Category Archives: Energy

Energy, News, Tech

Energy-saving app re-launches successful scheme which paid over £120,000 to households last year

  • Turn Down and Save from Loop opens up the Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) to 17 million smart meter households 
  • The scheme pays customers for using less electricity during peak times 
  • Over £120,000 was paid out last year from Loop’s Turn Down and Save; of which £20,000 was donated to the UK’s top energy poverty charity
  • Without government energy bill support, households are set for higher bills this winter despite lower price cap

 

With many Brits set to struggle with their energy bills this winter despite the reduced price cap, Loop has committed to supporting consumers again as it re-launches its Turn Down and Save scheme from Wednesday 1st November 2023.

Turn Down and Save (TDAS) rewards users of the leading free smart meter app for consuming less energy during peak times, in at least ten national energy-saving ‘events’ starting this winter.

During the events, which typically last an hour, all participating households are paid £2.50 per kWh saved.

Without the government’s energy bill support, which provided households with £400 last winter, TDAS encourages users to manage and reduce their energy costs, while making savings. In the winter 2022/23 scheme, Loop paid over £100,000 to participating households and users of the Loop app donated over £20,000 to the UK’s top energy poverty charity.

 

Turn Down and Save offers three benefits to households: 

 

  • Earn rewards: Through the events, households build up rewards which can be turned into vouchers.
  • Donate to charity: Participating households can choose to donate earnings to charitable organisations. Last year, Loop users donated over £20,000 to the UK’s top energy poverty charity.
  • Helps reduce bills: By actively monitoring energy usage, participants can gain a better understanding of how they use energy and understand the simple swaps that can lead to big savings in their home

 

Additionally, those with higher average usage during peak times – for example, larger households, those who require electric vehicle charging or have electric heating – could save even more by adjusting their usage outside of peak hours.

By shifting energy usage away from peak times, the National Grid can more sustainably manage the UK’s electricity needs, reducing the reliance on costly and environmentally harmful energy sources.

Loop’s Turn Down and Save scheme is open to anyone with a smart meter: currently 17 million households1, an increase of over 3 million, compared to when the scheme was launched last year2.

To learn when the first Turn Down and Save event will take place, download the free Loop app from the App Store or Google Play.

 

Dr Steve Buckley, Head of Product and Data Science at Loop, comments: “We’re pleased to re-open the Demand Flexibility Scheme to millions of bill payers, in particular those who may not have access to the scheme via their energy supplier. With the government’s energy bill support coming to an end in March, we want to support our users in any way we can. Our Turn Down and Save scheme is a great way to understand how your home uses energy and the simple lifestyle changes that can help you reduce your energy consumption.

“We would encourage all eligible households to get involved. As homes get smarter – with more large devices able to choose when they use electricity – services like DFS will allow homes to play an increasingly valuable role in balancing supply and demand.

“It’s also an example of how Loop, as a small technology business, can provide valuable services to customers that their utilities can’t or won’t. Every week we sign up thousands of new customers who can’t access their own smart meter data through their supplier. This limits their ability to manage their energy use and control their spending. And with the current cost of living crisis – plus the backdrop of net zero targets – we know how critical it is to give households visibility and control of their spending and energy use.”

 

Aberdeenshire, Energy, News

Perceptual Robotics soars to new heights with hundreds of wind turbines inspected in Scotland and increased community involvement

A UK-based wind-turbine inspections’ company is celebrating a milestone after its Dhalion system successfully inspected more than 250 onshore wind turbines in Scotland. Since 2017, Perceptual Robotics has travelled across Scotland from Skye to Aberdeen conducting onshore wind turbine inspections for a range of clients.

A significant number of the inspected turbines have been safeguarded from critical damage failure thanks to Perceptual Robotics’ solution that blends autonomous drones and AI. Meanwhile, the damage to the remaining turbines was assessed and integrated into optimised repair campaigns, and systematic status monitoring put in place. The achievement has provided the company with invaluable experience in diverse locations and varying weather conditions throughout Scotland, enhancing Perceptual Robotics’ ability to adapt its technology to hazardous situations.

Perceptual Robotics’ Dhalion system is designed to undertake autonomous in-depth turbine inspections, collecting high-quality data from turbines in less than 20 minutes, and quickly analyse the data collected with state-of-the-art AI data processing.

