Powering Homes News: page 32
- April 2025
The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 were revoked
The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 were revoked on 6 April 2025 by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, with Part 4A continued under transitional provisions.
SSEN announces contract partners for £450m north of Scotland network investment
SSEN Distribution has named five contract partners to deliver a £450m programme of investment in the north of Scotland's electricity distribution network, covering nine sub-regions and at least 300 skilled jobs.
Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit ceased to exist
Ofgem's ECO4 delivery guidance confirms Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit ceased to exist on 5 April 2025, with receipt remaining valid evidence of eligibility until 4 April 2026.
Citizens Advice opposes Ofgem's zero standing charge price cap variant proposals
Citizens Advice has told Ofgem it does not support proposals for a zero standing charge variant of the energy price cap, citing complexity, implementation challenges and risks of consumer harm.
Rules and RegulationEnergy Bills and the Price CapEnergy Suppliers
Citizens Advice responds to the fuel poverty strategy consultation for England
Citizens Advice has backed the retention of England's 2030 fuel poverty target and called for a second affordability measure alongside the existing LILEE metric.
ClimateXChange publishes study on flow temperature reduction in Scottish homes
ClimateXChange has published research finding most Scottish homes cannot run at 55°C flow temperatures today, but 76% could after higher cost retrofit.
ClimateXChange publishes study on housing market impacts of Scottish heating and energy efficiency regulations
A study published on 3 April 2025 models how the proposed Heat in Buildings Bill could affect the Scottish housing market, finding slower activity, higher rents and possible landlord exits.
Extended Ecodan R290 range announced
Mitsubishi Electric has added 8.5kW, 10kW and 12kW models to its Ecodan R290 heat pump range and will phase out its Ecodan R32 units in favour of the extended line.
Minister confirms Heat in Buildings Bill and PRS MEES commitment
The Scottish Government has confirmed it will bring forward a Heat in Buildings Bill and introduce minimum energy efficiency standards for privately rented homes using existing powers in the Energy Act 2011.
Over 44 million GBP of household energy efficiency funding announced
More than 44 million GBP has been allocated to cut emissions from buildings and help households save on energy bills, including 30 million GBP for three heat network projects.
Household Support Fund extended with additional GBP 842 million for England
An additional GBP 842 million is being granted in England to extend the Household Support Fund by another 12 months, with local authorities using the funding to assist vulnerable households.
Mayor signs decision approving £53,470,024 Warm Homes Local Grant funding
The Mayor of London has approved the receipt and spending of £53,470,024 of Warm Homes Local Grant funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero for delivery in London between 2025 and 2028.
Bristol City Council and Bristol City Leap publish Warm Homes Plan
Bristol City Council and Bristol City Leap have published a joint five-year action plan for decarbonising the city's homes, setting out their roles across social housing, private housing, new build, heat networks, skills and citizen involvement.
Clean Power Action Plan updated with 2030 clean power ambition
The Clean Power Action Plan, updated in April 2025, sets out the government's ambition to reach a clean power system by 2030, according to a House of Commons Library briefing on the future of the gas grid.
Consumer debt and arrears reached a record high of £3.85 billion
Ofgem's state of the energy market report records consumer debt and arrears at a record £3.85 billion in quarter 4 2024, alongside a price cap rise to £1,849 from April 2025.
DESNZ consulted on proposed changes to the BUS
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero consulted in April 2025 on proposed changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, with a formal decision expected later in the year.
Employer National Insurance Contributions increase took effect
The employer National Insurance Contributions increase that Ofgem allowed suppliers to recover through the energy price cap took effect in April 2025, as part of a wider review of operating cost allowances.
EPC band F homes could face bills around £700 higher than band C from April
Analysis by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit finds EPC band F homes could face average annual dual fuel bills of around £2,340 from April, roughly £700 more than band C.
Government launches consultation on expanding the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The government has opened a consultation on widening the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to cover air-to-air heat pumps and heat batteries, and to allow third-party ownership finance alongside grants.
Government published its Energy Smart Appliance consultation response
The government has accepted all 14 recommendations of the National Infrastructure Commission's study on electricity distribution networks, published in April 2025, covering flexibility, reliability, planning and price controls.
Gwresogi achieves MCS certification for solar PV, heat pumps and battery storage
Gwresogi, a Gwynedd installer founded in 2014, gained MCS certification in April 2025 covering solar PV, air source heat pumps and battery storage, according to an MCS case study.
MCS launches four-week consultation on financial protection requirements
MCS opened a four-week consultation in April 2025 on proposed financial protection requirements for its redeveloped scheme, drawing over 30 responses including from the CMA and DESNZ.
NIE Networks launches Big Network Rebuild investment programme
NIE Networks has begun a six-year, c.£250m programme to rebuild and future-proof Northern Ireland's electricity distribution network, covering about 14,000km of lines and equipment.
Where Our Energy Comes FromScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Ofgem publishes refreshed Consumer Vulnerability Strategy
Ofgem has published a refreshed Consumer Vulnerability Strategy setting out four themes and a cross-cutting theme for protecting consumers in vulnerable situations, with a first progress report following in July 2026.
UK public EV charger count passes 76,000
A consumer guide states the UK had over 76,000 public EV chargers as of April 2025, far more than the 8,353 petrol stations it says remain in operation.
Rebel Energy exits the domestic supply market
Rebel Energy ceased trading on 1 April 2025, leaving around 90,000 domestic customers to be transferred to a new supplier under Ofgem's safety net arrangements.
Restriction on re-letting below EPC band D begins
Social landlords in Scotland should not re-let social housing below EPC band D from December 2025, under guidance supporting the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing post 2020.
Rules and RegulationYour Type of HomeScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Scottish Government announces PoP requirement likely dropped from Heat in Buildings Bill
The Scottish Government has said the point of purchase clean heating requirement is likely to be dropped from the Heat in Buildings Bill due in the Scottish Parliament later in 2025.
Rules and RegulationHeat PumpsScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Smart time of use tariff adoption increased by over 75% in the last year
Ofgem reports that smart time of use tariff adoption rose by more than 75% in the last year, driven by rising electric vehicle ownership and demand for cheaper, more flexible energy options.
Standing charges change from 1 April with regional variation remaining
Ofgem's April price cap rise of 6.4% takes effect on 1 April 2025, with standing charges falling for most households but rising by up to £20 a year in some regions.