Powering Homes news, page 71
- September 2023
Phase-out of off-gas-grid fossil fuel boilers and new coal heating delayed to 2035
Rishi Sunak's September 2023 net zero speech delayed the phase-out of new oil and LPG boilers and coal heating for off-grid homes from 2026 to 2035, while raising Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants to £7,500.
Prime Minister delivers speech relaxing Net Zero policies
The Prime Minister's September 2023 Net Zero speech delayed fossil fuel car and boiler phase-outs and dropped planned energy efficiency rules for rented homes, prompting the Climate Change Committee to warn the UK is unlikely to meet its 2030 emissions target.
Rishi Sunak announces rollback of key net-zero targets
Rishi Sunak has delayed the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales to 2035, loosened the gas boiler phaseout and dropped energy efficiency rules for rented homes.
Sunak announces delays to core net-zero policies in "new approach" speech
Rishi Sunak has delayed the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars to 2035, pushed the off-gas-grid fossil heating phaseout to 2035 and scrapped rental energy efficiency rules.
Rules and RegulationInsulation and GlazingBoilers and Heating
GBIS and HUG schemes open for applications with new eligibility checker
The Great British Insulation Scheme and Home Upgrade Grant opened for applications on 14 September 2023, with a government eligibility checker directing households to their supplier or council.
Great British Insulation Scheme opens
The government opened its £1 billion Great British Insulation Scheme on 14 September 2023, with an online eligibility checker and a phone line for households in lower council tax bands.
Octopus Energy launches Cosy Octopus smart heating system with Cosy 6 heat pump
Octopus Energy has launched Cosy Octopus, a smart heating system built around its first in-house heat pump, the Cosy 6, with installations due to begin in December.
Separate Home Upgrade Grant checker launched
A separate online checker for the Home Upgrade Grant was launched on 14 September 2023, alongside the Great British Insulation Scheme, for off-gas-grid homes rated EPC D to G.
Which? publishes research on homeowner insulation attitudes and calls for government action
Which? has published research showing few UK homeowners are insulating their homes despite worries about energy bills, and called on the government to improve advice and EPCs.
MCS responds to SEG confusion and sets out its future role
MCS has clarified that regulated Smart Export Guarantee tariffs require an MCS certified installation, while non-regulated export tariffs remain at energy companies' discretion, and has set out planned scheme changes.
Ofgem publishes decision on Involuntary PPM rules
Ofgem has confirmed new licence rules on involuntary prepayment meters, widening the group that must never be given one to households with children under two and those occupied only by adults over 75.
Rules and RegulationEnergy SuppliersEnergy Bills and the Price Cap
Titon launches HRV4 Q Plus MVHR range
Titon has added the HRV4 Q Plus to its mechanical ventilation with heat recovery range, a 600mm wide unit rated at up to 158 l/s airflow and up to 91% heat recovery.
OPSS intervenes with 11 gas hob manufacturers over safety risks
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has secured commitments from 11 gas hob manufacturers, nine of them UK firms, to modify affected models after faulty elbow joints were linked to poisoning, burns, fires and explosions.
Which? and Octopus Energy launch solar panel and heat pump discount offer
Which? members can claim a 5% discount on solar panel or air-source heat pump installations booked through Octopus Energy, under an offer running until 15 December 2023.
Consultation on SAP and RdSAP amendments for ECO schemes closed
The National Insulation Association has published its response to a closed government consultation on changing the energy rating method used for ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme.
GivEnergy moves to standard 12-year warranty on residential products
GivEnergy has replaced its five-year residential warranty, with an optional ten-year extension, with a standard twelve-year warranty on all home batteries, inverters and All in One units from 11 September 2023.
Coalition writes to Energy Secretary seeking ban on forced PPMs
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has written to Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho asking her to legislate against forced prepayment meter installations and to keep Ofgem's current ban in place until at least April 2024.
Cadent issues gas safety warning ahead of winter
Cadent has warned that almost half of households would attempt their own boiler repairs, as its research shows many are skipping annual servicing to cut costs before winter.
Consumer groups warn this winter will be as brutal as the last with no repeat of crisis support
Consumer groups told MPs that more than a million vulnerable households missed energy crisis support last winter, and warned this winter will be as brutal with no repeat of the schemes.
Fuel Bank Foundation head warns MPs of impending winter fuel crisis
The head of the Fuel Bank Foundation told MPs that the UK faces another winter fuel crisis without further targeted government support, as bills remain double pre-crisis levels.
NEA tells MPs over a million vulnerable households missed energy crisis support
National Energy Action told MPs that more than a million vulnerable households missed energy crisis support last winter, with £444 million of earmarked funding left unspent by the energy department.
Grants and SchemesYour Type of HomeEnergy Bills and the Price Cap
Voucher issue and redemption details added
Government guidance for continuous cruisers was updated on 6 September 2023 with details of when £600 energy bill support vouchers would be issued and how they could be redeemed.
2030 petrol and diesel car ban postponed to 2035
Rishi Sunak postponed the ban on new petrol and diesel car sales from 2030 to 2035, removing the five-year extension previously given to hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
AR5 CfD auction fails to attract offshore wind bids
The Climate Change Committee has confirmed that no offshore wind contracts were awarded in the fifth Contracts for Difference auction, after the strike price failed to keep pace with supply chain costs.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme heat pump grant increased to £7,500
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant for heat pumps rose from £5,000 to £7,500 in September 2023, but the scheme's budget was not increased, so it will serve fewer homes.
BSI publishes updated PAS 2035/2030:2023 standards
The British Standards Institution published updated PAS 2035/2030:2023 retrofit standards in September 2023, with the 2019 versions withdrawn at midnight on 30th March 2025.
CES and CESS amend bill formats
Ofgem has closed its investigation into Community Energy Scheme UK and Community Energy Scheme Stoke after the firms completed agreed changes to bills, contracts and exit rights.
Energy Bills and the Price CapRules and RegulationEnergy Suppliers
Commons committee backs social tariff
The House of Commons Energy Security and Net Zero Committee backed a social tariff for specific groups of consumers in September 2023, as part of a long-running campaign for energy tariff reform.
Coventry high-rise fire linked to UPP battery
A Coventry high-rise fire in September 2023 has been linked to a UPP e-bike battery that government withdrew from sale, as safety charity Electrical Safety First continues to find listings online.
UK delays end of sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans
The UK government has pushed back the end of sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2030 to 2035, a change the car industry says has made private buyers slower to switch to electric.