Powering Homes News: page 41
- November 2024
EAS writes to the First Minister urging reinstatement of the Fuel Insecurity Fund
Energy Action Scotland has written to the First Minister asking him to restore the Fuel Insecurity Fund, worth £30 million last year, in next month's Scottish budget.
Nesta and CNZ trial finds remote control of heat pumps cuts peak electricity use
A Nesta and Centre for Net Zero trial found that remotely controlling heat pumps during peak periods cut heat pump electricity use by 74% and household electricity use by 32%, with most participants satisfied.
Renault 5 E-Tech 100% electric priced from £22,995 OTR ahead of January 2025 order opening
Renault UK has announced that the Renault 5 E-Tech 100% electric will start at £22,995 on the road, with orders opening in January 2025 and first UK deliveries in Spring 2025.
Dyness launches Powerbox G2 residential energy storage system
Dyness has announced the Powerbox G2, a low-voltage home battery with a built-in active fire protection device and a 30 per cent reduction in volume against its flagship residential unit.
NGN launches free CO alarm giveaway for CO Awareness Week
Northern Gas Networks is giving away up to 2,000 free carbon monoxide alarms from 18 November 2024 until 28 February 2025, after its research found only 37 per cent of people in its regions have a working alarm.
Where Our Energy Comes FromBoilers and HeatingGrants and Schemes
UKHSA issues first yellow cold weather alert of the year for five English regions
The UK Health Security Agency has issued its first yellow cold weather alert of the season for five English regions, running until 21 November, as National Energy Action warns of fuel poverty risks.
Welsh Government announces additional £700,000 for Fuel Bank Foundation schemes
The Welsh Government has added £700,000 to Fuel Bank Foundation fuel voucher and Heat Fund schemes, bringing support for 2024/25 to £1.2m for households that pre-pay for energy.
Grants and SchemesEnergy Bills and the Price CapScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
AECB publishes Passive House resource for the UK
The AECB has published a downloadable PDF titled "Passive House low energy low carbon buildings arrive in the UK!", dated 14 November 2024, alongside two further low energy building resources.
DESNZ publishes ECO4 and GBIS mid-scheme changes consultation
DESNZ has opened a consultation on mid-scheme changes to ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, covering installation standards, guarantees and a proposed Pay-For-Performance mechanism.
ECO4A insulation measures per property rules applied retrospectively
Amendments to the Energy Company Obligation orders limit insulation measures per property and apply retrospectively to installations completed on or after 14th November 2024, under an order made on 31st July 2025.
Grants and SchemesInsulation and GlazingRules and Regulation
EDF and Ideal Heating launch £1,000 heat pump discount offer
EDF and Ideal Heating are offering £1,000 off Ideal air source heat pump systems to the first 100 eligible customers who sign up before 24 November 2024, with installed systems from £3,500 after the Boiler Upgrade Grant.
Legislation to allow combined loft and cavity wall insulation and smart thermostats in GBIS from consultation publication date
The government has confirmed it will legislate to let Great British Insulation Scheme projects install two insulation measures together and fit smart thermostats in low-income homes, backdated to 14 November 2024.
Rules and RegulationGrants and SchemesInsulation and Glazing
Solid floor and underfloor insulation became installable together under GBIS
Ofgem has confirmed that solid floor insulation and underfloor insulation can be installed together in the same Great British Insulation Scheme retrofit, under rules it says apply from 14 November 2024.
Cornwall Council adopts Housing Decarbonisation Strategy
Cornwall Council adopted its Housing Decarbonisation Strategy on 13 November 2024, setting out how it will cut emissions from homes that account for a fifth of the county's total.
Kaluza powers smart charging plan within Volvo Cars app in world first
Volvo electric vehicle drivers can now enrol in OVO's Charge Anytime smart charging plan from inside the Volvo Cars app, at 7p/kWh with 2,700 miles of free charging for enrolling.
Nesta marks six months of Visit a Heat Pump service with over 600 visits booked
Nesta reports more than 600 bookings in the first six months of its Visit a Heat Pump service and opens the platform to installers to list their own installations.
Sunsynk launches W-Series batteries for cold climates
Sunsynk has introduced W-Series home batteries rated IP65 and able to charge at minus 10°C and discharge at minus 20°C, aimed at households in cold climates.
AECB publishes Radical Retrofit resource
The AECB has added a resource titled Radical Retrofit to its Knowledgebase, dated 12 November 2024, with the listing recording 3,133 downloads and no published description of its contents.
AECB warns Government that Renewable Heat Incentive proposals could encourage emissions
The AECB has warned that the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive is so badly designed it can pay people to install systems that burn more fossil fuel and emit more carbon dioxide.
Sunsynk announces the ALL-In One XLS all-in-one hybrid inverter and battery
Sunsynk has announced the ALL-In One XLS, a 6 kW hybrid inverter with a built-in 5.3 kWh lithium phosphate battery, twin MPPT, parallel capability and both AC and DC coupling.
Addendum to BRIA for amended New Build Heat Standard published
The Scottish Government has published an addendum to its impact assessment for an amended New Build Heat Standard, permitting bioenergy and peat heating systems in new buildings from 1 January 2025.
Rules and RegulationScotland, Wales and Northern IrelandBoilers and Heating
BEAMA publishes position paper urging EPC reform to include indoor air quality
BEAMA has published a position paper calling on Government to widen the Energy Performance Certificate remit so that it assesses the indoor air quality of homes, not only their energy efficiency.
Citizens Advice responds to Ofgem's Consumer Vulnerability Strategy Refresh
Citizens Advice has welcomed Ofgem's refreshed Consumer Vulnerability Strategy but pressed for stronger action on energy debt, back billing, the priority services register and standing charges.
Rules and RegulationEnergy SuppliersEnergy Bills and the Price Cap
Solis launches 8-15kW low-voltage three-phase hybrid inverter
Solis has launched the S6-EH3P(8-15)K02-NV-YD-L, a low-voltage three-phase hybrid inverter for homes and small commercial sites, quoting charge and discharge efficiencies above 94 per cent.
Which? calls on government to tackle cost and other barriers to heat pump and EV switching
Which? has called on the government to remove cost, awareness and infrastructure barriers to heat pumps and electric vehicles, after its annual tracker found most homeowners consider heat pumps too expensive.
Which? survey finds smart meter fix waits exceed seven weeks on average
Which? research published on 7 November 2024 found energy customers wait more than seven weeks on average for a smart meter or monitor fault to be fixed, and nearly 14 weeks where the problem remains unresolved.
Consultation on Consumer Vulnerability Strategy closes
Ofgem's consultation on a refreshed Consumer Vulnerability Strategy closed on 5 November 2024, drawing 67 responses ahead of a final decision published in April 2025.
NEA responds to consultation on refreshing Ofgem's Consumer Vulnerability Strategy
National Energy Action has published its response to Ofgem's consultation on refreshing the Consumer Vulnerability Strategy, arguing the update must change how suppliers, networks and the regulator identify and treat vulnerable consumers.
Aira unveils the Aira Indoor Unit Compact heat pump indoor unit
Aira has announced the Aira Indoor Unit Compact, a slim heat pump indoor unit measuring W40 x D25 x H72 cm, paired with a separate hot water cylinder of 150L to 300L.
British Gas Energy Trust reopens Energy Support Fund for winter applications
The British Gas Energy Trust has reopened its Energy Support Fund for winter, offering grants of up to £2,000 to British Gas customers in England, Scotland and Wales who are behind on their bills.