Kostas Karachalios, CEO of Perceptual Robotics, said: “Scotland holds a pivotal place for us, being home to an extensive number of onshore wind farms and operators. The constantly changing weather conditions provide us with shifting challenges, keeping us alert and offering excellent opportunities to showcase the robustness of Dhalion.

“Despite the distance from our Bristol headquarters, we always feel at home in Scotland. We look forward to continuing to grow our work here and help our Scottish clients keep their wind turbines in optimal condition, enabling them to promptly identify and address any damages and reduce operational costs.”

Perceptual Robotics’ presence in Scotland extends well beyond wind farm inspections. Some of the firm’s most valued clients, headquartered in Scotland, have been leveraging Dhalion’s capabilities not only inside Scotland but beyond national borders, reaching as far as the Faroe Islands and beyond.

The company’s success is facilitated by its dedicated team, which includes business development manager, Derek Rutherford, who is based in Scotland.  Additionally, the company takes pride in its commitment to supporting the Scottish community and has recently sponsored the youth football team Milton 2010 White in Bannockburn for the first time this season.

The future is promising for Perceptual Robotics in Scotland, following its recent successful trial at the Levenmouth Demonstrator Turbine, managed by ORE Catapult[2]. Located just meters from the shoreline, the Levenmouth Demonstrator Turbine stands as a key asset in Scotland’s wind energy landscape, offering an ideal environment for companies like Perceptual Robotics to refine and test its inspection services for offshore wind. It also facilitated a faster and more streamlined testing process, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and controlled conditions.

Perceptual Robotics tested various features under different conditions such as landing checks, modifying path planning and adapting to changes as the boat moved during inspection.

It continues to explore when the offshore service offering will be launched commercially to clients.

Further Information about Perceptual Robotics can be found at https://www.perceptual-robotics.com/

–

[2] ORE Catapult is a UK technology innovation and research centre for offshore wind, wave and tidal energy.

Energy, News

Small businesses join Harcus Parker’s claim against rogue energy brokers this winter

Thousands across England and Wales join £2bn claim against rogue energy brokers

In an uncertain economic climate & with winter fast approaching, over 4,500 independent businesses, charities, schools, faith groups, and community projects have already joined Harcus Parker’s campaign to get their money back.

Harcus Parker, the commercial litigation firm specialising in bringing and defending complex group claims, today reveals that thousands of organisations across England and Wales have already joined its £2bn group litigation aiming to claim money back from rogue energy brokers.

Among those to sign up to the claim are 2,801 shops and restaurants, 703 health and beauty businesses, 477 professional services businesses, and 164 sports and community groups.

The practice of overcharging businesses for their energy costs was first revealed in 2021 when an investigation by the UK’s energy regulator, Ofgem, showed that brokers or third-party introducers (TPIs) might have been charging businesses thousands of pounds in energy commissions without customers’ knowledge.

It is believed that millions of organisations could be affected and are in a position to claim financial compensation, ranging from a few hundred to a few hundred thousand pounds.  Many organisations will be unaware that they were affected as the secret commission was hidden within the unit rate of energy that they paid.

With winter fast approaching, Harcus Parker is using today’s announcement to drum up further awareness of the claim and alert more organisations and independent businesses that they are well within their rights to claim. Harcus Parker operates on a no win, no fee basis, with a proportion of their fee donated back to relevant charitable causes. A claim can be started here.

While a core focus of the claim is to help organisations get their money back, Harcus Parker is also looking to drive lasting change in the industry to prevent similar scandals from occurring.

Although Ofgem heavily regulates the consumer energy market, the commercial energy market faced fewer restrictions. Brokers took advantage of this by guiding commercial customers towards higher energy rates (usually expressed as the price per kWh of energy) to their own advantage and that of the energy supplier.

Speaking on today’s announcement, founding partner Damon Parker said: ‘We’re delighted that so many organisations have signed up to join the claim. Unfortunately, it has revealed to us how widespread and costly this scandal was for businesses, faith groups, and community organisations. Unscrupulous energy brokers added undisclosed commissions of up to 10p per kWh, meaning that some larger energy users overpaid by hundreds of thousands of pounds.

“We urge organisations of all sizes from across society to exercise their legal rights and join the claim. We hope to recover compensation amounting to the difference between the price negotiated and the price that a broker acting in its client’s best interest would have achieved.”

