Powering Homes news, page 64
- December 2023
Written Ministerial Statement WMS23 published
A written ministerial statement published on 13 December 2023 has left local planning authorities unclear on whether they can set sustainability standards for new homes above national regulations.
CREDS article reports fall in gas central heating use during winter 2022/23 cost-of-living crisis
A CREDS blog reports that gas central heating fell as the main heating method from 78% of households in winter 2021 to 57% in winter 2022, with households turning to warm clothes, blankets and hot drinks.
Viessmann adds 35 kW model to Vitodens 050-W combi range
Viessmann has added a 35 kW model to its Vitodens 050-W combi boiler range, extending domestic hot water output to 35 kW and heating output to 32 kW.
Additional £1.5 billion announced for Boiler Upgrade Scheme until 2028
An extra £1.5 billion has been allocated to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme until 2028, funding around 200,000 further vouchers for homeowners in England and Wales.
Government confirms VAT relief expansion for battery storage, water-source heat pumps and diverters
The government has confirmed that electrical battery storage, water-source heat pumps and diverters will qualify for zero-rate VAT relief on installation from 1 February 2024 across the United Kingdom.
Outcome published: VAT energy saving materials relief to be expanded
HMRC has published the outcome of its call for evidence on VAT relief for energy saving materials, confirming an expanded zero rate from 1 February 2024 and a list of newly qualifying technologies.
Summary of responses to VAT energy-saving materials Call for Evidence published
The government published its summary of responses to the Call for Evidence on VAT relief for energy-saving materials on 11 December 2023, drawing 125 responses and setting out reforms that took effect on 1 February 2024.
ECIU publishes analysis of impact of scrapping MEES on renters in marginal seats
ECIU analysis says scrapping planned Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards could leave around 2.8m privately rented homes without improvements, with renters in marginal seats facing £40m a year in extra bills.
Scottish Government publishes easy read consultation on Heat in Buildings Bill
The Scottish Government has published an easy read version of its Heat in Buildings Bill consultation, setting out proposed dates for ending polluting heating and for minimum energy efficiency standards.
Sunsynk Mobile launches Lifelynk Series in the UK
Sunsynk Mobile has launched the Lifelynk Series, an all-in-one plug and play solar battery storage system in three sizes, which the maker calls its most affordable UK offering.
Aereco launches new MVHR range
Aereco has added a new mechanical ventilation with heat recovery range to its UK product line, announced on its homepage alongside its existing demand controlled ventilation systems.
Around 29 million smart meters fitted in UK homes
A consumer guide reports that around 29 million smart meters had been fitted to UK homes by the end of 2023, about 54 per cent of all homes.
Deadline for suppliers to enrol or replace first-generation smart meters
Energy suppliers must enrol first-generation smart meters onto the national communications network, or replace them with second-generation meters, by the end of 2023.
Future Homes and Buildings Standards consultation published
The government has published its response to the 2023 Future Homes and Buildings Standards consultation, confirming new energy efficiency rules for new homes in England from March 2027.
UK Government increased BUS grant funding level
The UK Government raised the level of grant funding available through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in December 2023, taking the heat pump grant to £7,500.
Hydrogen levy changed to apply to gas shippers rather than energy suppliers
The planned hydrogen levy on household gas bills has been moved onto gas shippers rather than energy suppliers, after the original proposal drew a backlash, according to a Nesta report on energy levies.
Legislation changes give powers to fine excessive smoke from wood burners
A West Yorkshire homeowner has been fined £175 for excessive smoke from a wood-burning stove, the first fixed penalty issued under powers introduced in December 2023.
Mitsubishi Electric launches Ecodan R290 heat pump at COP28
Mitsubishi Electric launched the Ecodan R290 heat pump, built in Livingston, Scotland, as COP28 delegates gathered, using a refrigerant with a global warming potential of three.
Octopus acquired Shell Energy
Octopus Energy completed its acquisition of Shell Energy's UK household supply business on 1 December 2023, ending Shell's presence in the domestic market and shifting its customers to Octopus.
Octopus Electroverse launches Plunge Pricing
Octopus Electroverse launched Plunge Pricing at the end of 2023, cutting public charging prices during periods of high energy supply, with discounts that vary by event and operator.
Octopus Energy completes takeover of Shell Energy Retail
Ofgem has published supplier level satisfaction findings showing Octopus Energy at 84 per cent overall satisfaction, with Shell Energy Retail recorded separately because the survey predates its takeover.
Octopus overtakes British Gas as largest electricity supplier
Octopus Energy became the UK's largest electricity supplier in late 2023, overtaking British Gas after completing its purchase of Shell Energy's household customers.
Ofgem consulted on a wholesale cost adjustment to the price cap and technical changes to the Annex 2 model
Ofgem has set out minded-to positions on whether to adjust the energy price cap for wholesale costs incurred between October 2022 and September 2023, alongside proposed technical changes to its Annex 2 model.
Ofgem consumer service standards reforms took effect
Ofgem's consumer service standards reforms took effect in December 2023, one of six Tariff Watch recommendations campaigners say have been implemented while nine others remain unaddressed.
Petitions with over 800,000 signatures handed to the Prime Minister on energy bills and cold homes
Petitions carrying more than 800,000 signatures have been handed to the Prime Minister, as new figures show 8.3 million UK adults living in cold damp homes this winter.
Energy Bills and the Price CapRules and RegulationYour Type of Home
UK public EV charging network grew 45% year on year
The UK had 53,906 public EV charging stations across 31,056 locations as of December 2023, a 45% rise on December 2022, according to figures published by an installer.
Release 1 of the Open Balancing Platform went live
The first release of the Open Balancing Platform went live in December 2023, part of the Electricity System Operator's work to cut the cost of balancing the grid.
Revised National Planning Policy Framework published with new energy efficiency policy
A revised National Planning Policy Framework published in December 2023 tells local planning authorities to give significant weight to supporting energy efficiency and low carbon heating improvements to existing buildings.
ScottishPower launches in-app advanced credit requests for smart PPMs
ScottishPower introduced a feature in December 2023 letting customers request advanced credit for smart prepayment meters through its app, an example of supplier good practice cited by Energy UK.
UKGBC responds to Future Homes and Buildings Standard consultation urging higher standards
UKGBC and its members have responded to the government's Future Homes and Buildings Standard consultation, arguing its options are not genuinely future and proposing a higher standard.