Powering Homes news, page 44
- November 2024
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.
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.