homes

UK Power Networks (UKPN) has launched a new fast-track application process for connecting small-scale electricity storage projects. The online process, an upgrade from a lengthy paper application form, is expected to help domestic and commercial customers in London and the South East save time and money. That includes those who generate electricity from solar panels […]

Would you install a solar array because you’ve seen one on your neighbour’s roofs? New research from the London School of Economics (LSE) found households, businesses and farms are more likely to install solar panels if others in the neighbourhood have done so. It suggests neighbour endorsements spur installation as it decreases concerns of solar […]

The British public see future homes powered by sweat, sewage and more renewable energy. That’s according to a poll, which asked more than 2,800 Brits for their predictions on future sources of energy in homes. The majority (91%) of them believe there will be changes in the way homes are powered while 84% of them […]

There are up to 1.5 million cold homes in Scotland. That’s according to figures released by the Existing Homes Alliance Scotland, whose members include WWF Scotland, Changeworks and the National Insulation Association. They urge all political parties to commit to ridding Scotland of the “scourge” of cold homes by 2025. According to its fact sheet, Glasgow […]

Up to £21 million will be invested in energy efficient improvements in Scotland. The new three-year scheme will target  low income homes, carrying out essential repairs and energy saving upgrades. Scottish Housing Minister Margaret Burgess announced the ‘Help for Homes’ initiative earlier this week. She said: “Housing is at the heart of the government’s ambitions to create a […]

When do we use washing machines or microwaves – and for how long? Analysts believe these sorts of questions are useful for understanding consumer pattern in the home. A new six-month study by data firm ONZO is about to begin, documenting the “whole house” energy use of 15 houses collected from smart meters. It aims […]

Are you being fooled by an energy saving myth? If you thought computer screensavers save energy, you’re not alone – 30% of the UK public think the same. That’s according to the Energy Saving Trust which has released a list of 10 common myths that mean people waste money on energy rather than save it. […]

The maximum amount of cash the energy Ombudsman can dish out to consumers in the small claims court will go up to £10,000 today. The Ombudsman handles complaints from domestic energy users and micro-businesses on gas and electricity supply. It says this means consumers can now take larger claims to courts in England and Wales. […]

All homes in Denmark must have a smart electricity meter which records energy use every hour by 2020, under new plans put forward by the nation’s Climate, Energy and Building Minister last week. Martin Lidegaard announced an executive order which – if approved – will require energy companies to install smart meters in every home. […]

Social housing in the Irish town of Ennis is set for a host of energy efficiency upgrades this autumn. Nearly 130 homes in the County Clare town are part of what the council describes as a “major retrofitting programme”. The Local Authority has received funding from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to carry […]