To be eligible to join the campaign, organisations should be able to answer ‘Yes’ to the following three questions:

  • Is your organisation a non-domestic energy customer?
  • Did you enter into your contract for the supply of gas or electricity in the past 10 years through a third-party introducer or broker?
  • Did the broker and energy company fail to clearly tell you that commission was added onto the unit cost of the gas and electricity that you were charged?

To join the claim you can begin the process here.

Energy, Recruitment, Recruitment News

Skills and recruitment must be high on agenda of new battery strategy taskforce

Skills and recruitment must be high on the agenda of the Government’s new battery strategy taskforce if the UK is to succeed in its goal of developing a world-leading battery economy.

Specialist renewable energy recruiters at Jonathan Lee Recruitment have welcomed the inception of the taskforce, which will support the creation of a battery strategy for the UK, but say the significance of recruitment cannot be overlooked.

Lee Elwell, Associate Director at the longstanding recruitment firm, said: “As recognised in the Government’s recent call for evidence for the battery strategy, the design, development, manufacture, and recycling of batteries will play an essential role in meeting our net zero targets. That relates to both energy storage and as the powerhouse for electric vehicles.

“However, the success of these ambitious goals hinges largely on a robust recruitment strategy that aligns with industry needs.”

Seizing opportunities in the battery market

The battery market is poised for transformative growth but this transition from fossil fuels to clean electrification needs a robust battery infrastructure.

The last decade saw the global demand for lithium-ion batteries skyrocket from 0.5 gigawatt-hours to 526 gigawatt-hours, highlighting the potential that lies ahead. 

At the same time, it is predicted that the UK will be producing almost 1.6 million electric vehicles every year by 2040 – all with batteries that need to be made and then ideally, recycled. Plans have been drawn up to meet the cell demand by way of new gigafactories, and there is a need to further develop the recycling element of the supply chain. 

Globally, the battery recycling market alone is estimated to be worth £27bn by 2030 and there are proposals in the pipeline to start building battery recycling facilities in the UK, such as new planned sites by Veolia and Technology Minerals in the West Midlands and LTS in London.

It’s clear to see that the opportunities – and the stakes – in the battery sector have never been higher. But the numbers also beckon an urgent question: Are we ready?

The aspiration to create a circular economy, as presented in Innovate UK’s recent 2035 UK Battery Recycling Industry Vision report, further emphasises the scale of the task ahead. Reclaiming materials from end-of-life batteries, developing sustainable battery lifecycles, and driving innovations in battery design and manufacture are huge undertakings. And like all sectors in renewable energy, they depend upon having a knowledgeable, skilled workforce at their core.

The importance of recruitment

With such an expansive vision for the battery market, the recruitment aspect can’t be relegated to the backseat. Having witnessed the evolutions of numerous sectors over four decades, we understand the pivotal role of a skilled workforce in realising industry ambitions.

By 2040, the battery industry could offer employment to upwards of 100,000 people. As companies gear up for this future, the challenge lies in securing the right skill sets, the visionaries, the innovators, and the diligent workforce that can turn these aspirations into tangible results.

Gearing for the future

“As an organisation with expertise and experience in delivering quality recruitment solutions to the engineering and manufacturing sectors for over 45 years, Jonathan Lee Recruitment is well-positioned to support this growing sector,” Lee adds. 

“Our team of renewable energy recruiters have a deep understanding of what our clients and candidates require. As the UK stands on the cusp of a battery revolution, we’re here, once again, ready to help business prepare for and solve those recruitment challenges.

“Taking the time to look ahead, to identify and nurture the talent pool now is key to success in the future. That means defining the job roles that will be key to delivering a successful battery-orientated economy, while assessing the extent of the skills already out there, those coming through and those that can be transferred.

“Given the scale of the necessity and the opportunity, this has to be supported by a national training and recruitment plan.

“It’s not just about formulating strategies; it’s about ensuring they’re grounded in reality.”

To talk about recruitment for your energy enterprise, please contact Lee Elwell (Associate Director, Energy) on 01384 446154, or email Lee.elwell@jonlee.co.uk.

