consumer bill impacts across 30 measures.
Central Switching Service introduced
The Central Switching Service began operating in July 2022, cutting the time a household needs to change energy supplier to five working days, according to the body that runs the national smart meter network.
Consortium secures £7.5M from Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund
A West Midlands consortium has secured £7.5M from the government's Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund to retrofit 600 social homes with low carbon heating and solar panels.
ECO scheme entered its fourth phase ECO4
The Energy Company Obligation entered its fourth phase, ECO4, in July 2022, obliging energy companies to fund insulation and heating upgrades in lower income homes until 31 March 2026.
ECO4 legislation comes into place and SWIGA publishes funding feature
SWIGA has published a feature listing grant funding streams for solid wall insulation after ECO4 legislation came into force, setting out eligibility and timescales for schemes running to 2027.
ECO4 Order comes into force
The ECO4 Order came into force in July 2022, opening the fourth phase of the Energy Company Obligation to measures installed from 1 April 2022 under a scheme administered by Ofgem.
ECO4 policy guidance published
The government published policy guidance for the Energy Company Obligation 2022 to 2026 in July 2022, setting out how suppliers, manufacturers and installers can apply for innovation and alternative measure routes.
Essex tower block ground source heat pump retrofit begins
Thurrock Council and Kensa began work in July 2022 on a networked ground source heat pump retrofit across 273 flats in three Essex tower blocks, replacing night storage heaters.
First instalment of Cost of Living Payment paid in July 2022
The first instalment of a GBP 650 Cost of Living Payment reached around 8 million low-income households in July 2022, with a second instalment due in November 2022.
Flexi variable costs updated for the quarter from 1 July 2022
ScottishPower has published the variable cost components of its Flexi tariff for the quarter beginning 1 July 2022, with Balancing Services Use of System falling and several regional distribution standing charges changing.
Government launches GOV.UK digital energy advice service
The government launched a digital service on GOV.UK in summer 2022 to help householders find ways to save energy in their homes, according to a later review of retrofit barriers.
Mitchell & Webber calls for government backing of HVO as oil heating alternative
Cornish oil supplier Mitchell & Webber has converted more than 50 oil-fired appliances to hydro-treated vegetable oil since 2020 and is calling for government backing of a national HVO demonstration.
Boilers and HeatingNew TechnologyWhere Our Energy Comes From
Ofgem announces urgent review of direct debit increases
Ofgem has announced an urgent review into energy direct debits rising faster than the price cap, finding flawed processes and weaknesses in how suppliers set customer payments.
Protected development eligibility period ended
The protected development provision, which kept certain proposals eligible for permitted development rights for a further year, reached its end date of July 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.
Rules and RegulationScotland, Wales and Northern IrelandBoilers and Heating
SSEN and Icebreaker One announce partnership to deliver net zero through better data
SSEN Distribution and the not-for-profit Icebreaker One have begun a partnership to build data-sharing systems intended to support the net zero transition and the rollout of electric vehicle charge points.
Sustainable Warmth Competition programme launches in Elmdon and Foleshill
Two retrofit schemes have launched in the West Midlands, including a £2.86m Sustainable Warmth Competition programme in Elmdon, Solihull, and Foleshill, Coventry, alongside £7.5m for social housing.
Worcester Bosch publishes new build heating and hot water brochure
Worcester Bosch has published a July 2022 new build brochure setting out its Greenstar gas boilers, controls, cylinders and air to water heat pumps for housebuilders and specifiers.
- June 2022
Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 come into force for general requirements
New smart charging rules for electric vehicle charge points sold in Great Britain took effect on 30 June 2022, with separate security requirements deferred to 30 December 2022.
Grant UK adds NeoAir V2-M wireless thermostat to Uflex controls range
Grant UK has added the NeoAir V2-M, a battery powered wireless programmable room thermostat, to its Uflex underfloor heating controls range, joining the NeoStat V2 and Edge controls.
Technical Booklet F1 June 2022 edition came into effect
The June 2022 edition of Technical Booklet F1, the guidance on conserving fuel and power in dwellings in Northern Ireland, took effect on 30 June 2022 and replaced the 2012 version.
CCC annual progress report criticises energy efficiency programmes
The Climate Change Committee's annual progress report, published on 29 June 2022, said sharply rising fuel costs should have accelerated home energy efficiency work, but the necessary programmes are not in place.
CCC publishes 2022 Progress Report finding current programmes will not deliver Net Zero
The Climate Change Committee's 2022 Progress Report finds credible plans for only part of the emissions reductions needed, with home energy efficiency singled out as a major delivery gap.
Ofgem publishes RIIO-ED2 Draft Determination for SSEN Distribution
Ofgem has published its Draft Determination on SSEN Distribution's RIIO-ED2 business plan, proposing an 18% increase on its RIIO-ED1 allowances, with a Final Determination due later in 2022.
BBC Regional News broadcasts Cornwall HVO heating trial
A BBC regional news broadcast on 28 June 2022 covered Mitchell & Webber's conversion of oil-fired heating systems in Cornwall to hydro-treated vegetable oil, with the company calling for government backing.
EO Charging unveils EO Genius 2 and EO Mini Pro 3 chargers
EO Charging has announced two smart chargers, the commercial EO Genius 2 and the home EO Mini Pro 3, both built to meet UK smart charging rules that take effect on 30th 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.
Ofgem decides CfD cap allowance will be updated quarterly
Ofgem has decided that the Contracts for Difference allowance within the default tariff cap will be updated quarterly, keeping the calculation method unchanged.
Ofgem decides to remove £0/MWh floor from CfD allowance in default tariff cap
Ofgem has decided to remove the £0/MWh floor from the Contract for Difference allowance in the default tariff cap, replacing the published Interim Levy Rate with an expected levy payment from 1 October 2022.
Citizens Advice responds to BEIS consultation on changes to the Energy Bills Support Scheme
Citizens Advice has backed the government's decision to raise the Energy Bills Support Scheme payment to £400 and make it a grant, while warning that prepayment meter customers and those in arrears could miss out.
Rules and RegulationEnergy Bills and the Price CapEnergy Suppliers
NAO publishes report on the energy supplier market
The National Audit Office has published a report on the energy supplier market, finding that Ofgem allowed suppliers with weak finances to enter and that consumers bore the cost of 29 failures.
Citizens Advice launches Energy Price Support Review with SMF and Public First
Citizens Advice has announced an Energy Price Support Review with the Social Market Foundation and Public First, to report in Spring 2023 on long-term help for households struggling most with energy bills.
SSEN completes Automated Power Restoration System project in Oxfordshire
SSEN has completed a nine month project costing nearly £176,000 to install automated technology that can restore power to more than 150,000 Oxfordshire customers in under three minutes.
Approved Document F ventilation rules come into force
Building regulations known as Approved Document F took effect on 15 June 2022, requiring extra background ventilation in habitable rooms when more than 30% of a property's windows are replaced.
Approved Document L restructured into two volumes
From 15 June 2022 Approved Document L is restructured into two volumes covering dwellings and other buildings, replacing the four parts L1A, L1B, L2A and L2B in England.
Approved Document S takes effect
Approved Document S, the technical guidance on electric vehicle charge point infrastructure in the Building Regulations, takes effect in England on 15 June 2022.
New Building Regulations parts F, L and O come into force
Revisions to Parts F and L and the new Part O of the Building Regulations took effect on 15 June 2022, cutting carbon emissions in new homes and non-domestic buildings and adding ventilation and overheating rules.
Building Regulations require thermostatic room controls when a boiler is replaced in England
New building regulations in England from 15 June 2022 require thermostatic room controls, including TRVs, to be added to heating systems when a boiler is replaced.
Changes to Approved Documents F and L take effect and new Approved Documents O and S introduced
Changes to Approved Documents F and L took effect on 15 June 2022, alongside two new documents covering overheating in homes and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Nesta and BIT publish UK-wide heat pump demand trial results
A UK-wide trial of 8,016 homeowners by Nesta and the Behavioural Insights Team found interest-free loans and lower running costs each raise stated heat pump choice, and together lift it to 36%.
Part L uplift and Part O came into effect
The 2021 uplift to Part L of the Building Regulations and the new Part O overheating requirement took effect on 15 June 2022, setting fabric and ventilation standards for new homes in England.
Rules and RegulationInsulation and GlazingYour Type of HomeCooling and Air Conditioning
Renault announces UK pricing and specification for All-New Mégane E-Tech Electric
Renault has confirmed UK pricing and specification for the All-New Mégane E-Tech Electric, a three-model range starting at £35,995 on the road and open for pre-order ahead of deliveries later in 2022.
New ventilation standards introduced through Approved Document F
Approved Document F, introduced on 15 June 2022, set new Building Regulation ventilation standards and made compliance the explicit responsibility of contractors, sub-contractors and installers.
