Powering Homes News: page 43
- October 2024
IM 026 changed to a substantial innovation measure
Ofgem has approved the standard uplift innovation measure IM 026 as a substantial innovation measure under ECO4, following an application assessed through the TAP process.
MCS published an update on solar PV module fire classifications
MCS has set out how a change to a European standard in September 2023 stopped fire test laboratories issuing fire classifications for solar PV modules, blocking roof-integrated products from Building Regulations compliance and MCS certification.
NEA announces delivery of Warm Homes, Healthy Futures with the four gas distribution networks
National Energy Action has announced delivery of Warm Homes, Healthy Futures, a £12.2 million programme with the four gas distribution networks, intended to reach around 30,000 vulnerable people.
Solis expands smart charge and discharge functionality to 14 European countries
Ginlong (Solis) Technologies has extended smart battery charge and discharge control, using day-ahead electricity prices, to customers in 14 European countries including the United Kingdom.
Version 3 Statement of Intent withdrawn
The City of Edinburgh Council has withdrawn the 2023 Statement of Intent for ECO4 flexible eligibility Version 3, the document that set out which households the council could declare eligible for ECO4 Flex.
SSEN moves to Weather Warning status ahead of Storm Ashley
SSEN has moved to Weather Warning status across the north of Scotland ahead of Storm Ashley, with gusts of up to 70mph forecast for Sunday 20 and Monday 21 October 2024.
Green Homes Wales pilot scheme launched by Welsh Government with Development Bank of Wales
The Welsh Government has launched the Green Homes Wales pilot with the Development Bank of Wales, offering homeowners interest-free loans and funded retrofit advice for energy-saving work.
New Homes (Solar Generation) Bill receives first reading
A private member's bill requiring solar panels on new homes in England from October 2026 has had its first reading in the Commons, with a second reading set for 17 January 2025.
Kaluza powers Battery Boost for OVO solar customers with GivEnergy batteries
Kaluza has announced that its software platform powers Battery Boost, a plan that charges GivEnergy home batteries at 10p per kWh for OVO solar customers and is said to save them £120 a year.
Fourth round of winter Post Office Pop-Ups launches
The British Gas Energy Trust has opened a fourth winter round of money and energy advice Pop-Ups in Post Offices across Britain, running two days a week until March 2025.
NIBE launches 'Take the Step' heat pump consumer education campaign
NIBE Energy Systems has launched a consumer education campaign called Take the Step, aimed at addressing common heat pump concerns in the UK and generating leads for its certified installers.
425 hosts signed up to Visit a Heat Pump six months after launch
Nesta reports that 425 people had signed up to host visits to their heat pumps six months after the Visit a Heat Pump platform launched nationwide on 11 April 2024.
KGCP Group Limited ceased active trading
The Energy Ombudsman records KGCP Group Limited, an energy broker, as inactive from 14 October 2024, and cannot review disputes about it because it was not signed up to the scheme.
Scottish Government publishes Heat in Buildings progress report 2024
The Scottish Government has published its 2024 Heat in Buildings progress report, showing over £210 million of delivery scheme funding in 2023-24 and rising heat pump installations.
Citizens Advice publishes Wales energy affordability research as price cap increases
Citizens Advice published research on 9 October 2024 showing households in Wales still need greater protection from high energy prices as the price cap rose, with thousands worried about falling behind on bills.
EDF and Pod Point launch EV charger and tariff bundle
EDF and Pod Point have launched a combined home charger and EV tariff bundle that cuts the upfront charger payment to £499 and spreads the rest over two years.
Consultation on Support for Low Carbon Heating in Residential Buildings published
Northern Ireland's Economy Minister has published the response to a consultation on support for low carbon heating in homes, setting out findings that will shape a future support scheme.
Grant Mag One DUO magnetic filter launched
Grant UK has launched the Mag One DUO magnetic filter for central heating systems, superseding the Vortex Mag One and compatible with both oil-fired boilers and air source heat pumps.
Welsh Ministers approve amendments to Approved Document J on carbon monoxide alarms
The Welsh Ministers have approved amendments to Approved Document J, extending carbon monoxide alarm guidance to new or replacement fixed flued combustion appliances of any fuel type in Welsh dwellings from 6 January 2025.
Rules and RegulationBoilers and HeatingScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Secretary of State authorises Ofgem to over-allocate Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant vouchers
The Energy Secretary has authorised Ofgem to over-allocate Boiler Upgrade Scheme vouchers by up to £50 million, lifting the scheme's available total to £200 million for the financial year.
GetAHeatPump.org.uk guidance website launched
Nesta and the MCS Foundation have launched GetAHeatPump.org.uk, a non-commercial guidance site for householders, supported by Which UK? and the Energy Saving Trust.
2024 Flexi Product variable charges change at 1 October 2024
ScottishPower has published revised Flexi Product component rates taking effect from 1 October 2024, with balancing services costs rising and capacity market and smart meter costs falling.
Autumn Budget 2024 increases Energy Security and Net Zero departmental spending
The Autumn Budget raises planned spending for the Energy Security and Net Zero department from £6.4 billion in 2023-24 to £9.0 billion in 2024-25 and £10.3 billion in 2025-26.
Budget allocates £3.4 billion to the Warm Homes Plan
The government allocated £3.4 billion to the Warm Homes Plan in the Autumn Budget, including £1.8 billion for fuel poverty schemes, alongside tax incentives for electric vehicles.
Budget confirms £3.4 billion Warm Homes Plan downpayment but no new energy bill support
The first Budget of the new Government confirmed £3.4 billion for the Warm Homes Plan but offered no new support for households with energy bills this winter.
New crisis route introduced for households without heating or hot water
The Welsh Government has added a crisis route to the Warm Homes Nest scheme, giving one-off emergency repairs to households with no heating or hot water who meet the scheme's eligibility rules.
DEEP research finds solid wall insulation can cut energy bills by up to 30 per cent
Research led by Leeds Beckett University has found that insulating the UK's eight million solid walled homes could cut energy bills by up to 30 per cent, with solid wall insulation the single most effective measure studied.
ECIU analysis finds EPC F homes pay £385 more than EPC C homes this winter
ECIU analysis published on 1 October 2024 estimates that homes rated EPC F will pay around £385 more for dual fuel this winter than homes rated EPC C.
Energy price cap set at £1,717 for typical annual consumption
Ofgem's quarterly price cap for October to December 2024 is set at £1,717 a year for a typical dual fuel household, 10 per cent above the previous level and 38 per cent above winter 2021-22.
EO Charging ceases replacement units for Genius 1 and Hub 1
EO Charging has stopped supplying replacement units for its Genius 1 and Hub 1 chargers, with app payment services and its Cloud 1 platform to follow in January 2025.