Energy, Tech, Technology

Solar power is a renewable energy source that has the potential to revolutionize the way we generate electricity

Solar power is a renewable energy source that has the potential to revolutionize the way we generate electricity. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect. Solar power is clean, sustainable, and affordable, and it is becoming increasingly popular as a way to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

There are a number of new solar power technologies that are being developed, each with its own unique advantages. Here are a few of the most promising new solar power technologies:

  • Perovskite solar cells: Perovskite solar cells are a type of solar cell made from a material called perovskite. Perovskite solar cells are very efficient, and they can be made very thin and flexible. This makes them ideal for use in a variety of applications, such as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and rooftop solar panels.
  • Organic solar cells: Organic solar cells are a type of solar cell that is made from organic materials, such as plastics and polymers. Organic solar cells are very lightweight and flexible, and they can be manufactured using roll-to-roll printing techniques, which makes them relatively inexpensive to produce.
  • Quantum dot solar cells: Quantum dot solar cells are a type of solar cell that is made from semiconductor nanocrystals called quantum dots. Quantum dot solar cells are very efficient and can be tuned to absorb different wavelengths of light. This makes them ideal for use in multi-junction solar cells, which can achieve even higher efficiencies than conventional solar cells.

In addition to these new solar cell technologies, there are also a number of new solar power technologies that are being developed to improve the efficiency and reliability of solar power systems. For example, new solar panel tracking systems can help to increase the amount of sunlight that solar panels receive, and new solar battery storage systems can help to store solar energy for use when the sun is not shining.

These new solar power technologies have the potential to make solar power even more affordable and accessible and to help us reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. As these technologies continue to develop and mature, we can expect to see solar power play an increasingly important role in our energy mix according to Callum O’Neill from ONCO Specialised Electrical Services

Here are some of the benefits of new solar power technology:

  • Higher efficiency: New solar cell technologies, such as perovskite and quantum dot solar cells, are more efficient than conventional silicon solar cells. This means that they can generate more electricity from the same amount of sunlight.
  • Lower cost: New solar power technologies are also becoming more affordable to produce. This is due to factors such as improved manufacturing processes and the use of less expensive materials.
  • More versatility: New solar power technologies are more versatile than conventional silicon solar cells. For example, perovskite solar cells can be made very thin and flexible, making them ideal for use in BIPV and rooftop solar panels.

Overall, new solar power technology has the potential to make solar power even more affordable, accessible, and efficient. As these technologies continue to develop and mature, we can expect to see solar power play an increasingly important role in our energy mix.

 

Business Advice, Climate, Energy, News

CoAlternatives – What are the Realistic Options for Replacing Coal in Energy Production?

Coal has been our primary fuel for generations – it’s time to look at CoAlternatives

The drive to reduce global carbon emissions has put the spotlight on one of the world’s oldest and most prevalent energy sources: coal. As the primary fuel for electricity generation in many parts of the world, coal’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is considerable. Recognizing this, nations, industries, and communities have sought sustainable and efficient ‘coalternatives’. Let’s delve into the most promising options for coal replacement.

 

  1. Natural Gas: The Bridge Fuel

Natural gas emits about half the CO2 compared to coal when burned, making it a favourable short-term alternative. The development of hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) has made vast reserves of natural gas accessible. However, there are concerns. Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is itself a potent greenhouse gas. Accidental leaks in extraction and transportation can offset some of the climatic benefits. Nevertheless, in the transition away from coal, natural gas serves as a “bridge” before fully renewable sources can dominate the energy landscape.

 

  1. Bioenergy and Black Pellets

Using organic materials, like plant matter and waste, can produce both electricity and fuels.  Unlike fossil fuels, organic sources offer a more sustainable cycle of energy production, with plants absorbing CO2 during growth.

Black pellets are an example of an innovative biomass energy source, that genuinely offers a sustainable alternative to coal.

CoAlternative Energy Ltd (CAE) is an English cleantech company that produces industrially environmentally friendly black pellets (CAE Green Energy Pellets) to replace fossil fuels.

Produced by a steam explosion technology, used in the paper and pulp industry for 150 years and commercially proven with plants operating in Europe, these pellets have a much higher energy density and are water resistant and are the next generation improvement on the current industry standard being traditional white pellets. Furthermore, a coal fired power plant wishing to convert to white pellets requires them to make a circa $150-$200 million capex whereas conversion to black pellets requires no capex investment. Environmentally, the adoption of black pellets reduces greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, and the source of the material is fire damaged and diseased forests.  CAE plans to produce 360,000 tonnes of pellets per year.

When burned, black pellets release the carbon absorbed by plants during their growth, creating a relatively balanced carbon cycle, a circa 95% reduction in carbon released by coal. Their production also encourages responsible forestry, promoting ecosystem health. As global energy needs surge, incorporating black pellets can bridge the gap between environmental responsibility and energy demands, taking a step toward a greener future.