Enphase UK limited warranty updated
Enphase Energy updated its UK limited warranty on 14 June 2022 to reflect new product names and a new customer support number, with no change to the warranty periods themselves.
SSEN publishes Whole System Register to build cross-sector collaboration
SSEN Distribution has published a Whole System Register listing its innovation and business as usual activities for net zero, with annual updates and a feedback section for stakeholders.
Citizens Advice warns 585,000 private renters risk missing energy bill support
Citizens Advice says 585,000 private renters whose landlords control their energy bills may be unable to claim the £150 Warm Home Discount and the £400 grant due in October.
Your Type of HomeEnergy SuppliersEnergy Bills and the Price Cap
UK government publishes Storm Arwen action plan ordering network operators to improve storm responses
The UK government has published an action plan ordering electricity distribution network operators to improve storm resilience, communications and compensation after Storm Arwen left around one million households without power.
Vaillant heat pump retrofit at Rivermead House cuts tenant bills
Derby Homes fitted 54 off-gas-grid flats at Rivermead House with individual Vaillant aroTHERM 5kW air source heat pumps at £6,000 per flat, cutting typical household energy costs from about £1,250 to £730 a year.
West Midlands households lined up for free retrofit under Sustainable Warmth funding
More than 300 homes in Foleshill, Coventry and Elmdon, Solihull will receive free insulation, heating systems and solar panels under Sustainable Warmth funding, with work due to start in September.
E3G publishes Home Energy Security Strategy calling for national retrofit mission
E3G has published a Home Energy Security Strategy urging the government to launch a national retrofit mission, warning that 15.3 million households face an inefficiency penalty of £916 a year.
Scottish Government publishes quality assurance policy statement for Heat in Buildings strategy
The Scottish Government has published a quality assurance policy statement for its Heat in Buildings strategy, setting out plans for approved suppliers, retrofit standards, installer skills and enforcement against scams.
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.
Amended building standards for new buildings published
Amended Scottish building standards for new buildings, applying to all building warrants applied for on or after 1 December 2022, were published in June 2022 and include provisions supporting the New Build Heat Standard.
Average bill estimates published for UK households
Energy Helpline has published estimated annual and monthly gas and electricity bills for UK homes using June 2022 prices, putting a three-bed home at £1,793.21 a year and a one to two bedroom home at £1,178.16.
Briefing updated with estimate that 9 million homes missed insulation upgrades since 2013
The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit has updated its briefing on insulation and gas prices, estimating that nine million homes missed upgrades and that £4.57 billion in extra gas costs will have accrued by the end of March 2023.
Building Regulations require thermostatic room controls on boiler replacement in England
Building Regulations changes mean each room in an existing English dwelling must have thermostatic room controls when a boiler is replaced, a requirement applying from June 2022.
Climate Change Committee publishes 2022 Progress Report to Parliament warning of major failures in home energy efficiency delivery
The Climate Change Committee's 2022 Progress Report to Parliament identified "major failures in delivery programmes" on home energy efficiency and called for more homes to be insulated.
ECO3 Interim Delivery ended
The three-month ECO3 Interim Delivery window, which let energy suppliers install measures under older ECO3 rules and scoring, closed on 30 June 2022 ahead of the ECO4 scheme.
Energy Advice Service to launch on GOV.UK by summer 2022
The government's British Energy Security Strategy, published in April 2022, commits to launching a comprehensive Energy Advice Service on GOV.UK by summer 2022 to help consumers improve their homes' energy performance.
Energy firms made 187,000 PPM warrant applications in six months
Freedom of information requests showed energy firms applied for 187,000 warrants to force households onto prepayment meters in the first six months of 2022, part of 500,000 since lockdown ended.
EO reveals latest generation of home and commercial chargers
EO Charging has supplied its EO Mini Pro 3 home charger to Viridian Solar under a distribution deal aimed at housebuilders meeting Building Regulations that require solar and EV charging on new homes.
Government announces end of £1,500 electric car grant
The Government has ended the £1,500 grant for new electric car purchases, removing purchase support at a time when electric households are reported to save £1,180 a year on running costs.
Government introduces four-year smart meter regulatory framework
The government introduced a four-year regulatory framework with binding targets for suppliers in 2022, as the National Audit Office reports the rollout remains years behind its original completion date.
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.
Guidance updated for Part L 2021 and Part O 2021
The Greater London Authority has updated its energy assessment guidance for planning applications, setting out how London Plan carbon targets apply now that Part L 2021 and Part O 2021 are in force.
Interim Part F and Part L building regulation changes take effect
Interim changes to Parts F and L of the building regulations have applied since June 2022, requiring new homes in England to produce 31 per cent less carbon dioxide than previous standards.
Northern Ireland introduced Phase 1 interim uplift
Northern Ireland's Department of Finance has confirmed that Phase 1 of its building regulations review delivered an interim uplift to energy efficiency standards from June 2022, ahead of further planned phases.
Rules and RegulationScotland, Wales and Northern IrelandInsulation and Glazing
Ofgem confirms CfD allowance methodology from cap period nine onwards
Ofgem has confirmed how the Contracts for Difference allowance inside the default tariff cap will be calculated from cap period nine, removing the £0/MWh floor that stopped negative scheme costs reaching household bills.
Part L compliance date for heating controls takes effect in England
BEAMA guidance confirms that Part L of the Building Regulations applies to heating controls installed with gas or oil boilers in England from June 2022, with Wales following in November 2022.
Part S of the Buildings Regulations comes into force
Statutory guidance requiring at-home electric vehicle charging provision in all new residential buildings in England came into force in June 2022, with further security rules following that December.
Scottish Retrofit Standards Working Group to be set up by Summer 2022
The Scottish Government's May 2022 quality assurance policy statement commits to a Scottish Retrofit Standards Working Group by summer 2022 to oversee PAS 2035/30 standards in Scotland.
SSEN commits funding to strengthen network and community resilience after Storm Arwen
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks has applied to Ofgem for £10m of dedicated funding for five projects intended to improve its storm response, after earlier resilience spending committed in summer 2022.
Thermino 180 and Thermino 250 models planned for first half of 2022
Sunamp said two additional sizes in its fourth generation Thermino heat battery range, the 180 and 250, would be introduced in the first half of 2022, following the range's launch in November 2021.
Updated ventilation standards enacted
Ventilation standards introduced on 15 June 2022 place explicit responsibility on contractors, sub-contractors and installers to ensure work complies with Part F of the Building Regulations.
- May 2022
Ofgem announces administration of Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Ofgem has taken over administration of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which opened to applications on 23 May 2022 and offers grants towards heat pumps and biomass boilers in England and Wales.
Chancellor outlines financial support following Commons BEIS Committee appearance
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has written to Ofgem's chief executive asking for five urgent energy market reforms, citing the Chancellor's 26 May 2022 support announcement that followed his Commons committee appearance.
EBSS doubled to £400 and made non-repayable
The Chancellor doubled the Energy Bills Support Scheme to £400 on 26 May 2022 and made it a non-repayable grant, replacing the original £200 discount that households would have repaid.
Grants and SchemesEnergy Bills and the Price CapYour Type of Home
Government announced £400 grant for domestic electricity customers
The government confirmed on 26 May 2022 that domestic electricity customers would receive £400 of support with their energy bills, paid as a grant rather than a repayable reduction.
Government announces cost of living package funded partly by windfall tax
The Chancellor announced a £15bn package of support for households on 26 May 2022, including a £400 energy grant, a £650 payment for means tested benefit claimants and a 25% levy on oil and gas profits.
Rules and RegulationGrants and SchemesEnergy Bills and the Price Cap
Government announces energy bills support measures in House of Commons
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has written to the Chancellor listing ten unanswered questions about the energy bills support announced in the House of Commons on 26 May 2022, warning it will not fix fuel poverty.
Rules and RegulationYour Type of HomeEnergy Bills and the Price Cap
Government announces financial support to help with cost of living crisis
The government has announced a £400 grant for all households towards energy bills and a targeted £650 payment for those on the lowest incomes, drawing a response from consumer body Which?.
Household Support Fund extended to 31 March 2023
The government has extended the Household Support Fund to 31 March 2023 with an additional £500 million, bringing total funding announced since October 2021 to £3 billion including Barnett impact.
Ofgem chief tells MPs October price cap likely to rise to about £2,800
Ofgem's chief executive told MPs the household energy price cap is likely to rise to about £2,800 in October, an increase of roughly £800 on the level then in force.
Energy Bills and the Price CapStatisticsRules and Regulation
Outcome documents published for Part L review
The Welsh Government has published the summary of responses and final impact assessment from its review of Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations, two years after the consultation closed.
