Powering Homes News: page 39
- December 2024
MCS publishes updated MIS 3005-D heat pump design standard
MCS has published an updated MIS 3005-D heat pump design standard, clarifying hybrid system compliance, defining hybrid and supplementary heat sources, and replacing the 100% heat load rule with a 55% minimum.
New 4G Communication Hubs begin installation
Smart DCC has begun installing 4G Communication Hubs in homes from December 2024, with a full roll-out scheduled for summer 2025 ahead of the 2G and 3G network switch-offs.
BEV market share reaches 31.0% in December 2024
Battery electric vehicles took 31.0% of UK new car registrations in December 2024, the highest monthly share since December 2022, but full year uptake fell short of the mandated target.
Clean Power 2030 Action Plan published with 45-47 GW solar target
The government's Clean Power 2030 Action Plan sets a solar target of 45 to 47 GW by 2030, up from 16.6 GW, as a private member's bill on solar for new homes awaits its second reading.
DESNZ announces Review of Ofgem
The government announced in December 2024 a review of Ofgem's duties, mandate, powers and approach to enforcement, a move the regulator has said could reshape how households in vulnerable situations are protected.
DESNZ publishes call for evidence on review of Ofgem
The government published a call for evidence in December 2024 reviewing Ofgem's role, including a proposal to extend the regulator's remit to enforce consumer law for low-carbon technologies.
Energy UK joins Electrifying our Future as strategic partner
Energy UK has joined the Electrical Contractors' Association's Electrifying our Future campaign as a strategic partner, the trade body announced on 1 December 2024.
Extreme fuel poverty falls to 14.0% in 2024
The Scottish House Condition Survey 2024 reports that 357,000 households, 14.0 per cent of all households in Scotland, were in extreme fuel poverty, a fall of 134,000 from 2023.
StatisticsScotland, Wales and Northern IrelandYour Type of Home
Full year 2024 BEV market share falls short of mandate
Battery electric cars took 19.6% of the UK new car market in 2024, a record share but below the 22% required by the zero emission vehicle mandate, with private demand falling.
Fuller TrustMark audit concludes on solid wall insulation quality
A fuller TrustMark audit into solid wall insulation installed under two government schemes concluded in mid-December 2024, after routine checks found significant work that did not meet the required standard.
UK government launched consultation on the ZEV transition
The government has opened an eight-week consultation on proposals to support the shift to zero emission vehicles, alongside confirming the 2030 end of sales of new purely petrol and diesel cars.
Government proposes minimum EPC C for rental properties by 2030
The UK government has proposed raising the minimum energy efficiency standard for privately rented homes in England and Wales to EPC band C by 2030, with new tenancies required to comply by 2028.
Government published the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan
The government published the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan in December 2024, setting an accelerated timeframe for decarbonising the UK's energy and power sectors.
Government published an updated National Planning Policy Framework
The Government published an updated, growth-focused National Planning Policy Framework in December 2024, part of a wider push to speed up clean power projects and reach net zero.
Government sets out plan for a new era of clean electricity
The government set out plans in December 2024 for a "new era of clean electricity", as official figures show gas demand at its lowest level since the early 1990s.
Heat pump installations hit record 60,000 in 2024
MCS certified contractors passed 5,250 in early 2025, the highest since the scheme began in 2008, after heat pump installations reached a record 60,000 in 2024.
Mean modelled annual running costs fall to £2,640 in 2024
Mean modelled annual running costs for Scottish households fell to £2,640 in 2024, down around 16.3% from £3,150 in 2023, as domestic fuel prices declined.
National Planning Policy Framework reformed
England's National Planning Policy Framework was reformed in December 2024 after a consultation, with the government stating that delivery of net zero infrastructure at the required pace depends on addressing planning system delays.
Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard launched
The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, launched in late 2024, sets operational energy limits and on-site renewable generation targets for all building types, according to the UK Green Building Council.
Ofgem consults on delivery, funding and eligibility options for an energy debt relief scheme
Ofgem has opened a consultation on whether to create an energy debt relief scheme, setting out delivery, audit, funding and eligibility options for support aimed at crisis-era arrears.
Rules and RegulationEnergy Bills and the Price CapGrants and Schemes
Ofgem consults on a one-off Energy Debt Relief Scheme
Ofgem consulted in December 2024 on a one-off Energy Debt Relief Scheme that could support up to 2.3 million customers and write off between £0.5bn and £1bn of crisis-era energy debt.
Rules and RegulationEnergy Bills and the Price CapGrants and Schemes
Ofgem launches energy price cap consultations
Ofgem opened consultations in December 2024 on the energy price cap, including one on supplier operating costs and debt allowances, drawing a response from the British Gas Energy Trust.
Ofgem published its Debt Strategy
Ofgem has set out how it will reset historic crisis debt, raise debt standards and reform debt management, with a Debt Relief Scheme expected to help up to 200,000 households.
Ofgem Review launched with call for evidence
The government has opened the first comprehensive review of Ofgem in its 25-year history, calling for evidence on the regulator's powers, duties and consumer protection role.
Oxford smoke control area expands to cover the entire city
Oxford's smoke control area replaced its existing zones and expanded to cover the whole city from 1 December 2024, following a consultation in which 51.92% of respondents backed the change.
New phase of Warm Home Prescription launched with SGN and Fuel Bank Foundation
Energy Systems Catapult has launched a new phase of its Warm Home Prescription service with SGN and the Fuel Bank Foundation, offering energy credits of up to £245 to eligible households in Scotland and southern England.
REMA autumn update rules out separate renewables market options
The government's December 2024 REMA autumn update ruled out the green power pool and split market options, ending proposals for a separate market for renewables in Great Britain.
Requirements commence for other private tenancies
Alarm requirements under the Smoke, Heat and Carbon Monoxide Alarms for Private Tenancies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 now apply to all private tenancies in Northern Ireland, having commenced for new tenancies on 1 September 2024.
Scottish fuel poverty rate falls to 28.7% in 2024
The Scottish House Condition Survey 2024 estimates 732,000 households, 28.7 per cent of Scotland's total, were in fuel poverty, down from 859,000 and 33.9 per cent in 2023 as heating fuel prices fell.
StatisticsScotland, Wales and Northern IrelandYour Type of Home
So Energy introduces 0% finance option for solar installations
So Energy has introduced a 0% finance option that lets customers spread the cost of a solar installation, the supplier said in a December 2024 article on solar panel costs.