Powering Homes news, page 78
- June 2023
Fuse Energy launches as first new supplier after the energy crisis
Fuse Energy launched in 2023 as the first new supplier to enter the UK market after the energy crisis, founded by former Revolut executives and now rated in Which? rankings for the first time.
Government confirms two eligibility groups for the Great British Insulation Scheme
The government has confirmed that the Great British Insulation Scheme will target two eligibility groups, with Council Tax band limits set per nation and an EPC of D or below for the general group.
Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan opened
The Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan opened in June 2023, offering homeowners up to £7,500 in grant funding plus an optional interest-free loan of the same amount.
Home Energy Scotland withdraws stand-alone solar loans without warning
Home Energy Scotland withdrew stand-alone loans for solar energy systems on homes in summer 2023 without warning, and stopped loans for solar panels and batteries altogether a year later.
Grants and SchemesScotland, Wales and Northern IrelandRules and Regulation
Keston launches Combi 2 and System 2 twin flue boiler range
Keston has launched the Combi 2 and System 2 twin flue boiler range, offering flue runs up to 27m, colour screen controls, hydrogen blend operation and warranties of up to seven years.
MCS consulted on significant reforms aimed at improving quality and consumer protection
MCS consulted in June 2023 on reforms to improve quality and consumer protection, restructuring its relationships with consumers, installers and certification bodies, including removing the requirement for contractors to hold membership of a CTSI approved consumer code.
MCS launches Scheme Redevelopment Consultation proposing to end mandatory Consumer Code membership
MCS has opened a consultation on redeveloping its scheme, proposing to drop mandatory Consumer Code membership for certified installers in favour of a new customer duty.
Octopus completes acquisition of Bulb
Octopus Energy completed its acquisition of Bulb in June 2023, following the supplier's 2021 insolvency and a period in special administration, according to Ofgem's Smart Export Guarantee annual report.
Ofgem consults on Code to prevent involuntary PPM installations for vulnerable consumers
Ofgem has opened a statutory consultation on making its Involuntary Prepayment Meter Code of Practice binding licence conditions, with the aim of having the protections in place for winter 2023/24.
Rules and RegulationEnergy Bills and the Price CapEnergy Suppliers
Ofgem consults on integrating PPM Code of Practice into licence and guidance
Ofgem has opened a statutory consultation on plans to write its Involuntary Prepayment Meter Code of Practice into the supply licence, with a response deadline of 26 July 2023.
Ofgem consults on new SLC requirements for involuntary PPM installations
Ofgem has opened a statutory consultation on licence changes that would put its Involuntary Prepayment Meter Code of Practice into the supply licence, with responses due by 26 July 2023.
Publication of Nick Winser's independent report on Accelerating Electricity Transmission Network Deployment
Nick Winser's independent report on accelerating electricity transmission network deployment was published in June 2023, setting out the need for unprecedented development of Britain's transmission infrastructure.
Revised Part L energy efficiency rules apply in full in England
Revised Part L energy efficiency rules for new homes in England have applied in full since June 2023, and industry figures show the share of newbuilds fitted with solar panels rose from 13% to 42% by late 2024.
Rural uplift set at 20% for Scotland and Wales only
The government has confirmed that its new Great British Insulation Scheme will carry a 20% rural off-gas uplift in Scotland and Wales for low-income households, below the 35% uplift under ECO4.
Scottish Government publishes analysis of New Build Heat Standard Part II consultation responses
The Scottish Government has published its analysis of responses to the second New Build Heat Standard consultation, showing broad support for banning direct emissions heating in new homes from April 2024 alongside concerns about grid capacity and costs.
Rules and RegulationScotland, Wales and Northern IrelandBoilers and Heating
Self-referral service for the Great British Insulation Scheme planned for summer 2023 on GOV.UK
The government has confirmed it plans to launch a self-referral service on GOV.UK in summer 2023 so households can learn about and access the Great British Insulation Scheme.
Shell announces exit from UK domestic energy market
Shell announced in summer 2023 that it would sell its UK domestic energy business to Octopus and leave the household supply market, a process completed on 1 December 2023.
Susan Walker's JA Solar system installed in Scotland
A 4.4kWp JA Solar system with battery storage was installed at a home in Scotland in June 2023 at a total cost of £12,837, according to the owner's account of the installation.
Wales eligibility expanded to Council Tax bands A-E
The government has widened Great British Insulation Scheme eligibility in Wales from Council Tax bands A to C to bands A to E, raising the share of eligible Welsh homes from 57% to 87%.
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.