 

  1. Nuclear Energy: Massive Potential, Significant Concerns

Nuclear energy offers tremendous power with nearly zero emissions. Its capability to provide continuous electricity (base-load power) rivals that of coal plants. But, nuclear has its set of challenges. The aftermaths of Chernobyl and Fukushima have highlighted the potential risks. Moreover, disposing of radioactive waste and the threats of nuclear proliferation remain unresolved issues. Still, with newer and safer reactor technologies emerging, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), nuclear remains a contender in the post-coal world.

 

  1. Wind Power: Harnessing the Breezes

Wind energy has witnessed a remarkable growth curve. Advancements in turbine technology and falling costs have made it a leading renewable source. In regions with consistent wind, large wind farms are churning out significant electricity, often at costs competitive with or lower than fossil fuels. Its intermittency, dependent on when the wind blows, can be a drawback. But as energy storage solutions improve, so will the reliability of wind energy.

 

  1. Solar Energy: The Power of the Sun

Photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert sunlight directly to electricity, have revolutionized our energy landscape. As with wind, technological advancements and economies of scale have led to rapidly declining costs for solar installations. Solar farms, rooftop installations, and even portable solar solutions are helping wean us off coal. However, solar energy’s intermittent nature, relying on sunlight, requires advances in energy storage for consistent supply.

 

  1. Hydroelectric Power: Rivers at Work

Traditionally a significant power source, hydroelectric dams use flowing water to generate electricity. While not new, hydroelectric power remains a top renewable source. When designed with ecological considerations, they can offer substantial power with minimal emissions. Pumped-storage hydroelectricity, which uses two water reservoirs at different elevations, can act both as a power generator and a massive battery, addressing intermittency issues of other renewables.

 

  1. Emerging Technologies: From Waves to Atoms

Beyond the better-known alternatives, several emerging technologies hold promise:

Wave and Tidal Energy: Extracting power from ocean waves and tides is still in the nascent stages but holds vast potential. As technology matures, the oceans could be significant powerhouses.

Geothermal Energy: Harnessing heat from beneath the Earth’s surface provides a continuous, stable power source. Regions with significant volcanic or tectonic activity are especially promising for geothermal energy.

Fusion: Often dubbed the “holy grail” of energy, nuclear fusion mimics the sun’s process. If commercialized, fusion could provide nearly limitless, clean power. While still experimental, progress in fusion research is noteworthy

 

Conclusion

The movement away from coal for energy production is both a challenge and an opportunity. While coal’s legacy as an energy stalwart is undeniable, the environmental costs of continuing to burn it are too significant to ignore.

As we transition to a sustainable energy future, a mix of the above solutions, tailored to regional needs and resources, will light our way forward. The key is innovation, collaboration, and global commitment. The end of the coal era doesn’t signal the end of energy abundance; instead, it heralds a new dawn of diverse, sustainable, and responsible energy choices.

To learn more about CoAlternatives, visit our website: https://www.coalternative-energy.eu/en-gb

Awards, Energy, News

Consumer Energy Solutions wins big at top national energy awards

A Welsh energy efficiency company is celebrating after taking home two UK awards.

Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) was named National Renewable Heat Installer of the Year and National Insulation and Fabric Installer of the Year at the National Energy Efficiency Awards 2023.

The Swansea-based company was handed the gongs at the ceremony, held at Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Friday (September 29), with the awards recognising best practice across the energy efficiency industry nationally.

The company, which has permanent bases across Wales and the South West and has a workforce of more than 500 people, supports customers in energy-proofing their homes to reduce their carbon footprint and ultimately, their energy bills.

This marks the second year in a row that CES has been named National Renewable Heat Installer of the Year, and the first time being awarded National Insulation and Fabric Installer of the Year, thanks to the experience and dedication of its 70 insulation teams. It is also the first time that one company has won both of these major categories.

Back in February of this year, CES also took the Regional Renewable Heat Installer of the Year and Regional Insulation and Fabric Installer of the Year awards at the Wales Energy Efficiency Awards.

The CES team being presented with the National Renewable Heat Installer of the Year Award

On the award wins, Lewis John, Managing Director, Consumer Energy Solutions, said: “This recognition underscores our commitment to excellence in the energy efficiency industry and the positive impact we are making in homes across Wales and the South West.