SSEN completes £4.6 million Dorset network upgrade
SSEN has completed a £4.6 million upgrade to a 32 kilometre electricity circuit serving Poole and Shaftesbury in Dorset, which it says strengthens supplies to around 160,000 homes and businesses.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme opens for grant applications
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme opened for grant applications on 23 May 2022, offering £5,000 or £6,000 towards heat pumps and, in limited cases, biomass boilers in England and Wales.
Heat Pump Association welcomes launch of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Heat Pump Association has welcomed the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which opened with grants of £5,000 for air source and £6,000 for ground source heat pumps in England and Wales.
Tesla opens 15 UK Supercharger sites to non-Tesla EVs in Europe-wide pilot
Tesla has opened 15 of its 98 UK Supercharger sites to drivers of other electric vehicle brands as part of a Europe-wide pilot, with non-Tesla drivers paying higher rates unless they subscribe.
SSEN launches LCT Connections tool in industry first
SSEN Distribution has launched an online tool that gives automatic quotes for connecting low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps, the first DNO to offer spreadsheet uploads.
Ofgem opens consultation on possible wholesale cost adjustment to the default tariff cap
Ofgem has opened a consultation on whether suppliers face extra efficient wholesale costs beyond the default tariff cap, covering cap periods eight and nine, with responses due by 14 June 2022.
Ofgem publishes statutory consultation on wholesale methodology changes
Ofgem has published a statutory consultation proposing quarterly updates to the energy price cap's wholesale methodology, a change it later confirmed would take effect from October 2022.
LCCC updated its Q2 2022 forecast
Ofgem has confirmed it will remove the £0/MWh floor from the Contracts for Difference allowance in the default tariff cap from 1 October 2022, after recalculating the supplier benefit at £11.44 per customer.
Consultation launched on proposed expansion of Warm Home Discount in Scotland
The UK government has opened a consultation on expanding the Warm Home Discount in Scotland, proposing £49 million a year in support, £150 rebates and 50,000 more households.
Rules and RegulationGrants and SchemesScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
NEA responds to BEIS consultation on Energy Bills Support scheme
National Energy Action has told BEIS that its Energy Bills Support scheme has significant deficiencies, warning that the poorest households may receive less or no benefit while paying for it.
Rules and RegulationEnergy Bills and the Price CapYour Type of Home
Oxera publishes review of Ofgem's role in retail market collapse
An Ofgem-commissioned review by consultancy Oxera, published on 3 May 2022, examined the regulator's role in the collapse of 29 Great British energy suppliers between July 2021 and May 2022.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme launched with £450m budget
The government launched the £450m Boiler Upgrade Scheme in May 2022, offering grants of up to £6,000 towards heat pumps and, in limited circumstances, biomass boilers in England and Wales.
Chancellor announces enhanced package of customer support
Energy UK said international wholesale gas prices compounded by the Russian invasion of Ukraine led the Chancellor to announce an enhanced package of customer support, but called it a missed opportunity on energy efficiency.
Cost of living support package announced
The government doubled supplier loans to £400 per household as non-refundable payments and added payments of £650, £300 and £150, raising the local authority fund to £1.5 billion.
Ecodesign requirements for stoves due to come into force in the UK
Ecodesign emission and efficiency requirements for wood burning stoves are due to come into force in the UK in 2022, with all stoves placed on the market after January 2022 required to comply.
End Fuel Poverty Coalition writes to Chancellor over ten failures in energy bills plans
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has written to the Chancellor listing ten unanswered questions about the Government's 26 May energy bills support and asking for a meeting to discuss them.
Energy Bills Support Scheme vouchers announced
The government's Energy Bills Support Scheme, announced in May 2022, gave every household in Great Britain a £400 discount on energy bills, paid in six instalments from October 2022.
Energy Profits Levy introduced on UK oil and gas companies
The government levied an Energy Profits Levy on UK oil and gas companies in May 2022, after record industry profits and rising household energy costs that followed the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Government announced intention to legislate to extend price cap beyond 2023
The government said in May 2022 that it intended to legislate to allow the default tariff price cap to continue beyond 2023, as the National Audit Office counted 29 supplier failures since July 2021.
Government publishes response to market-based mechanism consultation
The Government has published its response to the consultation on the market-based mechanism for low-carbon heat, a scheme obliging fossil fuel heating manufacturers to meet rising low-carbon sales targets.
Green Home Finance Accelerator funding doubled to £20 million
A parliamentary committee report confirms the British Energy Security Strategy doubled funding for the Green Home Finance Accelerator from £10 million to £20 million, alongside wider heat decarbonisation measures.
UK inflation reaches 9.1%, highest in 40 years, driven largely by energy prices
UK inflation reached 9.1% in the year to May 2022, the highest for 40 years, with energy prices contributing 3.2 percentage points for fossil fuel households and 2.3 for all-electric homes.
Nesta decides not to pursue group purchasing for heat pumps
Nesta has decided not to run its own group buying scheme for heat pumps, saying the model has real potential but that the 2022 market is not ready.
Ofgem announces plans for quarterly price cap review
Ofgem has announced plans to move the price cap to a quarterly review, so that changes in wholesale gas and electricity costs, including falls, reach customer bills sooner.
Ofgem consults on wholesale cost adjustment design for cap periods eight and nine
Ofgem has opened a consultation on whether suppliers need an extra wholesale cost adjustment in the default tariff cap for periods eight and nine, with a decision due in August 2022.
Sale of traditional house coal banned in England
The sale of traditional house coal has been banned in England since 1 May 2022, under air quality rules that also cover wood moisture and stove emissions.
Scottish government proposes Passivhaus standard for all new-build housing
The Scottish government has proposed that all new-build housing in Scotland meet the Passivhaus standard or a Scottish equivalent, under a Member's Bill lodged in May 2022.
Rules and RegulationInsulation and GlazingScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Scottish Government publishes quality assurance policy statement for heat in buildings
The Scottish Government has published a quality assurance policy statement for heat in buildings, setting TrustMark and MCS supplier requirements for its schemes and a timetable of actions through 2022.
Third support package against rising energy prices announced
A GBP 650 one-off Cost of Living Payment for 8 million low-income households formed part of a third support package against rising energy prices announced in May 2022.
UW Standard SEG tariff takes effect at 2 pence per kWh
The Utility Warehouse's Smart Export Guarantee Standard tariff, a Standard Variable rate paying 2 pence per kWh for exported electricity, took effect on 01 May 2022.
Wales published changes to Part L
Wales published changes to Part L, the building regulation covering the conservation of fuel and power, in May 2022, according to a UK government research report updated in December 2022.
Rules and RegulationInsulation and GlazingScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- April 2022
Ready to Burn deadline ends for small wood suppliers
Small wood suppliers in England selling under 600 cubic metres a year must meet Ready to Burn certification from 1 May 2022, ending the extra year given to them to prepare.
Product recall issued for the Smart Energy Saver UK
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has required the recall of a plug-in energy saving device sold as the Smart Energy Saver UK after tests found a serious risk of fire and electric shock.
Panasonic adds three-phase option to Aquarea T-CAP Mono-bloc J Generation R32 heat pumps
Panasonic has added a three-phase power supply option to its Aquarea T-CAP Mono-bloc J Generation R32 heat pumps, covering heating and cooling capacities between 9 and 16kW.
Panasonic launches Aquarea Hybrid Eco+ Heat Pump
Panasonic has launched the Aquarea Hybrid Eco+ heat pump, a unit that works alongside an existing fossil fuelled boiler and which the company says can cut carbon emissions by up to 80%.
Nesta publishes discovery phase findings on boiler flow temperature and emissions
Nesta has published discovery phase findings on boiler flow temperature, reporting that optimising condensing combi boilers could cut household energy use, costs and emissions by 6 to 8 per cent.
UK Government consulted on clean heating market mandate earlier in 2022
The UK Government consulted earlier in 2022 on a policy to obligate boiler manufacturers to match fossil fuel boiler sales with heat pump installations, Nesta reported on 20 April 2022.
Nesta and BIT publish report assessing the UK Government's boiler manufacturer mandate for heat pumps
Nesta and the Behavioural Insights Team have published a report assessing the UK Government's proposed mandate requiring boiler manufacturers to match fossil fuel boiler sales with heat pump installations.
New Welsh Government estimates show up to 45% of Welsh households in fuel poverty
New official Welsh Government estimates show up to 45% of households in Wales are likely to be in fuel poverty, with 115,000 households in severe fuel poverty, according to National Energy Action.
StatisticsScotland, Wales and Northern IrelandYour Type of Home
Winter Fuel Support Scheme payment widened and planned for later in 2022
National Energy Action says the Welsh Government will make a further Winter Fuel Support Scheme payment later in 2022, widened to reach more low-income households including pensioners eligible for Pension Credit.
