Powering Homes news, page 80
- May 2023
Ofgem commits to central role in grid connection reform
Ofgem has committed to taking a central role in driving progress on reform of grid connection arrangements, the Welsh Government's draft heat strategy records.
Ofgem issues Call for Input relevant to debt-related cost allowance
Ofgem has opened a consultation on the operating cost allowances inside the energy price cap, including the debt-related costs allowance, with responses due by 14 June 2024.
Ofgem signals holistic review of operating cost allowances
Ofgem has concluded its first full review of the operating cost and debt allowances inside the energy price cap, cutting the total allowance by an average of £8 per customer.
Panasonic Aquarea L Generation heat pumps available from spring 2023
Panasonic has confirmed that its Aquarea L Generation heat pumps, which use the natural refrigerant R290 with a global warming potential of 3, are available from spring 2023.
Scottish Government announces £10m extension of Fuel Insecurity Fund
The Scottish Government has extended its Fuel Insecurity Fund by £10m, a scheme that has written off millions in household energy debt and issued thousands of fuel vouchers.
SSEN begins £10.6m Alton and Bordon network upgrade
SSEN has started a £10.6m programme of works to upgrade electricity supplies in Alton and Bordon, running from 1 May 2023 until September 2024.
SSEN updates Data Privacy Plan
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks reviewed and updated its Data Privacy Plan in May 2023 to cover changes to how it collects, holds, aggregates and publishes smart meter consumption data.
UKGBC publishes consultation response on VAT energy saving materials relief
The UK Green Building Council has responded to an HM Treasury call for evidence on VAT relief for energy saving materials, welcoming the expanded relief and pressing for it to cover more technologies.
VAT ESM relief extended to Northern Ireland on 1 May 2023
The temporary VAT zero rate on installing energy-saving materials was extended to Northern Ireland on 1 May 2023 under the Windsor Framework, aligning its VAT treatment with Great Britain.
Which? publishes appliance running costs research
Which? research published on 1 May 2023 found the annual running cost of a typical set of household appliances rose 58 per cent between October 2021 and April 2023, from £283 to £447.
Which? publishes principles for clear energy customer communications
Which? has published a policy report setting out five principles for energy suppliers to make billing and direct debit communications clearer, based on a survey of 2,082 UK adults.
Wind and water turbines added to qualifying ESMs and 60% test removed
Wind and water turbines become permanently qualifying energy-saving materials and the 60% test and social policy conditions are permanently removed, with a temporary zero rate extended to Northern Ireland from 1 May 2023.
Zero rate for air source heat pumps extended to Northern Ireland
From 1 May 2023 the temporary zero rate of VAT on air source heat pumps and other qualifying energy-saving materials applies across the whole United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland.
Grants and SchemesHeat PumpsScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- April 2023
Consultation on Great British Insulation scheme LA and Supplier Flex administration closes
Ofgem's consultation on how the Great British Insulation Scheme and ECO4 Flex will be administered closed on 28 April 2023, drawing 16 responses from local authorities, suppliers and others.
Rules and RegulationGrants and SchemesInsulation and Glazing
ECO+ renamed Great British Insulation Scheme and consultation response published
The government has renamed its ECO+ insulation programme the Great British Insulation Scheme and confirmed its eligibility rules, supplier targets and ECO4 changes in a consultation response.
Indra launches Smart LUX home EV charger
Indra has launched the Smart LUX, a UK-designed home EV charger with a 78mm profile, IP67 and IK10 ratings, a five-year warranty and 7.4kWh charging.
Sunsynk introduces 3.6kW hybrid inverter "Mini Beast"
Sunsynk has announced a 3.6kW hybrid inverter, marketed as the Mini Beast, with dual MPPT input and a stated solar handling capacity of up to 7000W.
Which? responds to news that a fifth of EBSS prepayment vouchers remain unredeemed
Which? has said a fifth of Energy Bill Support Scheme vouchers for traditional prepayment meter customers remain unredeemed, and called for action in the scheme's final weeks.
Citizens Advice published its application to intervene in the RIIO-ED2 appeal
Citizens Advice has applied to intervene in a Competition and Markets Authority appeal by Northern Powergrid over the RIIO-ED2 energy licence modification, arguing the appeal would raise consumer bills without improving service.
SOPREMA expands external pitched roof insulation range with Breathe-R and Breathe-R Ultra
SOPREMA UK has added two membranes, Breathe-R and Breathe-R Ultra, to its external pitched roof insulation range, sitting below the existing BreatherQuilt product.
ECIU report warns UK energy security incompatible with high gas demand
The Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit has published a report warning that the Government's energy security aim cannot be met while gas demand stays high, as North Sea production declines.
Energy Bill passes latest House of Lords stage with hydrogen levy amendment
The House of Lords has backed an amendment stopping energy firms passing hydrogen development costs to bill payers, but rejected a ban on forced entry to convert homes to hydrogen.
SSEN completes £710,000 Lynes Common network upgrade in Hythe
SSEN has completed a £710,000 upgrade of switchgear at Lynes Common in Hythe, replacing equipment that had reached the end of its working life and serving 20,000 homes and businesses.
All British domestic suppliers sign updated Code of Practice on involuntary prepayment meter installations
Ofgem has published an updated voluntary Code of Practice on involuntary prepayment meter installations, signed by all British domestic suppliers, with tougher oversight and new protections for high-risk households.
Rules and RegulationEnergy Bills and the Price CapSmart Meters
NEA warns many vulnerable groups still face uncertainty under new prepayment meter code
National Energy Action has welcomed Ofgem's new prepayment meter code of practice as much needed, but warns that many vulnerable groups still face the threat of forced installation or remote switching.
Rules and RegulationEnergy Bills and the Price CapSmart Meters
Product page published for Zappi 207UW V2 myenergi 7kW EV charger
Orion AC&R Limited has published a product page for the Zappi 207UW V2 myenergi 7kW EV charger, setting out its three charging modes, solar and wind integration and technical ratings.
Sunsynk announces UK Mini Beast inverter
Sunsynk has published details of the UK Mini Beast, a dual MPPT hybrid inverter rated at 3,600 Watts with on grid, off grid and auxiliary outputs.
Voluntary Code of Conduct to prevent forced PPM installations announced
Energy suppliers signed a voluntary code of conduct on 18 April 2023 intended to stop the forced installation of prepayment meters, a measure campaigners say does not go far enough.
Rules and RegulationEnergy Bills and the Price CapSmart Meters
£30 million Heat Pump Investment Accelerator launched
The Energy Plan of April 2023 set out a £30 million Heat Pump Investment Accelerator and extended the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to 2028, alongside a new insulation scheme for 300,000 homes.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme extended until 2028
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme will run until 2028 under the Government's Powering Up Britain Energy Security Plan, keeping grants of up to £6,000 towards a heat pump in England and Wales.