“We’re already leading the way in delivering money-saving energy efficiency improvements and are thrilled that our contribution has been recognised both regionally and nationally.

“Winning these awards wouldn’t be possible without the tireless effort of every single person working within our organisation, from our installers to the teams out in the field, and everyone at our headquarters.

“It’s recognition that we’re doing something right in our quest to help as many people as possible reduce their energy bills and carbon emissions.”

Established in 2016, Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) delivers money-saving energy efficiency improvements to homes across South Wales and the South West. The company employs more than 500 people and to date has installed energy efficient solutions in more than 8,000 homes. CES is an approved installer of Government backed scheme ECO4.

For more information, visit: https://www.consumerenergysolutions.co.uk/

Energy, News

Octopus Energy unveils next stage in smart heat revolution at Energy Tech Summit

  • ‘Cosy Octopus’ is the first heating eco-system of its kind in the UK
  • Integrates heat pump, controls, room sensors, tariff and 5-star service package 
  • Octopus Energy CEO: “British designed, British manufactured, optimised for British homes. Another major step in opening up heat pumps for everyone”

 

Octopus Energy CEO Greg Jackson last Friday launched the smart heating system Cosy Octopus with the vow: “This paves the way to heat pumps for everyone.”

Jackson launched the heating system at the WIRED & Octopus Energy Tech Summit in London. It will be available from December.

It consists of the ‘Cosy 6’, Octopus’ new heat pump; ‘Cosy Hub’, a home controls system; ‘Cosy Pods’, room sensors; a bespoke smart tariff; and the award-winning Octopus 5-star service.

 

‘Cosy Octopus’ is free for homes that don’t need any work to fit the system after the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). Homes that need adjustments – such as new radiators, piping or a hot water tank – will get the system from around £3,000 after the grant.

The system will enter the market with a 6kW heat pump – aimed at a typical three-bed UK home – with more and larger models following over the next six months.

 

‘Cosy 6’ is Octopus Energy’s first heat pump built entirely in-house. It was designed by Dr Jason Cassells, CEO of Octopus-acquired Renewable Energy Devices (now known as Octopus Heating), and manufactured in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, and has six patent applications pending.

The home controls system ‘Cosy Hub’ and ‘Cosy Pods’ were developed by a team in London led by electrical engineer Derya Robinson.

 

‘Cosy 6’s isn’t just as warm as a boiler, but its radical new design ends the world of “ugly heat pumps” and the ‘Cosy Pods’ ensure comfort across the house, efficiently.

Powered by Octopus’ technology platform Kraken, the Cosy eco-system works seamlessly to offer the best performance at the cheapest and greenest times, allowing customers to save money on heating bills without compromising on comfort.

 

Octopus entered the heat pump market in 2021 with the launch of Britain’s first R&D centre for heat pumps in Slough. Since then the company has invested over £50 million to drive the rollout of heat pumps and help decarbonise the UK.

 

The heating of buildings accounts for over 17% of carbon emissions in the UK**. The country is targeting 600,000 heat pump installations a year by 2028 as part of wider efforts to reduce these emissions and reach net zero.

 

Greg Jackson, Founder of Octopus Energy Group, comments: “This is a huge day for clean heating. The combination of a high-temperature heat pump (as hot as a gas boiler), Octopus smart tariffs and room sensors across your home doesn’t just open up cheaper clean heating – but more comfort too.”

In just eight years, Octopus Energy has challenged legacy market incumbents to become the second largest energy supplier in the UK, famous for its fair pricing and exceptional customer service (the only Which? Recommended Energy supplier for six years in a row).

The Energy Tech Summit was hosted in partnership with WIRED. Speakers at the event included Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, Tim Peake, the first British astronaut to do a space walk and business leader Deborah Meaden.

 

Energy, South Wales, Sustainability, Swansea, West Wales

Consumer Energy Solutions marks major milestone

CES has installed 30,000 solar panels

A SWANSEA-BASED consumer energy efficiency company is marking a major milestone as it fits its 30,000th solar panel since it began installations just two years ago.

Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) supports customers in energy-proofing their homes to reduce their carbon footprint and ultimately, their energy bills. The company, which has permanent bases in South Wales, North Wales, West Wales and Exeter, began installing solar PV as a single measure through the Local Authority Delivery Scheme (LADs) in autumn 2021, before introducing them as double measures with loft insulation and as part of a multiple measure whole house approach through the government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) in 2022.