Grants and SchemesEnergy Bills and the Price CapScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Ofgem publishes decision on ECO4 scoring methodology consultation
Ofgem has confirmed how ECO4 energy efficiency measures will be scored, keeping intermediate SAP bands, four floor area segments and a 10% correction factor in its final decision.
BEIS to publish proposals on rebalancing energy bill costs in 2022
The government's Energy Security Strategy commits to rebalancing costs on energy bills away from electricity, with BEIS to publish proposals in 2022, alongside VAT-free home energy saving measures for five years.
Cross-industry letter calls on Government to expand ECO eligibility
The National Insulation Association has signed a cross-industry letter to HM Treasury, issued by the Sustainable Energy Association, calling for wider eligibility under the Energy Company Obligation.
Heat Pump Investment Accelerator Competition announced for 2022
The government has announced a Heat Pump Investment Accelerator Competition worth up to £30 million in 2022 to expand British heat pump manufacturing, as part of its Energy Security Strategy.
SSEN completes £1.7 million Portsmouth infrastructure upgrade
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks has completed a £1.7 million upgrade to part of Portsmouth's electricity network, replacing grid transformers and equipment serving thousands of customers.
CCC responds to UK Government's Energy Security Strategy
The Climate Change Committee welcomed the British Energy Security Strategy's offshore wind, nuclear and hydrogen commitments but said the absence of household energy efficiency measures was disappointing.
Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive closes to new applicants
Ofgem has closed the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive to new applicants after eight years, with existing members continuing to receive payments for up to seven years.
Ofgem publishes decision on BUS administration
Ofgem has set out its final administrative position for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, confirming installer account opening on 11 April 2022 and applications from 23 May 2022.
Technical ZEV mandate consultation opened
The Department for Transport opened a technical consultation on 7 April 2022 on how a zero emission vehicle mandate for new cars and vans should be designed, running until 10 June.
British Energy Security Strategy published with accelerated clean energy targets
The government has published the British Energy Security Strategy, setting higher targets for nuclear, offshore wind, solar and hydrogen and confirming a five-year VAT cut on energy saving materials.
Welsh Government sets out £380 million cost-of-living support package for Wales
The Welsh Government has set out a £380 million package of cost-of-living support, including a £200 winter fuel payment, a £150 council tax rebate and extra funds for local authorities.
Chameleon Technology launches IHD replacement service
Chameleon Technology has launched a replacement in-home display service that lets households buy and activate an ivie Bud remotely, without an engineer visiting the home.
£150 Council Tax Energy Rebate for England bands A-D
Households in England in Council Tax bands A to D receive a £150 Council Tax Energy Rebate from April 2022, a payment the government says does not need to be repaid.
Over 6.3 million homes to be in fuel poverty from 1 April 2022
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition estimates more than 6.3 million homes will be in fuel poverty from 1 April 2022, with 2.2 million of them households containing dependent children.
BEIS decides not to apply English Boiler Plus standard across Great Britain under ECO4
BEIS has decided not to make the English Boiler Plus standard a specific requirement throughout Great Britain under ECO4, so installations will follow each nation's building regulations instead.
BEIS publishes Warm Home Discount response and NIA submits Welsh Warm Homes Programme response
BEIS confirmed an expanded Warm Home Discount running to at least 2025/26 as the National Insulation Association set out its response to Welsh plans for the next Warm Homes Programme.
British Energy Security Strategy published
The British Energy Security Strategy, published in April 2022, set out extra support for home energy efficiency, including five years without VAT on energy saving materials.
Rules and RegulationGrants and SchemesInsulation and Glazing
Carbon Co-op launches smart meter data access independent of energy suppliers
Carbon Co-op has launched a service that lets householders see their gas and electricity smart meter data without going through their energy supplier, for £12 a year or free with membership.
Chancellor announces £9.1 billion energy bills support package
The Chancellor has announced a £9.1 billion package of support to help more than 28 million households with rising energy bills, alongside a £200 reduction in domestic electricity bills from October 2022.
Civil nuclear deployment ambition raised to up to 24GW by 2050
The government has raised its civil nuclear deployment ambition to up to 24GW by 2050, three times current capacity and up to a quarter of projected electricity demand.
Conservative government launches REMA electricity market review
The Conservative government launched a review of electricity market arrangements in April 2022, with a first consultation that July, examining the rules that set wholesale power prices.
Cost of living payment scheme opens to households
A £150 cost of living payment for households in council tax bands A to D in Wales opens in April 2022 and runs until September, administered by local authorities.
Direct debit increases far above price cap rises reported after April 2022 review
After the April 2022 price cap rise, some households saw direct debit increases far above the cap, prompting an Ofgem review that found flawed supplier processes.
Domestic energy cap rise worsens household energy bills
The Welsh Government extended its Fuel Support Scheme to more than 400,000 low-income households with £90m, citing higher bills worsened by the April domestic energy cap rise.
Electricity standing charges jumped by more than 80% in April 2022
Electricity standing charges under the price cap rose by more than 80% in April 2022, driven mainly by supplier of last resort costs added to network cost allowances.
Energy Bills and the Price CapEnergy SuppliersRules and Regulation
Energy Company Obligation expanded to £1 billion per year from 2022-2026
The Energy Company Obligation will be expanded to £1 billion a year from 2022 to 2026 under the British Energy Security Strategy, supporting 113,000 low-income households annually.
Energy Security Strategy published with home energy efficiency largely absent
The UK Green Building Council said the government's Energy Security Strategy was "deeply disappointing" on home energy efficiency, with four policy measures announced but no comprehensive plan for upgrading the country's 29 million homes.
Final impact assessment published for Wales Part L, Part F and Part O changes
The Welsh Government has published its final impact assessment for changes to Parts L, F and O of the Building Regulations for residential buildings in Wales.
Rules and RegulationScotland, Wales and Northern IrelandInsulation and GlazingCooling and Air Conditioning
Four energy efficiency policy elements announced alongside the strategy
Four home energy efficiency measures accompanied the Energy Security Strategy, including an advice service by summer, energy performance standards detail in May, £10m for green finance and a £30m heat pump competition.
GGL allowance applies from cap period eight starting 1 April 2022
Ofgem has decided to add a Green Gas Levy allowance to the default tariff cap from cap period eight, which began on 1 April 2022, at about £2.69 per gas meter.
UK Government announces energy support package for Great Britain households
The UK Government announced a package of support for almost all households in Great Britain in April 2022, including the £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme and an Energy Price Guarantee capping a typical bill at £2,500.
Energy Bills and the Price CapGrants and SchemesRules and Regulation
Government commits to 2035 phase-out of new and replacement gas boiler sales
The government has set 2035 as the date by which it intends to phase out the sale of new and replacement gas boilers, in its British Energy Security Strategy.
Government launches REMA programme
The government has launched the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements, a programme to reform Great Britain's electricity markets for a secure, low carbon system.
Government publishes response to ECO reform consultation
The government published its response to the summer 2021 consultation on reforming the Energy Company Obligation in April 2022, raising the minimum requirement for upgrading the least efficient private homes from 100,000 to 150,000.
Government renames Energy Bills Discount as the Energy Bills Support Scheme
The Government published an explainer on 1 April 2022 renaming the Energy Bills Discount as the Energy Bills Support Scheme, the £400 grant later paid to households over winter 2022-23.
Grants and SchemesRules and RegulationEnergy Bills and the Price Cap
Government response to ECO4 consultation published
The government published its response to the ECO4 consultation on 1 April 2022, setting the Energy Company Obligation's rules for April 2022 to March 2026 and confirming a £4 billion scheme across Great Britain.
Great Britain introduced a temporary zero rate for energy-saving material installations
From 1 April 2022, Great Britain introduced a temporary zero rate of VAT on installing energy-saving materials in homes, reversed the 2019 restrictions and reinstated wind and water turbines as qualifying materials.
Great Britain reversed the legislative changes
VAT relief on installing energy-saving materials that had been narrowed in 2019 was reinstated in Great Britain from 1 April 2022, with Northern Ireland following on 1 May 2023.
Great British Nuclear Vehicle to be set up this year
The government's British Energy Security Strategy sets out plans to set up a Great British Nuclear Vehicle this year and expand nuclear, hydrogen and renewables capacity.
Group 23 inserted into Schedule 8 Part II by the Value Added Tax (Installation of Energy-Saving Materials) Order 2022
The Value Added Tax (Installation of Energy-Saving Materials) Order 2022 inserted Group 23 into Schedule 8 Part II of the Value Added Tax Act 1994 with effect from 1 April 2022.
