Powering Homes News: page 76
- June 2023
Warmer Homes Scotland contract due to expire
Scottish Government screening assessment confirms the Warmer Homes Scotland contract expires on 30 June 2023, with a successor national scheme due to start three days later on 3 July 2023.
Grants and SchemesYour Type of HomeScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Warranty periods apply to products installed on or after 1 June 2023
Sigenergy has published a factory limited warranty for its SigenStor home battery and inverter range, with ten-year product cover for most units installed on or after 1 June 2023.
- May 2023
EBSS alternative funding scheme closes to new applications
The Energy Bills Support Scheme alternative funding route, which paid £600 to households in Northern Ireland without a direct electricity supplier relationship, closed to new applications on 31 May 2023.
NEA publishes response to Ofgem consultation on consumer standards framework
National Energy Action has published its response to Ofgem's consultation on a framework for consumer standards, calling for more prescriptive regulation of energy supplier customer service.
Great British Insulation Scheme scores matrix published
Ofgem published the first Great British Insulation Scheme scores matrix on 30 May 2023, setting out the scores energy companies receive for measures installed under the scheme.
Prepayment meter regional rates for July to September 2023 added
The government has added Energy Price Guarantee regional unit rates for prepayment meters covering July to September 2023 to its published rates page.
National Home Decarbonisation Group formed by NIA
The National Insulation Association has formed the National Home Decarbonisation Group, a new membership body for large-scale residential retrofit with 17 founding members and Gemserv as its secretariat.
Next quarterly price cap update due 25 May 2023
Ofgem has confirmed that its next quarterly update to the energy price cap will be published on 25 May 2023, setting the level that applies from 1 July.
Ofgem sets July to September price cap at £2,074
Ofgem has set the default tariff price cap for 1 July to 30 September 2023 at £2,074 a year for a typical dual fuel direct debit household, down from £3,280.
SMMT reports quadrupling of BEV model choice and 25.6% rise in BEV registrations
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reports that battery electric car model choice has quadrupled in five years and that new BEV registrations rose 25.6 per cent year on year.
Teneo reports estimated Octopus repayment of £2.8 billion
Teneo, the special administrator for Bulb Energy, reported on 25 May 2023 that Octopus Energy is estimated to owe the government £2.8 billion after buying the failed supplier.
Coalition submits joint written evidence to Energy Bill Public Bill Committee
The Warm This Winter coalition has told the Energy Bill Public Bill Committee that the Bill should be amended to cut bills and speed up net zero, in written evidence published on 24 May 2023.
Over 80 per cent of Energy Bill Support Scheme prepayment vouchers redeemed
Which? says over 80 per cent of Energy Bill Support Scheme vouchers for traditional prepayment meter customers have been redeemed, and calls for the remaining households to be reached before 30 June 2023.
Which? urges households to get lost or expired EBSS vouchers reissued before 30 June 2023 deadline
Which? has said lost, missing or expired Energy Bill Support Scheme vouchers for traditional prepayment meter customers can still be reissued and redeemed until 30 June 2023.
Panasonic launches Aquarea K Generation All in One heat pumps in T-CAP and High Performance variants
Panasonic has brought the All in One units of its Aquarea K Generation heat pump range to market in T-CAP and High Performance variants, with a seasonal efficiency figure of up to 5.12.
E.ON-led consortium awarded Green Home Finance Accelerator funding
DESNZ has awarded Green Home Finance Accelerator funding to an E.ON-led consortium with Energy Systems Catapult and Heatio to pilot Heat as a Service and Energy as a Service products.
Coalition first warns of return of PPMs scandal
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has written to Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho warning that the prepayment meter scandal could return, and asking for forced installations to be banned outright.
Rinnai UK launches free heating and hot water system design service
Rinnai UK has launched a free service that designs heating and hot water systems around a property's specific requirements, contactable by email or telephone.
BEAMA launches Future Homes Standard Phase 1 Impact Report
BEAMA has published the first phase of a two-part report on how new homes will meet the Future Homes Standard, setting out technology options and the enablers needed before 2025.
NEA responds to Ofgem call for input on debt-related costs allowance in price cap
National Energy Action has published its response to Ofgem's call for input on the allowance for debt-related costs within the energy price cap, addressing over-allocation, cost levelisation and consumer outcomes.
NIA responds to PAS 2030/2035 draft for public comment
The National Insulation Association has backed the draft revisions to the PAS 2035 and PAS 2030 retrofit standards but told the consultation that industry needs a reasonable transition period before they take effect.
ECIU analysis finds UK homes heavily dependent on foreign gas under Government plans
ECIU analysis says current Government policies could leave UK homes sending £500 a year to overseas gas producers by 2035, with import dependency rising to 85%.
Citizens Advice responds to Ofgem consultation on Severe Weather Compensation amendments
Citizens Advice has backed Ofgem's proposed changes to severe weather compensation rules for power cuts, but says the draft should go further on who is protected and how payments are made.
External Wall Insulation innovation measure approved
Ofgem has approved an external wall insulation innovation measure under ECO4, with the InstaClad Robust EWI system approved under that measure on the same date.
Government responds to petition on unmetered tariff for elderly and disabled
The Government told petitioners on 11 May 2023 that it intends to consult on options for consumer energy protection in summer 2023, for measures applying from April 2024.
Netatmo launches the Smart AC Controller
Netatmo has released a Smart AC Controller that adds app, voice and schedule control to air conditioners and air-to-air heat pumps fitted with an infrared remote, priced at 119.99 euros.
Ofgem opens consultation on administration of Great British Insulation Scheme and ECO4 amendments
Ofgem opened a five-week consultation on 11 May 2023 on how it would administer the Great British Insulation Scheme and amendments to ECO4, closing on 16 June 2023.
Rules and RegulationGrants and SchemesInsulation and Glazing
MCS expanded the scope of the Solar Mounting Product Standard
MCS widened its Solar Mounting Product Standard in May 2023 to cover flat roof mounting systems, and has since extended the interim compliance route installers use while certification catches up.
Solis launches S6 Advanced Power Hybrid Inverter
Solis has announced the launch of the S6 Advanced Power Hybrid Inverter, a unit with generator connectivity, automatic UPS switching and support for both lead-acid and lithium batteries.
Energy Bill second reading in House of Commons
The Energy Bill reaches its second reading in the House of Commons on 9 May, with campaigners pressing MPs to add powers banning the forced transfer of households onto prepayment meters.