Powering Homes News: page 21
- October 2025
Nesta publishes trial findings supporting automated flexibility in type-of-use heat pump tariffs
Nesta and OVO trial finds automated heat pump flexibility on a type-of-use tariff shifted 30 per cent of peak heating demand and could save owners up to £440 a year.
Citizens Advice publishes research on low-income homeowners and retrofit
Citizens Advice research published on 23 October 2025 finds upfront cost and perceived risk deter low-income homeowners in England and Wales from energy efficiency upgrades, and sets out design considerations for future schemes.
Consultation on fairer, faster energy redress opens
The government has opened a consultation on strengthening the Energy Ombudsman, proposing faster complaint handling, automatic referrals and a power to order compensation when rulings are not implemented.
Which? urges government to remove heat pump adoption barriers
Which? has published Sustainability Tracker findings showing heat pump ownership among homeowners at three per cent and called on the government to remove the barriers holding consumers back.
B&Q Energy Saving Service has given tailored advice to more than 1,600 customers
Energy Saving Trust has reported that B&Q's Energy Saving Service, built on its Home Energy Efficiency Tool, has given tailored advice to more than 1,600 customers since launch.
Citizens Advice publishes paper calling for overhaul of retrofit consumer protections
Citizens Advice has published a paper calling for an overhaul of consumer protections in the retrofit market, proposing independent advice, a single quality scheme and regulated redress.
New Energy Choices Tool helps navigate smart energy options
The Centre for Sustainable Energy has launched a free Energy Choices Tool giving households personalised recommendations on smart energy products, services and tariffs, funded by two electricity distribution networks.
UK household energy debt rises to eight-year high
Uswitch research published on 15 October 2025 finds UK household energy debt at an eight-year high of £780 million, with the average household owing £223 to its supplier.
Fogstar launches Drift 48V 125Ah lithium leisure battery
Fogstar has added a 48V 125Ah lithium leisure battery to its Drift range, with a 150A battery management system, inverter communications, low-temperature heating and a 10-year warranty.
Let's Talk Energy Fund opens for 2025-26
Charis has opened the Let's Talk Energy Fund for 2025-26, offering up to two free energy-efficient appliances and advice to households struggling with energy bills.
NAO publishes report on energy efficiency installations under the Energy Company Obligation
The National Audit Office has published a value for money report finding clear failures in the design and consumer protection system of ECO4 and GBIS, covering faulty wall insulation and suspected fraud.
Uswitch updated its 104 energy saving tips guide
Uswitch updated its guide of more than 100 energy saving tips for the home on 14 October 2025, arranged by room and carrying annual saving figures for each measure.
Which? responds to NAO report on faulty insulation
Which? has called the National Audit Office's findings on faulty insulation a damning indictment of a failed scheme, urging government action to remedy damage and prevent a repeat.
Consumer Scotland responds to Ofgem standing charge consultation
Consumer Scotland has told Ofgem that a radical rethink of the standing charge should not be a priority now, backing pilots and better signposting over a mandate for lower or zero standing charge tariffs.
Rules and RegulationEnergy Bills and the Price CapEnergy Suppliers
UK Power Networks DSO secures first 100% low carbon flexibility portfolio
UK Power Networks' distribution system operator has awarded 20MW of flexibility capacity across 217 local zones to nine providers, with every asset low carbon for the first time.
Consumer Scotland responds to Ofgem smart meter GSOP consultation
Consumer Scotland has told Ofgem it broadly backs proposed guaranteed standards of performance for smart meters, while pressing for shorter timeframes and clearer appointment rules.
Final Government Response on EPC reform published
The Scottish Government has published its final response to three rounds of consultation on Energy Performance Certificate reform, confirming new regulations laid in October 2025 and a revised in-force date of 30 April 2028.
Which? responds to Scottish Government update on reforming Energy Performance Certificates
Which? has welcomed Scottish Government plans to reform Energy Performance Certificates, saying its research shows the certificates are too often inaccurate, out of date or difficult to understand.
Grow Utilities trading name begins
The Energy Ombudsman has listed Grow Utilities, trading under DJ Business Solution Ltd, as an active member from 9 October 2025, meaning disputes against it can be brought to the scheme.
Ofgem opens call for input on reselling gas and electricity and the Maximum Resale Price direction
Ofgem has opened a call for input on the rules covering the reselling of gas and electricity, asking whether the Maximum Resale Price still protects consumers and supports investment.
Energy Saving Trust publishes response to permitted development rights consultation
The Energy Saving Trust has published its response to a government consultation on permitted development rights, backing looser rules for electric vehicle chargepoints and air source heat pumps in England.
National Insulation Association publishes response to ECO4 extension consultation
The National Insulation Association has told a government consultation that an ECO4 extension should only proceed with a matching rise in supplier targets, and that the Great British Insulation Scheme should end as planned.
Energy Saving Trust publishes response to fuel poverty strategy review
The Energy Saving Trust has told the government that fuel poor homes should get grants covering the full cost of retrofit and that England needs a national expert energy advice service.
Energy Saving Trust responds to EPC reform consultation
Energy Saving Trust has told DESNZ it backs a cost per square metre metric, a carbon-based heating metric and smart readiness on EPCs, while opposing energy use and separate carbon metrics.
SSEN mobilises welfare operation for Storm Amy customers
SSEN has served more than 20,000 meals during Storm Amy and set out how customers can claim back the cost of food and accommodation after losing power.
SSEN continues Storm Amy reconnection with over 71,000 restored and 17,000 still off supply
SSEN restored power to all 90,000 homes cut off by Storm Amy, a Category 2 severe weather event, after faults at 750 locations and more than 30,000 free meals served.
Energy Saving Trust publishes response to Energy Efficient Scotland owner-occupied homes consultation
The Energy Saving Trust has published its response supporting a Scottish Government proposal for a legally binding energy efficiency standard covering owner-occupied homes in Scotland.
Awaab's Law comes into effect for social landlords
Awaab's Law came into force in October 2025, requiring social landlords to investigate and resolve damp and mould in homes within set time periods.
British Gas Energy Support Fund reopens on day of 2% price cap rise
The British Gas Energy Trust has reopened its largest energy debt fund, offering grants of up to £2,000 to British Gas customers, on the day energy bills rose by 2%.
BYD Battery-Box HVB available to order at Wind & Sun
Wind & Sun has opened orders for the BYD Battery-Box HVB, a high-voltage home battery stack using BYD Blade Battery cells, priced from £1,025.04 with a 15 year warranty.