Powering Homes News: page 38
- January 2025
Northern PowerGrid Community Energy Team launched
Northern PowerGrid's Community Energy Team, launched in January 2025, has supported more than 40 projects with guidance, training and knowledge sharing, according to Community Energy England.
Prohibition on single split air-conditioning systems with HFCs of GWP 750 or more
From 1 January 2025 single split air conditioning and heat pump systems holding less than 3kg of refrigerant with a global warming potential of 750 or more can no longer be placed on the market.
Regulations requiring low or zero emissions heating in existing buildings proposed from 2025
The Scottish Government's Heat in Buildings Strategy proposes requiring low or zero emissions heating systems in existing buildings from 2025, with a backstop date of 2045.
Rules and RegulationBoilers and HeatingScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
New RIBA Plan of Work Passivhaus tool launched
The Passivhaus Trust has launched a tool to streamline RIBA Plan of Work processes for delivering Passivhaus projects, listed on its Learning Hub alongside priced courses and free publications.
SAP to be replaced by Home Energy Model for EPCs
The Scottish Government has confirmed it will replace the SAP calculation method with the UK Home Energy Model and a new EPC Register, under regulations to be laid in 2025 and brought into force in 2026.
Rules and RegulationStatisticsScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Scottish Government publishes response to EPC reform consultation
The Scottish Government has published its response to a 2023 consultation on reforming Energy Performance Certificates, introducing a new fabric-based Heat Retention Rating for homes in Scotland.
Rules and RegulationInsulation and GlazingScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Scottish Government responds to 2023 EPC reform consultation
The Scottish Government has confirmed higher EPC lodgement fees, a shorter certificate validity period and a new rating system, with regulations due in Parliament during 2025 and in force in 2026.
- December 2024
Renewables generated over half of UK electricity for the first time in 2024
Official statistics show renewable technologies supplied more than half of the UK's electricity generation in 2024, the first time this share has been passed, up from around 46.5% in 2023.
SSEN moves to Weather Warning status in central southern England ahead of New Year's Day
SSEN raised its preparedness to Weather Warning status in central southern England on 30 December 2024, with gusts of over 50mph inland forecast for New Year's Day and potential damage to the electricity network.
SSEN moves to Weather Warning status in the north of Scotland
SSEN moved to Weather Warning status in the north of Scotland on 30 December 2024, activating contingency plans and extra teams ahead of wind, rain and snow forecast over Hogmanay.
Fox ESS issues version 4.2 of its UK and Ireland battery warranty policy
Fox ESS has published version 4.2 of its UK and Ireland battery warranty policy, dated 23 December 2024, covering its battery module range and setting out standard cover, free extensions and performance terms.
Deadline for pension credit applications to be backdated for this year's Winter Fuel Payment
Pension credit claims must be submitted by 21 December 2024 to be backdated, the route by which households not already on means-tested benefits can still qualify for this winter's Winter Fuel Payment.
SSEN moves to Yellow Alert status in the north of Scotland
SSEN moved to Yellow Alert in the north of Scotland on 20 December 2024, ahead of weekend gusts forecast to reach 85mph, and has contacted nearly 60,000 Priority Services Register customers.
MCS publishes updated MCS 031 heat pump standard and Excel tool
MCS has published Issue 4.0 of its heat pump pre-sale performance standard, replacing the SCoP-based estimate with a method using system type, specific heat loss and a Heat Emitter Guide lookup table.
Consultation on raising product standards for space heating opens
DESNZ opened a consultation on 17 December 2024 on updating ecodesign and energy labelling rules for space and combination heaters, including higher minimum standards for heat pumps.
Government published its response to the CCC 2024 Progress Report
The government has published its formal response to the Climate Change Committee's 2024 progress report, saying it is acting on all 35 recommendations but that only a third of the emissions cuts needed for 2030 are covered by credible plans.
Consumer Scotland publishes response to Ofgem 24-7 metering support consultation
Consumer Scotland has published its response to Ofgem's statutory consultation on Supplier 24-7 Metering Support, backing the proposal while raising concerns about online-only contact routes and rural connectivity.
MCS ended its Appointed Representative relationship with Independent Warranty
MCS has ended its Appointed Representative relationship with Independent Warranty, so IWA Insurance Backed Guarantees can no longer be bought through the MCS Installation Database.
Consultation on ECO4 and GBIS mid-scheme changes closes
The National Insulation Association has answered a government consultation on mid-scheme changes to ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, which closed on 12 December 2024.
Draft Fuel Poverty Strategy consultation opens in Northern Ireland
The Department for Communities has opened a public consultation on a draft Fuel Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland, alongside proposals for a new fuel poverty energy efficiency scheme.
Rules and RegulationScotland, Wales and Northern IrelandYour Type of Home
equiwatt launches PowerSmart events for NESO's Demand Flexibility Service
equiwatt has launched PowerSmart events for NESO's Demand Flexibility Service, adding multi-event notifications, more eGift rewards, a spot prize draw and smart device automations for all app users.
Ofgem confirms standing charge will not be lowered
Ofgem has confirmed, after a year of consultation, that it will not lower the standing charge paid by energy customers regardless of how much energy they use.
Ofgem opens consultation on energy price cap operating cost and debt allowances
Ofgem has opened a consultation on updating the operating cost and debt allowances inside the energy price cap, the first such review since the cap began in 2019.
Ofgem publishes consultation on a debt relief scheme for energy debt accrued during the energy crisis
Ofgem has opened a consultation on a one-off, time limited debt relief scheme for energy debt built up during the energy crisis, with responses due by 6 February 2025.
Rules and RegulationEnergy Bills and the Price CapGrants and Schemes
Dimplex launches EDL200 and EDL270 hot water heat pumps
Dimplex has launched the EDL200 and EDL270 hot water heat pumps, aimed at smaller electrically heated homes and offered as a lower carbon alternative to electric immersion heaters.
SSEN restores 82,151 customers following Storm Darragh
SSEN restored supplies to 82,151 customers in central southern England by 7pm on Sunday 8 December after Storm Darragh, with 4,140 properties still off supply and about 900 expected to run into Monday.
British Gas Energy Trust publishes 2024 Impact Report marking 20 years
The British Gas Energy Trust has published its 2024 Impact Report, covering 2023/24 and 20 years of work on fuel poverty, with £16.3 million in support for more than 64,000 clients.
Zapmap EV buying guide updated for 2024
Zapmap has updated its electric vehicle buying guide for 2024, covering purchase costs, charging access and running costs as battery production costs fall and EV prices come down.
SSEN moves to Yellow Alert in central southern England ahead of Storm Darragh
SSEN moved to Yellow Alert across central southern England on 5 December 2024, forecasting 60mph gusts from Storm Darragh and postponing weekend works to free up response teams.
Consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings regime launched
The government opened a consultation on 4 December 2024 on reforming Energy Performance Certificates, Display Energy Certificates and air conditioning inspection reports in England and Wales.