 

CES currently employs over 500 staff who undertake the installations, from solar PV installers, to roofers, heating engineers and electricians, alongside the management team based at its Swansea headquarters.

Working with a selection of products and manufacturers, including Swanson McKay, Greentech, CEF and UKPS, CES can tailor its offering to suit homeowners and has successfully implemented cost-effective energy-saving measures to over 8,000 homes across the UK. Of these customers, 2,800 had solar PV roof installations, which were paid for entirely with government backed grants sourced by CES.

 

To ensure the company’s workforce remains foremost in its field and to meet consumer demand, CES recently invested £0.5 million on a dedicated training facility in Cardiff for all solar and renewable heating training, as well as offering full electrical and health and safety qualifications to all installers.

 

Sam Wilson, Head of Solar at Consumer Energy Solutions, said: “As a business we only started installing solar panels in late 2021 and in that time, we have installed 30,000 units via just over 2,800 projects. We are proud to reach this milestone and thank our entire team of energy efficiency professionals who work together to identify opportunities and carry out the energy-saving modifications needed for each property.

“Coming into winter, we appreciate home-owners will be more mindful of turning the lights or heating on and we are committed to supporting anyone concerned about their energy usage.”

 

—

A large section of CES installations come from the government backed ECO 4 scheme. This is predominantly helping those off the gas grid using oil, LPG, electric or solid fuels for their heating qualify for energy saving measures. To see if you can qualify, please visit www.consumerenergysolutions.co.uk or contact 01792 721162.

Business, Charity & CSR, Energy

Tackling Fuel Poverty: The Ambitious Goal of a Not-So-Famous Comparison Site

In the vast and competitive world of price comparison websites, one stands out not just for its commitment to helping consumers find the best deals, but also for its dedication to a social cause. Utility Saving Expert, founded in 2014 by Chris Richards, is on a mission to combat fuel poverty in the UK while helping consumers and businesses save money on their bills.

 

A Social Conscience in a Commercial World

The problem of fuel poverty is significant. More than 10% of homes in England are classified as fuel poor, meaning they face the heart-wrenching decision of choosing between heating and eating.

That’s where Utility Saving Expert differs from it’s competitors.

Like other energy and insurance comparison sites, Utility Saving Experts primary goal is to help consumers and businesses save money – however, it also has a broader vision. The company pledges to donate 10% of its net profits annually to charities fighting fuel poverty across the UK. This initiative, aptly named the “Fuel Poverty Promise,” is a testament to the company’s commitment to making a positive impact on society.

 

Utility Saving Expert believes that everyone deserves a warm home without making such sacrifices elsewhere, and their approach to tackling fuel poverty is multifaceted, with a commitment to:

  • Helping consumers and businesses find cheaper energy deals.
  • Provide tips for improving energy efficiency.
  • Offer advice on managing money and debt.
  • Indirect support through charity donations.

 

A Pioneering Approach

Many in the industry focus primarily on profits, but Utility Saving Expert’s founding principle was different. From its inception, the company’s goal has been twofold: to help consumers save money and to fight fuel poverty.

The two charities that Utility Saving Expert supports, National Energy Action (NEA) and Energy Action Scotland (EAS), work tirelessly to end fuel poverty in various regions of the UK. NEA, for instance, collaborates with governments, housing providers, and volunteers to bring about real social change.

 

Chris Richards, the Founder of Utility Saving Expert, commented,

“Our primary mission has always been to make a tangible difference in the fight against fuel poverty. The more people become aware of our platform and utilise it, the more funds we can allocate to this crucial cause at the end of each financial year. However, it’s no secret that we’re up against established giants like Money Super Market, Go Compare, and Compare the Market. The competition is fierce, but our commitment to social responsibility sets us apart. Every user who chooses our platform over others is directly contributing to a brighter, warmer future for many.”

 

How Can You Help?

The fight against fuel poverty is not just for companies or charities; individuals can play a part too. By using Utility Saving Expert to compare energy or insurance prices and switching to a better deal, consumers can contribute to the cause. The service is free, and the company donates a portion of its commission received from energy suppliers and insurance firms to charity. This means that users can save money for themselves while also helping vulnerable households across the UK.

 

Utility Saving Expert is redefining the role of comparison websites. In a world where businesses often prioritise profits over people, it’s refreshing to see a company that’s committed to making a real difference. Their unique approach to fighting fuel poverty is a testament to the power of businesses to drive positive social change.