GOVERNMENT NEWS
Charities demand to meet UK ministers to discuss winter fuel payments
Charities advocating for people with disabilities are urgently requesting meetings with government ministers after it was disclosed that 1.6 million disabled pensioners will lose their winter fuel payments due to budget cuts.
Gas and electricity prices will rise by 10% in England, Scotland and Wales from October
Under the new energy price cap, the average annual dual-fuel bill for direct debit customers will be £1,717 – and increase of £149. From October 1 to December 31, gas prices will be capped at 6.24p per kilowatt hour (kWh), and electricity at 24.50p per kWh.
Great British Energy offices to be located in Aberdeen?
According to BBC Scotland, GB Energy will be setting up its headquarters in Aberdeen. Smaller satellite offices may also be located in other parts of Scotland. However, a Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: “We do not comment on speculation. Decisions on GB Energy’s location will be announced in due course.”
SECTOR UPDATES
Plumbing & heating sector sees price deflation in Q2 2024
A Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) report shows sales in the plumbing and heating sector were impacted by falling prices in the second quarter of 2024. Although sales volumes increased by 4.3% compared to the same period in 2023, the overall value of sales dropped by 1.8% due to a 5.9% decline in prices.
UK construction sector maintains solid growth in August despite slight slowdown
The latest UK Construction PMI report for August shows continued growth in the construction sector, although the pace of expansion slightly eased compared to July. According to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the sector must address the current skills shortage to ensure long-term growth and stability in the industry.
INSTALLER INSIGHTS
New guidance released for workplace silica exposure assessment
The Natural Stone Institute and the International Surface Fabricators Association have launched two new guidance documents to improve workplace silica exposure assessment. While plumbers and heating installers may not be as frequently exposed to silica as other trades like stonemasons or concrete workers, they can still encounter it during specific tasks.
Heating installers should carry a personal carbon monoxide (CO) alarm for safety
Installers have been urged to adopt personal CO alarms as a standard tool – offering them an additional layer of protection and alerting them to dangerous levels of CO before they become harmful.
EUA Calls for mandatory annual servicing of heating systems
The Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA) has proposed mandatory annual servicing for all home heating appliances, including gas and oil boilers, heat pumps, and fires. While annual gas safety checks are already required for rental properties, the EUA suggests extending this to owner-occupied homes. The Gas Safe Register has also released a new video encouraging households to get their gas appliances serviced annually.
PRODUCT NEWS
Call for expanded VAT relief on heat batteries
Industry leaders and MPs have urged the UK government to classify heat batteries as Energy Saving Materials (ESMs) to secure VAT relief. This would make heat batteries a more affordable, low-carbon alternative to heat pumps, particularly benefiting smaller homes with limited space.
Heat pumps cut carbon emissions by 95%
A 12-month study by Stiebel Eltron UK found that heat pumps can reduce carbon emissions by nearly 95% compared to traditional gas boilers. However, another report by Gemserv and Minviro highlights the need to reduce the environmental impact of heat pumps throughout their lifecycle, particularly during manufacturing.
Smarter controls key to efficient hybrid heating systems
The growing use of hybrid heating systems, combining underfloor heating and radiators, has driven demand for advanced controls to improve energy efficiency. Integrated with smart systems, these controls enable seamless home heating management, enhancing both energy savings and comfort.
Thermal imaging: key for effective energy-efficient retrofitting
Thermal imaging is crucial for identifying energy inefficiencies in retrofitting projects. By detecting problems like poor insulation, porous brickwork, and waterproofing issues, it helps housing providers target specific property needs, ensuring effective energy upgrades.
CONSUMER NEWS
1 in 10 fireplace users risk chimney fires
New research shows that nearly one in ten fireplace users wait years to sweep their chimneys, increasing the risk of chimney fires. Many homeowners also neglect proper fuel use and certification, further raising fire risks. Proper maintenance, fuel selection, and certified appliances are essential to preventing fires.
Landlord sentenced for ignoring gas safety checks
A landlord has been given a suspended 26-week sentence and electronically tagged for 4 months after failing to carry out gas safety checks on a property, putting her tenants at risk. Despite enforcement action from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and repeated requests, she neglected to maintain gas appliances, leaving tenants with a faulty boiler and condemned cooker.
Study shows public support for green government funding
A new study reveals 61% of UK adults want the government to provide more financial incentives for eco-friendly initiatives, such as heat pumps and electric vehicle chargers, to help meet net zero goals. However, only 29% are confident that the UK will achieve its 2030 net zero target, with younger people more optimistic than older generations.
Our commitment to our customer’s success extends beyond product delivery. Providing intelligent sales, visual merchandising, and marketing support, through our regular updates and social media channels we also help our merchant customers to keep up to date with all the latest industry trends. Pop by and say hello!
