GOVERNMENT NEWS
Labour unveils details for new publicly owned energy company in manifesto
Labour has outlined its intention to create a new publicly-owned company, Great British Energy, in its manifesto released today. The company will focus on boosting investment in clean, domestic energy production and will be owned by the British public.
Tories’ Manifesto for July Election: Impact on Energy Transition
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has revealed the Conservative Party’s General Election Manifesto, which includes commitments to fast-track next-generation nuclear power and to require Parliamentary approval for the next phase of the UK’s net-zero transition. These pledges are set to significantly influence the direction and pace of the country’s energy transition.
General Election manifestos outline heat policy plans
The Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives have both presented their approaches to incentivising sustainable buildings in their election manifestos. Key UK political parties have outlined differing levels of commitment to reducing the costs and environmental impact of heating buildings, signalling varying strategies for addressing this critical issue in the next parliament.
SIA urges Scottish government to reverse position on wood burning stoves
SECTOR UPDATES
PHMI stats show plumbing & Heating sales “holding steady in Q1 2024”
Figures released by the Builders Merchants Federation in the Plumbing & Heating Merchants Index for the first quarter of 2024 paint a picture of a relatively flat market, with prices appearing more stable. For Quarter 1 2024 v Quarter 1 2023, total value sales in Q1 2024 were -3.6% lower compared with the same period last year. Volume sales were -6.4% lower, while prices rose by +3.0%. With one less trading day in the first quarter of 2024, like-for-like sales were -2.1% lower than Q1 2023.
National Grid to offer year-round cash for cutting power use
The National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) has announced that the Demand Flexibility Service, which incentivises UK households to reduce electricity usage, will now be available year-round. This move aims to prevent blackouts during peak demand by encouraging families to switch off appliances when notified of a tight energy supply.
Hull’s £250m hydrogen plant gets green light
Plans for a £250 million green hydrogen production facility in Hull have been approved by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Meld Energy, the developer, will construct the 100-megawatt facility at Saltend Chemicals Park. The new facility will produce green hydrogen through electrolysis, using renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This process will help meet up to 30% of Saltend Chemicals Park’s hydrogen demand, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 125,000 tonnes annually. Saltend Chemicals Park hosts several major chemical businesses, including BP Petrochemicals Technology, Vivergo Fuels, Yara, Mitsubishi Chemicals UK, Ineos, Air Products and Triton Power station.
Revised ICOM water treatment guide released
For the first time, QBE research shows the cost to the UK construction industry from poor mental health. QBE surveyed 362 UK construction workers about their mental health at work. The results indicate that even with the increased risk of injury, they are likely to continue to work.
INSTALLER NEWS
MCS announces delay to scheme revision
Rogue plumber admits to defrauding customers of £23,000
Baxi announces heat pump installer support partnerships
Heating systems group says it has partnered with low carbon service suppliers to help streamline the process for installers to offer accredited heat pump design Baxi has announced a number of partnerships intended to provide installers with technical and administrative support for the efficient installation of heat pumps. The equipment manufacturer say it has reached an agreement with a number of specialists to aid engineers to design and install heat pumps that meet specific design and paperwork requirements to comply with the national Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) incentive.
Big rise in self-employed tradespeople
Social media warning for professional trades
Tradespeople are being warned that thieves are using social media to target them for their valuable tools and equipment, with four in five burglars use social media to find and select potential victims, making those posting online easy targets.
Motoring insurance experts from Quotezone.co.uk are urging tradespeople to avoid posting pictures of work vans and equipment online because advertising or posting business photos and information to social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter could entice criminals.
Powered tools prime target for thieves
PRODUCT NEWS
Cornwall is the UK’s hot spot for renewable energy installations
Official figures show BUS applications surge but still well below target
Report backs expanded heat pump use to accelerate clean energy switch
CONSUMER NEWS
British Gas offers half price electricity
British Gas has introduced PeakSave Green Flex events, offering customers more chances to save on energy bills and support a greener grid this summer. During these events, which occur when there is plenty of renewable energy available, customers can get half price electricity.
Majority of UK Public Calls for Greater Investment in Renewable Energy
A substantial majority of the UK public, 78%, are urging the government to increase investment in renewable energy sources. This finding comes from The Eco Experts’ latest National Home Energy Survey. With a general election approaching on July 4th, these findings highlight the public’s strong preference for green policy initiatives. The survey results reveal a significant demand for wind and solar power.
‘Energy customers support fair tariffs for all’
E.ON Next commissioned YouGov to conduct a survey following news that the energy regulator Ofgem is considering lifting the ban on acquisition-only tariffs for energy companies. The survey sought public opinion on whether the best deals should be restricted to new customers.
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