Powering Homes news, page 41
- December 2024
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.
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.