Group 23 period begins in England, Wales and Scotland
Zero rating for VAT on installing energy-saving materials in homes in England, Wales and Scotland applies to supplies made from 1 April 2022, under a group running to 31 March 2027.
Heat pumps become cheaper to run than gas boilers
Analysis published by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit finds that from April 2022 an electric heat pump will cost less to run than a gas boiler, as gas prices drive the price cap up.
MIS 3005 standards due to come into force
The MCS heat pump standard MIS 3005 splits into separate design and installation standards on 1 April 2022, the same day the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive closes.
Offshore wind ambition raised to up to 50GW by 2030 including up to 5GW floating
The UK government has raised its offshore wind ambition to up to 50GW by 2030, including up to 5GW of floating wind, in its British Energy Security Strategy.
Ofgem decides to remove the wall type distinction for heating measures in ECO4
Ofgem has confirmed it will remove the wall type distinction for heating measures under ECO4, publishing its final decision on the scheme's scoring methodology in April 2022.
Ofgem decides to split the standard heating control measure in ECO4
Ofgem has decided to split the standard heating control measure in ECO4 into two separate measures, a programmer and room thermostat measure and a TRV measure, in its final scoring methodology decision.
Ofgem introduces pitched roof insulation, hybrid wall insulation and district heating connection measures in ECO4
Ofgem has confirmed its final ECO4 scoring methodology, adding pitched roof insulation, hybrid wall insulation and district heating connection measures with partial project scores.
Grants and SchemesRules and RegulationInsulation and Glazing
Ofgem price cap increase to coincide with predicted rise in child fuel poverty to over 2.5m households
End Fuel Poverty Coalition calculations predict more than 2.5 million households with children will be in fuel poverty from 1 April 2022, when the next Ofgem price cap increase takes effect.
Energy Bills and the Price CapRules and RegulationYour Type of Home
Ofgem publishes ring-fencing proposals
Ofgem published proposals in April 2022 to ring-fence customer credit balances and Renewables Obligations payments, part of a financial resilience push after 29 supplier failures.
OLEV grant ended for private homeowners
The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, known as the OLEV grant, closed to private homeowners on 31 March 2022, leaving landlords, social housing providers and apartment block owners as the only eligible applicants.
Prepayment meter average bills set to rise to £2,017
Average prepayment meter bills under the price cap were set to rise from £1,309 to £2,017 from 1 April 2022, as Ofgem raised the cap by 54 per cent.
Solid wall minimum target of 90,000 measures set for ECO4
The government has set a minimum target of 90,000 solid wall insulation measures under ECO4, the four-year Energy Company Obligation running from 2022 to 2026, alongside a 150,000-home minimum for private tenure band E, F and G homes.
The split heat pump Standards became mandatory
The MCS heat pump Standard MIS 3005 split into separate design and installation Standards on 1 April 2022, making both mandatory for certified contractors in the UK.
Supplier allowance reduced by 50% from phase 1 of ECO4
The government has cut the ECO4 supplier allowance by half and set out final scheme rules for 2022 to 2026, with obligations calculated on supply volumes above 150GWh of electricity and 350GWh of gas a year.
Warm Homes Programme consultation completed
The Welsh Government has completed a public consultation on the future of the next Warm Homes Programme, with a new scheme expected from 2023 and a policy direction due by autumn 2022.
WHD rebate value increases to £150 for SY12
Ofgem's annual report confirms the Warm Home Discount rebate rose from £140 to £150 for scheme year 12, with around 750,000 more households supported and a lower supplier participation threshold.
WHD splits into separate England & Wales and Scotland schemes for SY12
The Warm Home Discount split into separate England and Wales and Scotland schemes for 2022-23, with a new Core Group 2 in England and Wales and the rebate rising from £140 to £150.
Grants and SchemesScotland, Wales and Northern IrelandHeat Pumps
Zero rate for air source heat pumps begins in GB with eligibility conditions removed
Air source heat pumps became zero rated for VAT in Great Britain on 1 April 2022, with the eligibility conditions that previously restricted the relief removed permanently.
- March 2022
Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers systems commissioned on or after 1 April 2022
Ofgem has confirmed that heat pumps and biomass systems commissioned on or after 1 April 2022 qualify for Boiler Upgrade Scheme support, with installer accounts opening on 11 April and applications from 23 May.
British Gas adds £2 million to Support Fund, taking it to £6 million
British Gas Energy has added £2 million to its Support Fund, taking it to £6 million, to help customers struggling to pay energy bills as living costs and inflation rise.
Energy SuppliersGrants and SchemesEnergy Bills and the Price Cap
Cold Weather Payment scheme period ends
The Cold Weather Payment scheme closed for the winter on 31 March 2022, with £25 paid for each seven-day period of very cold weather recorded in a household's area.
Deadline for completion of Green Homes Grant work
The Green Homes Grant voucher scheme closed to new applicants in 2021, and all insulation and low carbon heating work funded through it had to be finished by 31 March 2022.
Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive closes
The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive closed to new applicants on 31 March 2022, though accreditations have continued since, mainly through transfer of ownership applications.
DWP benefits data matching facility closes for ECO3 eligibility matching
The Department for Work and Pensions benefits data matching facility used to check household eligibility under the Energy Company Obligation closes on 31 March 2022, with reopening unlikely before ECO4.
ECO3 scheme closes with 16 of 26 obligated suppliers still operating
Ofgem's final determination for the Energy Company Obligation 3 scheme shows ten of 26 obligated suppliers left the market during its run, leaving a £135 million shortfall covered by others.
Four SEG licensees exited the market due to insolvency during SEG Y2
Ofgem's second Smart Export Guarantee annual report shows four licensed suppliers left the electricity market through insolvency during 2021-22, so no data was received from them.
Proposed backstop date for all Scottish private rented dwellings to reach EPC of E
Scottish Government proposals would require every private rented home in Scotland to reach EPC band E by 31 March 2022, with a higher D standard proposed from 2022 and by 2025.
Rules and RegulationInsulation and GlazingScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
SSEN announces £10m upgrade to Islay electricity network
SSEN Distribution has confirmed a £10m project to upgrade the electricity network on Islay, with construction starting in mid-April and work due to last 12 months.
Supplier websites and apps fail under meter reading demand
British Gas, EDF, Eon and Octopus reported website and app problems on 31 March 2022 as households rushed to submit meter readings before the energy price cap rose the next day.
Warm Home Discount payments due by end of March 2022
Households that qualified for the winter 2021/2022 Warm Home Discount were due to receive their one-off payment by 31st March 2022, with applications for that year now closed.
Welsh Government sets out cost of living support package
The Welsh Government has set out more than £380 million of cost of living support, including a £150 payment to households in council tax bands A to D, running from April to September 2022.
Growatt battery-ready inverter MOD 3-10KTL3-XH series now available in Europe
Growatt has announced European availability of the MOD 3-10KTL3-XH battery-ready inverter and its ARK XH battery system, with Australia named as a future market.
Single unit properties become ineligible for Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme
The government has ended Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme support for single unit properties such as bungalows, detached, semi-detached and terraced housing from April 2022, replacing it with grants aimed at renters, flat owners and landlords.
Government releases EV infrastructure strategy
The Government has released an electric vehicle infrastructure strategy that aims to build charging provision ahead of need, a plan the motor industry trade body says points in the right direction.
Shell UK announces £20 to 25 billion energy sector investment over the next decade
Shell UK will invest between £20 billion and £25 billion in the UK energy sector over the next decade, with more than 75% of the funding directed at low carbon technologies including electric mobility.
SSEN publishes first DSO Action Plan
SSEN Distribution has published its first DSO Action Plan, covering flexibility products, markets and connections over an initial two-year period, with £73m of investment planned to 2028.
Additional Household Support Fund funding provided
The Chancellor added £500 million to the Household Support Fund from April 2022, doubling its total to £1 billion, alongside a five-year VAT cut on home energy saving materials.
ECO4 commenced operation in April 2022 with ECO4 Order in force from July 2022
ECO3 closed at the end of March 2022 and ECO4 began in April 2022, though the ECO4 Order did not come into force until July, with a VAT zero rate on energy saving materials starting the same month.
Fuel duty cut took effect UK-wide
The government cut petrol and diesel duty by 5p per litre for 12 months from 6pm on 23 March 2022, alongside a five-year VAT cut to 0% on home energy saving materials.
The Value Added Tax (Installation of Energy-Saving Materials) Order 2022 was signed
The Value Added Tax (Installation of Energy-Saving Materials) Order 2022 was signed by two Treasury Lords Commissioners at 11.20 a.m. on 23rd March 2022.
