Powering Homes news, page 93
- November 2022
ECIU analysis finds insulation could cut gas imports by three times more than new North Sea drilling
Analysis from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit finds insulating UK homes to a basic standard could save more gas by 2035 than already approved North Sea fields would produce.
Ofgem writes to suppliers on remote switching of smart meters to prepayment mode
Ofgem wrote to energy suppliers in November 2022 setting out their licence obligations when remotely switching smart meters to prepayment mode, citing concern over the practice.
Rinnai launches electric Infinit-E hot water cylinder range
Rinnai has put its Infinit-E electric hot water cylinders on sale, a stainless steel range that adds an electrical option to a manufacturer known mainly for gas fired water heaters.
Committee publishes Twenty-Fifth Report on regulation of energy suppliers
The Committee of Public Accounts published its Twenty-Fifth Report on the regulation of energy suppliers on 13 November 2022, with the Government response following in February 2023.
Public Accounts Committee publishes report on regulation of energy suppliers
The Committee of Public Accounts has found that Ofgem's regulation of energy suppliers failed, leaving billpayers to cover £2.7 billion in costs from 29 supplier failures since July 2021.
Scottish Government responds to Heat Pump Sector Deal Expert Advisory Group Recommendation 4
The Scottish Government has set out how it will fund heat pump installation in Scotland, citing £1.8 billion for heat and energy efficiency and a £42 million standalone grant scheme.
Grants and SchemesHeat PumpsScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Scottish Government responds to Recommendation 12 on fabric energy efficiency support
The Scottish Government has confirmed a £15,000 maximum for energy efficiency measures under the Home Energy Scotland Loan and Cashback scheme and committed to replacing cashback with a standalone grant.
Grants and SchemesScotland, Wales and Northern IrelandWhere to Start
Scottish Government response to Heat Pump Sector Deal Expert Advisory Group published
The Scottish Government has published its response to the Heat Pump Sector Deal Expert Advisory Group, setting out how it will address recommendations made in the group's December 2021 report.
Solis unveils new energy storage inverter series
Ginlong (Solis) Technologies has unveiled three series of energy storage inverters, including two sixth-generation models for Europe, at its virtual Solis Inno Day and New Product Launch 2022.
ECIU report finds EVs generate net lifetime savings over combustion cars in Britain and Germany
An Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit report published on 8 November 2022 finds that electric cars deliver net lifetime savings over equivalent combustion models in Britain and Germany.
Minister for Climate Change sets out proposals to improve energy efficiency of all Welsh homes
The Welsh Government set out proposals on 8 November 2022 to improve the energy efficiency of all Welsh homes, delivered in two parts under a fabric first, worst first and low carbon approach.
Second instalment of Cost of Living Payment paid in November 2022
The second instalment of the GBP 650 Cost of Living Payment, worth GBP 324, was paid automatically to most eligible low-income households in November 2022.
Citizens Advice publishes report on digital disadvantage and exclusion in the energy market
Citizens Advice has published a report finding that digitally disadvantaged households face a higher risk of loyalty penalties in the energy market while the offline services they depend on are getting worse.
Ofgem approval preceded the DFS launch
Ofgem approved the Demand Flexibility Service on 4 November 2022, the date the National Energy System Operator now gives for the launch of the scheme that pays homes to cut peak electricity use.
Default smart meter reading frequency rule tied to 3 November 2022 installation date
Smart meters installed before 3 November 2022 default to daily readings, while those installed since, or affected by a supplier switch or contract change, default to half-hourly readings.
Smart MetersEnergy Bills and the Price CapEnergy Independence
NEA publishes response to Ofwat charging rules and tariff innovation consultations
NEA has published its response to two Ofwat consultations on charging rules and tariff innovation, setting out 14 recommendations covering customer safeguards, licence alignment and co-design.
West Midlands awarded more than £1m for Warmer Homes West Midlands programme
The West Midlands Combined Authority has awarded more than £1 million to Act on Energy to expand free energy advice for vulnerable households across the region this winter.
Autumn Statement 2022 allocates £1 billion to Household Support Fund
The Government has said local councils will receive £1 billion for the Household Support Fund, announced in the Autumn Statement 2022, as disability charity Scope reports low awareness of the scheme.
Autumn Statement announces new approach to consumer protection from April 2024
The government said in the November 2022 autumn statement that it would take a new approach to consumer protection from April 2024, working with consumer groups and industry on options including social tariffs.
Building Regulations changes on thermostatic room controls apply in Wales from November 2022
Changes to the Building Regulations requiring thermostatic room controls when a boiler is replaced in an existing dwelling apply in Wales from November 2022, five months after England.
Rules and RegulationHeating ControlsScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
BUS digital service passes Government Digital Standards beta assessment
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme's digital service passed its Government Digital Standards beta assessment in November 2022, letting installers make initial voucher applications online.
CfD Allocation Round 4 secures 11GW of new wind and solar at record low offshore wind prices
Analysis from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit finds the gas crisis will add £4,400 to the average household energy bill by April 2024, as Contracts for Difference auctions secure 11GW of new wind and solar.
Chancellor announces additional £6bn for energy efficiency from 2025
The Chancellor's autumn statement added £6bn for energy efficiency from 2025 to 2028, doubling annual government investment, with a new taskforce to deliver a 15% cut in consumption.
Demand Flexibility Service launched
The Demand Flexibility Service, which pays households to cut electricity use at peak times, launched for winter 2022/23 after Ofgem approval, with 1.6 million homes and businesses taking part in its first season.
ECIU analysis finds UK gas imports could have been cut by a fifth with Estonian heat pump deployment rates
Analysis by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit finds that matching Estonia's heat pump installation rate would have cut UK domestic gas use by 34% and gas imports by 19% in 2021.
ECO insulation delivery reported stalled after internal government delays
Analysis from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit says insulation delivery under the Energy Company Obligation has stalled, with 18,750 low income households potentially missing measures worth £300 each.
Electrical Fire Safety Week 2022 highlights rise in electric heater use
Electrical Safety First reports around 4 million more people in the UK are using electric heaters than a year ago, as Electrical Fire Safety Week 2022 highlights the safety risks of cheaper heating.
Energy Bills Support Scheme to begin in Northern Ireland
Households in Northern Ireland will start receiving the £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme payment from November, the Prime Minister said, months after the equivalent support began in Great Britain.
Grants and SchemesEnergy Bills and the Price CapScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Energy Price Guarantee began lowering gas and electricity prices
The Consumer Council's Home Energy Index records that the Government Energy Price Guarantee artificially lowered gas and electricity prices in Northern Ireland from 1 November 2022 until 30 June 2023.
Energy Price Guarantee benefits begin to be passed through in Northern Ireland
Households in Northern Ireland began receiving Energy Price Guarantee support through their suppliers from 1 November 2022, with the benefit set to cover increased costs back to 1 October.