Powering Homes News: page 37
- January 2025
Publication of EPC reform consultation analysis
The Scottish Government has published independent analysis of its 2023 consultation on Energy Performance Certificate reform, showing broad organisational support but weaker backing from individuals for several proposals.
Ryse Energy G-11 wind turbine achieves MCS certification
The Ryse Energy G-11 has become the first wind turbine to gain MCS certification in more than four years, and the only certified wind product currently on the scheme.
Scottish Government publishes analysis of EPC reform consultation
The Scottish Government has published independent analysis of its consultation on reforming domestic Energy Performance Certificate metrics, showing split views on the proposed ratings and majority opposition to including hot water heat demand in the fabric rating.
Air-to-air heat pumps become eligible for government grants
Nesta reports that air-to-air heat pumps are now eligible for government grants, with typical installation costs from £2,400 in a one bedroom flat to £8,800 in a four bedroom house.
Nesta publishes data-driven FAQ on heat pump grant eligibility
Nesta has published a data-driven FAQ setting out the heat pump grants and loans available across the UK as of January 2025, including £7,500 grants in England, Wales and Scotland.
Scottish Government confirms intention to lay revised EPC regulations in 2025
The Scottish Government has confirmed it intends to lay revised Energy Performance Certificate regulations during 2025, to come into force in 2026 using the Home Energy Model.
Scottish Government decides to reduce EPC validity period to five years
The Scottish Government has confirmed it will cut the validity period of Energy Performance Certificates from 10 years to five, alongside a move to digital webpages and wider data sharing.
Scottish Government proposes reforms to Energy Performance Certificates
The Scottish Government has set out final plans to reform Energy Performance Certificates, including new ratings, a redesigned certificate, five-year validity and the Home Energy Model.
SSEN moves to Weather Warning status in the north of Scotland ahead of Storm Éowyn
SSEN raised its preparedness for the north of Scotland on 21 January 2025 ahead of Storm Éowyn, then escalated to Red Alert as the Met Office forecast the winter's strongest winds.
Heatmiser extends NeoStat range with NeoStat Touch and NeoStat Pro
Heatmiser has added two smart thermostats, the NeoStat Touch and NeoStat Pro, to its NeoStat range, both controlled through the neoHub and neoApp ecosystem.
Government plans to almost double Boiler Upgrade Scheme budget for the next financial year
The Minister for Energy Consumers said the Boiler Upgrade Scheme budget will be almost doubled in the next financial year, as industry data showed record renewable installations in 2024.
InstaGroup working on SHDF project in Ealing
InstaGroup is supplying and installing external wall insulation and replacement windows to 44 homes in Ealing, Greater London, under the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.
Affected area split into West and East zones for restoration
Cadent has split the N10 water-in-gas area into West and East zones to pump water out in smaller sections and restore gas supply property by property, starting in the West.
EDF launches Heat Pump Promise with full refund guarantee
EDF Heat Pumps has launched a Heat Pump Promise guaranteeing agreed heating temperatures for one year from installation, with a full refund if the issue is unresolved after three attempts.
Ofgem opens Call for Input on the gas disconnections framework
Ofgem has opened a Call for Input on the gas disconnections framework, seeking views and cost data from industry and consumer stakeholders, with responses due by 7 March 2025.
Trust highlights open energy debt grant funds for winter
The British Gas Energy Trust has highlighted two open energy debt funds offering grants of up to £2,000 to British Gas and non-British Gas customers in England, Scotland and Wales this winter.
Water enters gas network in N10 London, cutting gas supplies
Water entered Cadent's gas network in the N10 area of London on 12 January 2025, blocking gas flow to local properties and prompting a two-week operation to pump it out and restore supply.
ECA MCS Warranty provider ceases offering the warranty without notice
The ECA has told members that its MCS Warranty provider stopped offering the ECA MCS Warranty without notice on 9 January 2025, and it is checking whether the change is permanent.
Payment sums in regulation 8 substituted by S.I. 2024/1166
The sums payable by suppliers under regulation 8 of the Electricity and Gas (Standards of Performance) (Suppliers) Regulations 2015 were substituted with effect from 2 January 2025 by amendment regulations made in 2024.
38 installers suspended from government retrofit schemes
Certification bodies suspended 38 installer businesses from government retrofit schemes after quality failures, a parliamentary committee has reported, with 22 reinstated by November 2025.
The Battery Installation Standard was issued
MCS has issued MIS 3012:2025 version 1.0, a battery installation standard setting out requirements for the design and installation of battery storage systems, dated 1 January 2025.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme budget almost doubled to £296m
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme budget for grant vouchers will almost double to £296m next financial year, with an extra £30m added this year and planning rules for air source heat pumps relaxed.
Changes to the New Build Heat Standard come into force
Changes to Scotland's New Build Heat Standard came into force on 1 January 2025, permitting bioenergy and peat heating systems and any type of secondary heating in new buildings.
DESNZ increased the BUS Year 3 budget to £205 million with permission to over-allocate to £280 million
The government raised the Boiler Upgrade Scheme's Year 3 budget twice, from £150 million to £205 million, and allowed Ofgem to over-allocate vouchers up to £280 million.
Energy debt reaches all time high of £4.15bn
Official figures show household energy debt in Great Britain reached an all time high of £4.15bn in the first quarter of 2025, as research puts 12.1 million UK households in fuel poverty.
Financial incentives for stand-alone fossil fuel boilers are to be phased out
The European Commission has issued guidance confirming that from 1 January 2025 EU Member States must not offer financial incentives for installing stand-alone fossil fuel boilers.
Future Homes Standard to be brought into force in 2025
The Future Homes Standard for England, which will require new build homes to use low carbon heating and high energy efficiency, is to be brought into force in 2025.
UK Government consults on raising product standards for tumble dryers
The UK Government consulted in 2025 on raising product standards for tumble dryers, phasing out the least efficient models and aligning Great Britain with new EU labelling rules already in force in Northern Ireland.
GSOP payment level uplifted to £40 in January 2025
Ofgem has confirmed the Guaranteed Standards of Performance payment for suppliers rose from £30 to £40 in January 2025, and is consulting on automatic inflation-linked increases.
ivie publishes its Ultimate Energy Saving Guide
ivie has published a free PDF energy saving guide covering savings room by room, home efficiency basics and a list of energy saving products, aimed at UK households facing high bills.