E3G publishes ten facts on home energy security ahead of expected UK energy security strategy
E3G has published ten facts on home energy security, covering gas-driven bill rises, cuts to insulation programmes and the case for a national retrofit programme, ahead of an expected UK energy security strategy.
Welsh Government called for cost of living action in the Spring Statement
The Welsh Government has written to the Chancellor before the Spring Statement, asking for a full crisis response to the cost of living emergency and setting out measures it says would help households pay bills.
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.
JRF publishes energy price analysis of March 2022 price cap
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has published analysis of the March 2022 price cap finding low-income households face sharply higher energy costs even after the support package announced in February.
Solar Energy UK and industry groups write to Chancellor urging 0% VAT on domestic renewables
Solar Energy UK and a group of industry and environmental bodies have written to Chancellor Rishi Sunak asking him to cut VAT on domestic renewable and energy efficiency technologies to 0% in the Spring Statement.
Aereco introduces the Heatpex Aria range
Aereco has announced the Heatpex Aria ventilation and heat recovery system, a semi-rigid ducting range for single-family houses that the company says meets the ATC1 airtightness class.
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.
British Gas completes first air source heat pump installation in Devon
British Gas has completed its first air source heat pump installation for a household customer, at a home in Ivybridge, Devon, fitted through its partnership with Daikin.
geo and Vaillant white paper warns lack of appliance interoperability could cost billions in energy savings
A white paper from geo and Vaillant warns that without common standards for heat pumps, EV chargers and appliances, households could lose billions in energy savings by 2050.
CCC publishes independent assessment of the UK Heat and Buildings Strategy
The Climate Change Committee has published an independent assessment of the UK Government's Heat and Buildings Strategy, finding ambition but gaps in funding, policy detail and supply chain capacity.
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.
ev.energy launches Smart Schedule feature in its app
ev.energy has added a Smart Schedule to its charging app, letting drivers set a different ready by time for each day of the week, with an Override Schedule for one-off charges.
Scottish Government publishes easy read version of Heat in Buildings Strategy
The Scottish Government has published an easy read version of its Heat in Buildings Strategy, restating the goal of zero emissions buildings and plans for a National Public Energy Agency.
Note added on Domestic RHI closure and Boiler Upgrade Scheme successor
A government page on the Renewable Heat Incentive was updated on 4 March 2022 with a note that the Domestic RHI scheme had closed and that the Boiler Upgrade Scheme would succeed it.
Rinnai announces Sensei N Series continuous flow hot water range for the UK
Rinnai UK has published details of its Sensei N Series, four continuous flow hot water heaters that it says are the first such units sold in the UK with stainless steel heat exchangers.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme launched
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme opened in March 2022, offering upfront grants towards heat pumps and some biomass boilers in England and Wales, administered by Ofgem and running to 2028.
Chancellor announces further £500 million for the Household Support Fund
The Chancellor announced a further £500 million for the Household Support Fund in the March 2022 Spring Statement, bringing total funding for the scheme to £1 billion since October 2021.
CLC reported boilers among products with supply chain issues
In March 2022 the Construction Leadership Council reported generally good stock levels across industrial products but named boilers among the key items facing supply chain issues and delays.
European Commission publishes REPowerEU
The European Commission published REPowerEU in March 2022, a week after the International Energy Agency set out a ten-point plan to cut reliance on Russian fossil fuels.
Funding paid to billing authorities
The government paid Council Tax Rebate funding to English billing authorities in March 2022, ahead of £150 payments to households in bands A to D from April.
Government committed to phase out Russian oil imports by the end of 2022
The government has said it will phase out imports of Russian oil and oil products by the end of 2022, working with industry through a new Taskforce on Oil.
Government publishes response to PAC report on the Green Homes Grant
BEIS has answered the Public Accounts Committee's criticism of the Green Homes Grant, accepting an unrealistic timetable and promising better design, contractor checks and an evaluation due in August 2023.
Government publishes updated Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy pledging up to £1.6bn
The government published an updated Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy in March 2022, pledging up to £1.6bn of public funding for charging infrastructure across the UK.
Green Homes Grant scheme closes
The Green Homes Grant, which covered up to two-thirds of the cost of energy efficiency works in England, closed in March 2022, leaving households to look to successor schemes.
Helicopter airlift delivers materials for Aultbea-Ullapool network upgrade
SSEN Distribution has airlifted 162 wooden poles and overhead line equipment by helicopter along an 18km route between Slattadale and Aultbea as part of a £14.2m network upgrade in the North West Highlands.
Nesta report says heat pumps could soon be cheaper than gas boilers over 15-year lifetime
Nesta analysis of 60,000 UK heat pump installations finds that, with three policy and market changes plus a £5,000 grant, heat pumps could cost £60 to £110 a year less than gas boilers over a 15-year life.
Ofgem publishes single decision covering consultation parts 1 and 2
Ofgem has published its single decision on the ECO4 scoring methodology consultation parts 1 and 2, setting out how energy efficiency measures will be scored under the scheme from 2022.
Russia threatens to close major gas pipeline to Europe
Russia has threatened to close a major gas pipeline to Europe in retaliation for countries considering bans on Russian oil imports, a move that could raise prices even in countries that use little Russian gas.
Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund began delivery
The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund began delivering energy efficiency measures in March 2022, part of a year in which government-backed scheme installations fell 55 per cent.
Spring Statement 2022 expands the VAT relief for ESMs in Great Britain
The government has expanded VAT relief on energy saving materials in Great Britain, setting a temporary zero rate until 31 March 2027 and reinstating wind and water turbines as qualifying materials.
SSEN begins £2.49 million infrastructure upgrade in Bournemouth
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks has started a £2.49 million project to replace underground cables between two Bournemouth substations, serving 11,500 customers in the Victoria Park area.
Sutton control software fault identified and temporary fix applied
Monitoring of an Energiesprong retrofit in Sutton found the standard control software was not activating the heat pump, and a temporary control algorithm was applied to the affected homes.
- February 2022
Dimplex issues product safety notice for Solar Collector FK8000, SOL202COL
Dimplex has published a product safety notice dated 28 February 2022 covering its Solar Collector FK8000 and SOL202COL, adding the solar thermal part to a page that also carries earlier notices.
Draft regulations laid before the House
The draft Boiler Upgrade Scheme (England and Wales) Regulations 2022 were laid before Parliament on 25 February 2022, setting up capital grants for heat pumps and, in limited cases, biomass boilers.
UK Government releases new fuel poverty statistics for England
Government figures show 3.16 million English households in fuel poverty in 2020, and the charity National Energy Action warns current progress would take over 60 years to meet statutory targets.
Investec Bank Ltd estimates October 2022 price cap could exceed £3,000 per household
Investec Bank Ltd estimated on 24 February 2022 that the October price cap could rise another 50% to more than £3,000 per household, prompting charity warnings on fuel poverty.
Russia launches full-scale invasion of Ukraine
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 pushed oil above $100 a barrel and raised European gas prices by 50%, setting off the sharpest period of UK household energy bill rises in decades.
US and allies impose severe sanctions on Russia
The US and its allies announced severe sanctions on Russia's largest financial institutions and technology exports after the invasion of Ukraine, with energy markets and household bills in focus.
Rinnai announces H3 range of hydrogen blend ready, hybrid and heat pump products
Rinnai UK has announced an H3 product range covering commercial heat pumps, hydrogen blend ready and hybrid hot water systems, to be introduced in stages during 2022.
SolarEdge launches S-Series Power Optimizers with Sense Connect arc prevention
SolarEdge has released S-Series Power Optimizers with patented Sense Connect technology that detects abnormal connector temperatures and shuts down the inverter before electric arcs can form.
Government announced further £67 million for Home Upgrade Grant phase one
The government announced a further £67 million on 21 February 2022, offered to successful local authorities to supplement funding under Home Upgrade Grant phase one.
Statutory instrument closed the DRHI to new applications
Regulations laid in February 2022 closed the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive to new applications and new metering package applications from midnight on 31 March 2022, ending a scheme that had paid support since 2014.
Whoop Energy and Xcel Energy cease trading
Whoop Energy and Xcel Energy ceased trading on 18 February 2022, and Ofgem appointed Yu Energy to take on their customers, the Energy Ombudsman has confirmed.
Red Met Office warning issued for Storm Eunice as energy networks prepare
The Met Office issued a rare red weather warning for parts of south west England and south Wales as energy network operators moved staff and equipment into position ahead of Storm Eunice.
BEAMA publishes white paper on ventilation and indoor air quality
BEAMA has published a white paper calling on the Government to raise ventilation standards in newbuild homes, pair energy efficiency retrofits with ventilation measures and treat poor indoor air quality as a public health emergency.
SMMT publishes seven-point plan for EV charging infrastructure
The UK automotive trade body has published a seven-point plan calling for binding chargepoint targets and a new independent regulator, Ofcharge, to oversee public charging across Britain.
