So, the age of the smart meter is here! With the country mid-way through the roll-out, it can only be a positive thing that, for the first time, consumers can see exactly how much energy they are using, resulting in them making better choices and, ultimately, saving money. Bills will be more accurate and there will be no more unwelcome knocks on the door to read your meter as the unit itself will transmit regular and exact readings automatically.
Government u-turn on zero carbon homes policy
It is feared that up to two million extra tonnes of CO2 could be created each year following the government’s dramatic u-turn on its zero carbon targets for new homes. Chancellor George Osbourne revealed that his zero carbon building policy is to be scrapped, which means two policies have been axed: an upgrade to the 2016 Building Regulations and the ‘Allowable Solutions’ carbon offsetting scheme.
Leading the smart meter revolution
With power and gas suppliers preparing to roll out Smart Meters, ensuring the government’s 2020 targets are met, Utilities Academy, one of the UK’s leading providers of Smart Meter training, has become the first centre approved by Logic Certification to deliver its new dual fuel Smart Meter Diploma. The course covers both gas and electricity, plus the vitally important customer-facing skills that will help end users understand this new technology and change their energy usage to reduce consumption.
DECC scrapped, what effect will it have on the renewables industry?
New Prime Minister, Theresa May, has scrapped the Department of Energy and Climate Change as part of a major cabinet reshuffle.
It was announced on Thursday that energy policy will now be decided by the newly-created Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, headed up by Greg Clark – Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The new department will be responsible for delivering industrial strategy, business relations, furthering the UK’s science base, delivering affordable, clean energy and tackling climate change.
Round up of The Each Home Counts Bonfield Review
The long-awaited Each Home Counts - Bonfield Review was published in December 2016, an independent report which looks at how to improve energy efficiency, and encourage uptake of renewables in the UK.
Still a way to go with Smart Meter targets
The clock is ticking away on the smart meter roll-out and there's still a lot of work to be done if energy suppliers are to meet government targets.
All homes and small business sites will be offered smart meters by their energy company between now and the end of 2020.
The New Boiler Plus Legislation
Last month, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), announced Boiler Plus, a new piece of legislation that sits within the Building Regulations framework and sets out mandatory requirements to improve the energy efficiency of domestic heating systems.
Smart Meter Update
With the introduction of second generation Smart Meters (SMETS2) from next year, concerns relating to the accuracy and security of the first generation meters (SMETS1) are being addressed and the future for Smart Meters is looking a lot more positive.