Powering Homes news, page 48
- September 2024
Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund collection withdrawn
The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund collection was withdrawn on 23 September 2024 and replaced by the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, closing a grant route that had allocated more than £1 billion to social homes in England.
Warm Homes: Local Grant guidance first published
The government first published guidance for local authorities on the Warm Homes: Local Grant on 23 September 2024, setting out how £500 million will fund energy upgrades to low-income homes in England.
Which? reports smart meter customer service falling short
Which? has reported that around 10% of smart meters in homes in England, Scotland and Wales are not working as they should, and that customers reporting faults often face substandard supplier service.
Consumer Scotland responds to Ofgem standing charges options paper
Consumer Scotland has told Ofgem that shifting suppliers' fixed costs from standing charges to unit rates would penalise households with high essential energy use, including those in Scotland.
Citizens Advice publishes report on targeted bill support across essential markets
Citizens Advice has published a report finding that targeted bill support across energy, water, broadband and motor insurance is failing low-income households, and setting out short-term actions for government.
ECO4, ECO Flex and GBIS closed pending Warm Homes Plan announcement
Act on Energy has reported that ECO4, ECO Flex and the Great British Insulation Scheme are closed, with all three waiting on the next UK Government announcement of the Warm Homes Plan.
equiwatt adds Zaptec EV charger integration with 250 bonus points reward
equiwatt has added Zaptec home EV chargers to its app, offering owners 250 bonus points and automatic pausing of charging during flexibility events.
Ofgem opens call for evidence on ECO4 and GBIS evidencing routes
Ofgem has opened a call for input on how eligibility is evidenced under ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, covering data-matching and benefit letter routes.
Winter Fuel Payment qualifying period closes amid Pension Credit processing delays
The Winter Fuel Payment qualifying period closes on 16 September 2024, while the Pension Credit helpline warns that new claims may take nine weeks to process.
Grant UK announces fifth generation Aerona 290 heat pump
Grant UK has announced the Aerona 290, its fifth generation air source heat pump, using R290 refrigerant and open for orders from October 2024, with larger outputs following in early 2025.
EDF launches bi-directional EV charging trial for solar customers
EDF has begun a trial using Indra Renewables bi-directional chargers so that customers with solar panels can power their homes from electric vehicle batteries and sell surplus power to the grid.
Dimplex launches Alta Wi-Fi panel heater range
Dimplex has launched the Alta Wi-Fi panel heater, a slimline wall mounted electric heater that replaces its Monterey, Girona and Saletto ranges, with app control and two height options.
Ofgem consults on refreshing the Consumer Vulnerability Strategy and launches Consumer Confidence programme
Ofgem consulted on refreshing its Consumer Vulnerability Strategy in September 2024 and set out a Consumer Confidence programme to raise customer service standards across the energy market.
Panasonic Aquarea M Series heat pumps with R290 available now
Panasonic has put its Aquarea M Series air-to-water heat pumps, using the natural refrigerant R290, on sale in 9, 12 and 16 kW sizes in single or three phase.
SSEN publishes SDP methodology consultation and opens Fawley Grid Supply Point consultation
SSEN Distribution has opened a consultation on how it will draw up its Strategic Development Plans, alongside a second area-specific consultation covering the Fawley Grid Supply Point.
Charities report rising energy debt levels in Scotland
Charities funded by the British Gas Energy Trust report rising energy debt in Scotland, with Citizens Advice clients averaging £2,300 in arrears and rural cases reaching £3,000.
EDF launches cheapest energy-only fixed tariffs among major suppliers
EDF has launched a one-year fixed tariff at £1,649 and a two-year fixed tariff at £1,669, both below October 2024's £1,717 price cap, alongside a one-year tariff tracking £50 below the cap.
Product Regulation and Metrology Bill published
The Government published the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill on 5 September 2024, with a safety charity welcoming its scope on online marketplace goods and e-bike battery risks.
Scottish Government delays Pension Age Winter Heating Payment to next year
The Scottish Government has delayed its new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment until next year, following the UK Government's decision to narrow eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment.
Neat Heat trial findings published showing heat batteries shift heating demand off-peak
UK Power Networks, OVO and tepeo published findings from the 18-month Neat Heat trial, reporting that heat batteries in 30 homes moved up to 95% of heating demand outside peak hours.
tado° launches PV forecasting for heat pumps and EVs
tado° has launched solar forecasting for its heat pump and EV charging services, scheduling both around predicted next-day generation from a home's own panels.
tado° X range comes to the UK with Daikin and Panasonic heat pump compatibility
tado° has said its X range of smart thermostats, radiator thermostats and heat pump controls will go on sale in the UK in November, with Daikin and Panasonic heat pump compatibility.
Cadent publishes consumer insights ahead of RIIO-GD3 Business Plan submission
Cadent has published consumer research gathered over 24 months, saying the findings will shape the RIIO-GD3 Business Plan it will submit to Ofgem later in 2024.
Household Support Fund extension announced
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has announced an extra £500 million to extend the Household Support Fund in England to 31 March 2025, with £421 million going to local authorities.
Individuals and Families Fund reopens with grants up to £1,700
The British Gas Energy Trust has reopened its Individuals and Families Fund, offering energy debt grants of up to £1,700 to British Gas and non-British Gas customers with credit or pre-payment meter arrears.
Winter Fuel Payment eligibility criteria set to change
Winter Fuel Payment eligibility is being narrowed so that only pensioners receiving certain means-tested benefits qualify, with fuel poverty charity National Energy Action warning that many low-income and vulnerable pensioners in Wales will lose the £200 to £300 annual payment.
Analysis estimates NHS cost of winter fuel payment cut
Analysis from the End Fuel Poverty Coalition estimates that pensioners pushed into cold damp homes by the winter fuel payment cut could cost the NHS more than £169m a year.
BEAMA and Green Finance Institute publish updated EV infrastructure guide
BEAMA and the Green Finance Institute have published a third edition of the Guide to Electric Vehicle Infrastructure, updating the 2015 original and adding material aimed at investors.
BSI PAS 63100:2024 released for battery storage fire safety in dwellings
The Electrical Contractors' Association has reported the release of BSI PAS 63100:2024, a fast track specification setting good practice for fire protection of battery energy storage systems in dwellings.
Chancellor refuses to reverse Winter Fuel Payments cut
Rachel Reeves has refused to reverse cuts to Winter Fuel Payments, as the Energy Secretary announced plans to force landlords to meet stricter energy efficiency standards for rented homes.