£90m announced for a further fuel support scheme
The Welsh Government announced £90m on 15 February 2022 for a second fuel support scheme, paying £200 to eligible households after the first winter scheme was doubled from £100.
Sunsynk announces the Contour inverter system
Sunsynk has published a news item introducing the Sunsynk Contour, described as a trolley-like inverter system with built-in lithium batteries, dated 15 February 2022.
Welsh Government announces more than £330m cost-of-living support package
The Welsh Government has announced a cost-of-living support package worth more than £330m, including a £150 payment to households in council tax bands A to D and an extra £200 for low income households next winter.
CO-Gas Safety reports Project SHOUT survey finding rise in dangerous gas appliances
CO-Gas Safety has published a Project SHOUT survey of 335 heating engineers that reports frequent sightings of poorly maintained, badly fitted and dangerous gas appliances in UK homes.
Hero Renewables removed from MCS scheme entirely
MCS has removed Hero Renewables Limited from its certification scheme after an investigation into complaints found significant failings, meaning the company is no longer MCS certified.
Indra highlights smart EV charging range and V1G launch
Indra has set out the features of its Smart PRO home charger and launched Smart Pioneer, a V1G product it says can cut charging costs by up to £200 a year.
Scotland announces £150 council tax rebates for 1.85m households
Scotland's finance secretary Kate Forbes announced on 10 February 2022 that 1.85 million Scottish households, 73% of the total, would receive a £150 council tax rebate in April 2022.
Price cap increase announced to apply from April
Energy UK has noted the announcement of an increase in the energy price cap that will apply from April, published alongside a parliamentary inquiry into decarbonising heat in UK homes.
Mitsubishi Electric launches Ecodan Hydrodan water-to-water heat pump for ambient loops
Mitsubishi Electric has added the Ecodan Hydrodan, a water-to-water heat pump designed for Fifth Generation ambient loops, to its heat pump range in an announcement dated 7 February 2022.
MPs call for road pricing to replace fuel duty
The Commons transport select committee has told MPs that road pricing is the only workable replacement for fuel duty, warning of a £35bn shortfall as drivers switch to electric vehicles.
Ofgem decides to include Green Gas Levy allowance in default tariff cap from cap period eight
Ofgem has decided to add a Green Gas Levy allowance of about £2.69 per gas meter to the default tariff cap from April 2022, recovering scheme costs dating back to October 2021.
Ofgem decides to proceed with licence modification enabling in-period adjustments to the default tariff cap
Ofgem has confirmed it will change supply licences so it can recalculate the default tariff cap inside a cap period, under five tests, in exceptional circumstances.
Ofgem publishes policy consultation on medium term price cap changes
Ofgem has published a policy consultation on medium term changes to the energy price cap, proposing quarterly updates, a reduced notice period and a backwardation mechanism.
BEIS Committee publishes report on decarbonising heat in homes
The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee has published a report finding the Government is not on track to decarbonise residential heating and calling for a heat road map, sector deal and public awareness campaign.
Chancellor announced support package including EBSS
The Chancellor announced a support package including the Energy Bills Support Scheme on 3 February 2022, giving households a £200 reduction on electricity bills from October 2022, later raised to £400.
Chancellor announces Energy Bills Rebate support package
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced an Energy Bills Rebate on 3 February 2022, comprising a £200 energy bills discount and a £150 council tax rebate, after Ofgem confirmed a 54% rise in the price cap.
Energy bills support package announced
The government announced a £150 council tax rebate for households in England in bands A to D and a £144 million discretionary fund on 3 February 2022, as part of support for rising energy costs.
Energy price cap increase announced
Turn2us has responded to the announcement of a higher energy price cap, warning that millions of households face uncertainty over their finances and calling for more targeted government support.
Energy price cap increase announced
Nesta has responded to the announcement of an increase to the energy price cap, calling the UK's energy price crisis a global gas crisis and pointing to home heating as the source of the solution.
Government announces £693 energy price cap rise and bill support measures
Citizens Advice has called the government's package of support for a £693 rise in the energy price cap strange, complicated and untargeted, as record numbers seek crisis help.
Energy Bills and the Price CapEnergy SuppliersRules and Regulation
MPs warn UK lacks clear plan to decarbonise heating and insulate homes
The Commons business, energy and industrial strategy committee has said the government's approach to decarbonising home heating lacks clear direction and that current policies are not on the scale required.
NEA calls UK Government energy crisis measures woefully inadequate
National Energy Action has called the UK Government's £200 rebate and Council Tax support woefully inadequate, saying prepayment households still face a gap of more than £500 a year.
OFGEM announces 54% energy price cap rise
Ofgem has confirmed a 54% rise in the energy price cap, taking average direct debit bills to as much as £1,971 from April and prepayment bills to £2,017.
SSEN restores all reported faults after Storms Malik and Corrie
SSEN has restored all reported customer faults after Storms Malik and Corrie, reconnecting more than 120,000 homes in the north of Scotland following gusts of over 90mph.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed by Chancellor
The Chancellor has confirmed the Warm Home Discount will rise to £150 and cover three million households from October, as Ofgem's price cap increase pushes average bills up by more than 54 per cent.
Levelling Up White Paper published
The Levelling Up White Paper of 2 February 2022 sets out funding for energy efficiency in the worst performing homes and cites over 240,000 low carbon jobs by 2035.
27 energy retail companies had exited the market since August 2021
Energy UK reports that 27 energy retail companies have left the market since August 2021, affecting almost 2.3 million households, with supplier of last resort costs of around £2.6 billion to date.
Additional tolerable standard requirement delayed
Scottish Ministers have delayed by one year the date on which fire and carbon monoxide detection and warning equipment becomes part of the tolerable standard for housing in Scotland.
Additionality assumption revised from 100% to 70%
The final impact assessment for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme cuts the assumed additionality of its grants from 100 per cent to 70 per cent, meaning fewer installations are counted as extra.
BEIS to lay amended legislation for DRHI closure
BEIS intends to bring the closure of the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive into effect through amended legislation due to be laid before Parliament in February 2022, Ofgem has said.
Bulb collapse takes households affected by failed suppliers above 3.7 million this year
Green Alliance says 21 energy suppliers have collapsed since the start of September, and that Bulb's failure has taken the number of households affected by a failed supplier above 3.7 million this year.
Energy SuppliersEnergy Bills and the Price CapRules and Regulation
Bulb sale process launched
The sale process for Bulb Energy, the largest supplier failure of the 2021 crisis, was launched in February 2022 and took ten months to complete, ending in a government sale to Octopus Energy.
BUS scheme length extended to three years
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme will run for three years to 2024/25 rather than the two years proposed for the Clean Heat Grant, with grants of £5,000 or £6,000 and a £450m budget.
Energy Bills Support Scheme announced with £400 electricity bill discount
The Government's Energy Bills Support Scheme, first announced in February 2022, provided a £400 discount on electricity bills to households as energy prices rose sharply.
EQT to acquire InstaVolt from Zouk Capital
EQT announced in February 2022 that it would acquire InstaVolt from Zouk Capital and back a rollout of 10,000 rapid EV chargers by 2032.
February 2022 wholesale decision placed cap period seven adjustment in additional risk allowance
Ofgem has confirmed that the adjustment for cap period seven wholesale costs will stay inside the additional risk allowance, with no proposal to move it.
Final impact assessment confirms higher BUS grant levels
The final impact assessment for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme confirms grants of £5,000 for air source heat pumps, £6,000 for ground source heat pumps and £5,000 for biomass, replacing an earlier flat £4,000 proposal.
Government announces GBP350 support package for energy bills
The Chancellor has announced support claimed to be worth GBP350 against energy bills, much of it repayable, as Ofgem confirmed the price cap will rise by 54% in April.
UK Government releases new fuel poverty statistics for England
New government fuel poverty statistics for England show a lack of progress towards statutory commitments, with charities warning it will take over 60 years to meet them.
Green Alliance publishes briefing on protecting consumers from high energy bills
The Green Alliance has published a briefing on protecting consumers from high energy bills, setting out the causes of the 2021 price spike and what it says should happen next.
Ofgem decides to add SoLR charge to domestic gas unit rates
Ofgem confirmed in February 2022 that the costs of supplier failures would be recovered through a volumetric charge on domestic gas unit rates, adding to household bills.
Rules and RegulationEnergy SuppliersEnergy Bills and the Price Cap
Ofgem decides in-period adjustments to the Default Tariff Cap will be forward looking only
Ofgem has decided that any in-period adjustment to the Default Tariff Cap will apply only for the remainder of the cap period, not retrospectively, under a new licence power.
