Powering Homes News: page 42
- November 2024
UK announces second NDC of at least 81% emissions reduction by 2035
The Prime Minister announced in November 2024 that the UK's second Nationally Determined Contribution would require an at least 81% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 against 1990 levels.
Another increase in the energy price cap announced
The energy price cap rose again in the latest announcement, with Energy UK and Ember both linking the increase to rising gas costs and setting it against the Government's Warm Homes Plan.
Birmingham City Council publishes version 6.0 of its ECO4 and GBIS Statement of Intent
Birmingham City Council has published version 6.0 of its Statement of Intent for ECO4 and Great British Insulation Scheme flexible eligibility, covering declarations issued from 1 November 2024 until March 2026.
British Gas becomes worst energy provider for customer service
British Gas fell four points to a net customer service satisfaction score of +39, making it the worst energy provider in Which?'s latest survey of household contacts.
Clean Heat Market Mechanism introduced
The Clean Heat Market Mechanism, which obliges heating appliance manufacturers to sell a rising proportion of heat pumps, was introduced by the Government in November 2024 in a form much weakened since 2022.
Consultation on ECO4 and GBIS mid-scheme changes concluded
The government has concluded its November 2024 consultation on mid-scheme changes to ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, confirming rule changes intended to lift delivery before both schemes end in March 2026.
ED3 price control framework consultation published
Ofgem has published a framework consultation for the electricity distribution price control ED3, which will set the rules for network companies from 2028.
England planning rules updated to include heat pumps under permitted development
England's permitted development rules were changed in November 2024 to cover heat pumps, dropping the one metre rule and allowing units that provide cooling as well as heating.
Rules and RegulationHeat PumpsYour Type of HomeCooling and Air Conditioning
Good Energy launches Heat Pump tariff
Good Energy has launched a fixed heat pump tariff with a 10p per kWh off-peak rate, open to all households, according to a battery tariff guide that also records the rate has since risen.
Government commits initial £3.4 billion for Warm Homes Plan
The government committed an initial £3.4 billion for its Warm Homes Plan in November 2024, covering financial years 2025-26 to 2027-28, with up to 300,000 households expected to benefit from upgrades.
Heat Pump Optimizer X launched in the UK with tado° X range
tado° has launched a heating curve optimisation function for its app, letting households adjust heat pump settings through the Heat Pump Optimizer X, which reached the UK in November.
HHIC releases updated condensate pipe guidance ahead of winter
The Heating and Hot Water Industry Council has issued updated guidance on condensate pipes, advising engineers and homeowners to insulate and correctly install them before winter.
Ideal Heating receives first Heat Pump Investment Accelerator award
Ideal Heating has become the first recipient of a Heat Pump Investment Accelerator award, receiving over £5 million as part of a wider government package on home heating and efficiency.
Launch of EV facts initiative by SMMT, Auto Trader and ChargeUK
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Auto Trader and ChargeUK have launched an EV facts initiative to provide a balanced, data-backed view of electric vehicle motoring.
Ofgem opens enforcement investigation into Utilita
Ofgem has opened an enforcement investigation into Utilita's compliance with the rules governing the installation and use of prepayment meters for domestic customers, it disclosed in November 2024.
Residential firmware bundle 4.22.39 released
SolarEdge has published residential firmware bundle 4.22.39 for its UK home inverters, adding per-phase imbalance reporting, G100 monitoring features and country table updates.
Scottish Government announced £41 million additional energy cost support
The Scottish Government put £41 million into winter 2024/2025 energy cost support, split between the Scottish Welfare Fund and Warmer Homes Scotland.
Grants and SchemesYour Type of HomeScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Scottish Power customer service satisfaction improves by eighteen points
Scottish Power's overall customer service satisfaction rose eighteen points to +56 in Which? research published in February 2025, bringing the supplier to around the sector average.
SMMT warns industry likely to fall short of 22% ZEV target
The SMMT said in November 2024 that electric cars made up 18.7% of sales and the industry was likely to miss the 22% zero emission vehicle target, at a possible £1.8bn compliance cost.
Social tariff working group established
The Scottish Government set up a social tariff working group in November 2024 to co-design a deliverable policy with suppliers and third sector organisations, and sent its recommendations to the UK Government in March 2025.
tado° and Panasonic announced a strategic partnership and smart heat pump bundle
tado° and Panasonic have launched two smart features for AQUAREA heat pumps, one available now and one from November 2025, building on a partnership first announced in 2024.
Updated technical handbooks published
Updated Scottish technical handbooks applying from 1 January 2025 were published in November 2024, amending the New Build Heat Standard and gigabit broadband provision for new homes.
- October 2024
Autumn Budget 2024 published
The Autumn Budget 2024 raises the Energy Profits Levy to 38 per cent, freezes fuel duty for a year and extends the Household Support Fund, with £100 billion of extra capital investment over five years.
Autumn Budget commits £3.4bn to energy efficiency of low-income homes
The Autumn Budget has committed £3.4 billion over three years to improve the energy efficiency of low-income homes, with £1.8 billion directed to fuel poverty schemes.
Chancellor delivers Labour's first budget since 2009 with climate and energy measures
Rachel Reeves has delivered Labour's first budget since 2009, freezing fuel duty again while raising the windfall tax on oil and gas profits and funding electric vehicle charging and clean energy projects.
Electric Heating Company partners with Mixergy to offer Mixergy X smart hot water cylinder
The Electric Heating Company will sell the Mixergy X smart hot water cylinder through its own website under a partnership announced by cylinder maker Mixergy on 30 October 2024.
Household Support Fund extension announced
The Chancellor announced funding on 30 October 2024 to extend the Household Support Fund for a further year, with £742 million going to local authorities in England from April 2025.
NEA responds to Autumn Budget 2024 warning on energy bills and debt
National Energy Action said the Autumn Budget will not reduce the effect of unaffordable energy bills or record energy debt this winter, warning of likely bill rises in January.
British Gas Energy Trust and Post Office launch winter pop-up events
The British Gas Energy Trust and the Post Office are running free drop-in pop-up events at post offices in seven UK cities this winter, offering budget planning, energy debt advice and grant access help.
Government blog responds to reports solar may be optional under Future Homes Standard
The government has said it wants solar panels on as many new homes as possible, after reports that the Future Homes Standard may make them optional for housebuilders.