Powering Homes news, page 34
- April 2025
Wallbox solar charging features launched for new E.ON Next installations
E.ON Next has added solar charging features to new Wallbox installations from 28 April 2025 at no extra cost, but existing customers cannot currently upgrade.
MCS consumer protection consultation closes
MCS has closed a consultation on proposed changes to financial protection requirements for small-scale renewables, with the response to be published soon.
Government response to smart and secure electricity system consultation published
The government has published its response to the 2024 consultation on smart and secure electricity systems, confirming standards for energy smart appliances, a load control licence and tariff data rules.
ECIU analysis says ZEV mandate changes could cost families over £1000 a year
ECIU analysis published on 22 April 2025 says changes to the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate weaken manufacturer incentives to cut electric car prices and could cost families over £1000 a year.
Version 3 added smart thermostat scores
Ofgem has added scores for smart thermostat measures to Version 3 of the Great British Insulation Scheme scores matrix, the first time heating controls have carried scores under the scheme.
Committee on Fuel Poverty response to Warm Home Discount expansion consultation published
The Committee on Fuel Poverty has published its response to the government consultation on expanding the Warm Home Discount Scheme for 2025 to 2026, covering England, Scotland and Wales.
Energy Saving Trust publishes report on what the UK needs from the Warm Homes Plan
The Energy Saving Trust has published a five-pillar report setting out what the UK Government needs to do to deliver the Warm Homes Plan and its target of retrofitting five million homes.
Ofgem approved NESO connections reform proposals
Ofgem has approved NESO's connections reform proposals, moving the grid queue to a "first ready, first connected" approach that prioritises projects meeting the UK's strategic needs.
Ofgem publishes final Consumer Vulnerability Strategy
Ofgem has published a refreshed Consumer Vulnerability Strategy with four themes and a cross-cutting theme, after a consultation that drew 67 responses.
Nesta and BIT publish trial findings on coordinated low-carbon heating offers
A trial of 5,525 UK homeowners finds that coordinated neighbourhood switching to low-carbon heating does not raise uptake on its own, but adding 0% interest financing does.
EV guidance page updated with new vehicle tax rates
The GOV.UK guidance page on electric vehicle costs, charging and infrastructure was updated on 10 April 2025 to reflect updated vehicle tax rates, its first change since publication in February 2024.
Resolution Foundation publishes report on home heating transition for low-income households
The Resolution Foundation finds heat pump installation is slow and skewed to wealthier areas, with most households facing slightly higher bills after switching from a gas boiler.
Energy Saving Trust publishes response to future default tariffs consultation
The Energy Saving Trust has told a government call for evidence that suppliers should be obliged to place households on default tariffs that suit their circumstances, and that the default price cap should be reformed.
Welsh Government opens consultation on changes to permitted development rights in Wales
The Welsh Government consulted on changes to permitted development rights for air source heat pumps and off-street electric vehicle charging, opening on 8 April 2025 and closing on 1 July 2025.
Rules and RegulationHeat PumpsScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
ECO4 and GBIS mid-scheme administration consultation opened
Ofgem opened a consultation on 7 April 2025 on how it will administer mid-scheme changes to ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, publishing its decision on 26 June 2025.
Government confirms mid-scheme changes to GBIS and ECO4
The government has confirmed mid-scheme changes to the Great British Insulation Scheme and ECO4, allowing two insulation measures per project and ECO4 delivery to count towards GBIS targets.
Ofgem publishes draft guidance update summary
Ofgem has published draft guidance and a consultation on how it will administer mid-scheme changes to ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, with responses due by 12 May 2025.
Trading Standards in Scotland report short weight solid fuel packs
Trading Standards officers in Scotland found short weight packs in 28 of 70 solid fuel product lines checked at retail outlets, with the worst deficiencies reaching 3.52kg on a 14kg pack of logs.
Visit a Heat Pump passes 1,000 bookings and 900 hosts in first year
Nesta's Visit a Heat Pump service, which lets households see a working heat pump in someone's home before buying one, reported 1,030 bookings, 1,672 booked places and 912 hosts in its first year.
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.