Ofgem previously set a £12 additional electricity shaping and imbalance allowance
Ofgem concluded in its February 2022 wholesale decision that electricity shaping and imbalance costs exceeded the price cap methodology, adding a £12 allowance recovered across cap periods eight and nine.
PAS 2030 and 2035 2022 iteration issued
The 2022 amendment to the PAS 2030 and PAS 2035 retrofit standards was issued in February 2022, adding a fully detailed Scottish matrix for retrofit skills and competencies.
UK Power Networks prepares for Storms Dudley and Eunice
UK Power Networks has put more than 100 engineering teams on duty from tonight as Storm Dudley arrives, with winds of up to 90mph forecast from Storm Eunice on Friday.
Qualifying week moved from September to early November
The Scottish Government has proposed moving the Winter Heating Payment qualifying week from September to early November so the £50 payment follows sooner after eligibility is assessed.
Scotland, Wales and Northern IrelandGrants and SchemesHow To
Russia and China sign $117.5bn oil and gas deals
Three weeks before invading Ukraine, Russia and China signed oil and gas deals worth an estimated $117.5bn, including a 30-year gas contract raising supply to China by a quarter.
Russia invades Ukraine, disrupting global energy markets
Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 disrupted global energy markets and added uncertainty to European gas supply, deepening a price crisis that had begun in 2021.
Scottish homes required to have carbon monoxide alarms
Since 1 February 2022 every Scottish home has been required to have a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a fixed combustion appliance or flue, under rules now being publicised across the UK.
SHDF wave 1 awarded £179 million to 69 projects
Wave 1 of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund awarded £179 million to 69 projects in February 2022, upgrading up to 20,000 social housing properties across England.
Winter Fuel Support Scheme payment doubled to £200
The Welsh Government has doubled its Winter Fuel Support Scheme payment from £100 to £200, available to new applicants and paid retrospectively to households that have already received the lower amount.
Grants and SchemesHow ToScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- January 2022
Improvement plan deadline passed without adequate response
MCS removed Hero Renewables Limited from its certification scheme after the company failed to supply an adequate improvement plan by the 31 January 2022 deadline.
Consultation deadline on Ofgem's administration of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Ofgem's consultation on how it will run the Boiler Upgrade Scheme closed on 27 January 2022, covering the technical administration of the grant rather than who qualifies for it.
Consultation on Ofgem's administration of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme closes
Ofgem's consultation on how it will run the Boiler Upgrade Scheme closed on 27 January 2022, with a decision published and the scheme due to launch in Spring 2022.
MCS announces changes to the Heat Pump Standard
MCS has split its Heat Pump Standard into separate design and installation standards, mandatory from 1 April 2022, the day after the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive closes.
NEA publishes policy briefing on supporting vulnerable energy customers this winter
National Energy Action has published a policy briefing calling on the UK Government and Ofgem to act on the energy crisis and support vulnerable customers this winter.
New Approved Document Part O on overheating introduced
The government's Approved Document Part O, covering overheating in new homes and buildings where people sleep overnight, has been introduced, with two routes to compliance and implications for apartment and communal heating schemes.
Rules and RegulationYour Type of HomeCooling and Air Conditioning
CIPHE publishes consumer advice on the Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2021 to 2022
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering has published consumer advice on the 2021 to 2022 Winter Fuel Payment, setting out who qualifies, how much is paid and a claiming deadline of 31 March 2022.
NEA Northern Ireland welcomes launch of DfC Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme but says £2M budget falls short
National Energy Action Northern Ireland has welcomed the Department for Communities Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme for 20,000 households but says its £2 million budget falls far short of what is needed.
Grants and SchemesYour Type of HomeEnergy Bills and the Price Cap
E3G briefing argues ECO must stay and ECO4 uplift must not be suspended
E3G has published a briefing arguing that cutting the Energy Company Obligation or suspending the planned ECO4 uplift would harm households, cost 30,000 jobs and block statutory fuel poverty targets.
Energy Saving Trust publishes response to off-gas-grid fossil fuel heating consultation
The Energy Saving Trust has published its response to a government consultation on phasing out fossil fuel heating in homes off the gas grid, backing a heat pump first approach from 2026.
NEA publishes response to BEIS energy retail market call for evidence
National Energy Action has published its response to the government's call for evidence on the future of the energy retail market, recommending a social tariff and extra protections for vulnerable households.
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.
Government response published on NDRHI commissioning deadline extensions
The government has published its response to proposals to extend commissioning deadlines for existing Tariff Guarantee and extension applications under the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive.
Together Energy ceases trading
Together Energy ceased trading on 18 January 2022, the Energy Ombudsman has confirmed, adding that it has now issued a written update to affected consumers.
Together Energy exits the market with British Gas as Supplier of Last Resort
Together Energy (Bristol E.) ceased trading on 18 January 2022 and its customers were moved to British Gas under the Supplier of Last Resort process, Ofgem's Warm Home Discount report confirms.
Together Energy Retail Ltd customers move to British Gas
British Gas has taken on the 176,000 domestic customers of Together Energy Retail Ltd, which exited the market on 18 January 2022, under Ofgem's supplier of last resort process.
Citizens Advice responds to Ofgem consultation on short-term interventions to address market volatility
Citizens Advice has opposed Ofgem proposals to allow exit fees on default tariffs, while backing a requirement for suppliers to offer new tariffs to existing customers.
REA drafts member response to Ofgem BUS administration consultation
The REA has drafted a member response to Ofgem's consultation on how the Boiler Upgrade Scheme will be administered, with member feedback due by 24 January 2022.
NEA responds to Ofgem consultation on short term price cap changes
National Energy Action has told Ofgem that doing nothing is the best of the short term price cap options for fuel poor households, opposing exit fees on standard variable tariffs.
Citizens Advice responds to BEIS consultation on market-based mechanism for low-carbon heat
Citizens Advice has told BEIS that the Boiler Upgrade Scheme needs wider financial support, a single mandatory accreditation body and clearer guidance for manufacturers if low-carbon heat is to work for households.
NEA publishes response to BEIS consultation on phasing out fossil fuel heating in off gas grid homes
National Energy Action has told BEIS that phasing out fossil fuel heating off the gas grid must come with adequate funding and advice for low income households, including support for hybrid systems.
Consultation on market-based mechanism for low-carbon heat closes
A government consultation on a market-based mechanism to expand heat pump installations in existing UK properties closed on 12 January 2022, with the scheme proposed to start in 2024.
NEA NI urges release of funding for broader fuel poverty support package
National Energy Action Northern Ireland has written to the Minister calling for funding to be released for a broader package of support, saying the £2M Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme falls short.
Grants and SchemesWhere to StartScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
E3G publishes briefing on responding to the energy bill crisis
E3G has published a briefing setting out near-term actions to protect households from sharp energy price increases and longer-term priorities to rebuild for resilience.
Crowdflex study finds domestic flexibility could cut peak demand by up to 23 percent
A study of 25,000 households by SSEN, National Grid ESO, Octopus Energy and Ohme found that homes on time-of-use tariffs cut evening peak demand by 15 to 17 percent, with electric vehicle owners reaching 23 percent.
Working from home raises household gas use amid cost of living crisis
The Resolution Foundation says working from home in the cost of living crisis raises average household gas use by around 50 per cent, and calls for better home insulation.
CE markings no longer recognised in Great Britain
From 1 January 2022 solid fuel heating products and other goods sold in Great Britain must carry the UKCA mark, with the CE mark no longer recognised in the GB market.
Compensation window opens for forced prepayment meter installations
Ofgem has opened a compensation route for households forced onto prepayment meters between 1 January 2022 and 21 January 2023 where suppliers broke the installation rules.
Energy Bills and the Price CapSmart MetersRules and Regulation
Ecodesign limits become mandatory for new stoves
New wood-burning and multifuel stoves sold in the UK have had to meet mandatory Ecodesign limits on four pollutants and a minimum real-world efficiency since 1 January 2022.
Ecodesign regulations apply to solid fuel room heaters sold in the UK
Ecodesign rules have applied since 1 January 2022 to new solid fuel room heaters sold in the UK, a change the Office for Environmental Protection credits with cutting domestic combustion emissions.
Power NI raises domestic electricity prices by 21.4%
Power NI raised domestic electricity prices by 21.4 per cent from 1 January 2022, adding £131 a year to the average household bill in Northern Ireland.
Renewable Heat Incentive ended, replaced by Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive closed at the end of March 2022 and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme took its place, offering upfront grants of £5,000 or £6,000 towards heat pumps in England and Wales.
New smart meter target framework introduced
The government introduced a four-year smart metering target framework on 1 January 2022, replacing suppliers' previous obligation to take all reasonable steps to install smart meters by the end of 2021.