Powering Homes News: page 108
- February 2022
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