Powering Homes news, page 79
- May 2023
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.
New inquiry launched on sustainable electrification of the UK economy
The Environmental Audit Committee has opened an inquiry into the barriers stopping low-carbon technologies connecting to the grid, with written evidence due by 17:00 on Thursday 1 June.
MPs call for grid improvements and affordable household loans for solar
The Environmental Audit Committee has urged the Government to consult on affordable household loans for solar and extend the VAT discount to household battery storage, while warning that grid connection delays are holding back progress.
Ofgem publishes policy consultation on consumer standards options
Ofgem has published a Stage 1 policy consultation on options to address priority customer service issues, the first step in a process that led to new supply licence conditions.
British Gas Energy Trust Individual and Family fund opens for applications
The British Gas Energy Trust reopened its Individual and Family fund on 2 May 2023, offering grants of up to £2,000 to clear energy arrears for households in England, Scotland and Wales.
Hypervolt launches beta of energy consumption reports in app version 4.3.0
Hypervolt has opened a 50-place beta of version 4.3.0 of its app, letting owners of its chargers generate energy usage reports for claiming back charging costs.
Ban on traditional house coal sales in England takes effect
Selling traditional house coal for use in English homes became illegal on 1 May 2023, under rules that also restrict wet wood and set emission limits for stoves.
CMA publishes findings on consumer protection in the green heating and insulation sector
The Competition and Markets Authority found in May 2023 that households buying green heating and insulation face a complex and confusing standards landscape and gaps in consumer protection.
Digital service updated so all application stages can be completed digitally
Ofgem has reported that further improvements to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme digital service in May 2023 allow installers to complete every stage of an application online.
Energy firms holding £280m of unclaimed Energy Bills Support Scheme payments
More than four million Energy Bills Support Scheme payments worth almost £280 million were still to be made or redeemed for October 2022 to February 2023, figures reported in the Mail on Sunday show.
Grants and SchemesEnergy Bills and the Price CapEnergy Suppliers
New energy price cap set at £2,074, below the price guarantee level
Ofgem has confirmed a new energy price cap of £2,074 for an average annual bill, below the £2,500 level of the Energy Price Guarantee, cutting household costs by around £420.
First Minister announces Fuel Insecurity Fund tripled to £30 million for 2023-24
First Minister Humza Yousaf has tripled Scotland's Fuel Insecurity Fund to £30 million for 2023-24, saying it will help households at risk of self-rationing or self-disconnecting their energy use.