Homeowners planning to install an electric vehicle charger must now meet specific eligibility rules and follow a strict approval process to access government support worth up to £500.

The scheme runs until March 2027 and is designed to support domestic charging installations, alongside new electric rules, but funding depends heavily on property setup and the correct procedural steps.

Missing any requirement before installation could result in losing access to the grant entirely.

What is the £500 EV charger grant?

The £500 EV charger grant is an updated version of an existing government scheme that previously offered around £350 per installation.

It is part of a long-running programme designed to support the rollout of home EV charging infrastructure, but was revised in 2026 to increase funding while tightening eligibility and focusing support on more complex installation scenarios.

Rather than a new scheme, it is a continuation of existing support with updated funding levels, revised criteria and a narrower focus.

Who qualifies for the EV grant?

Eligibility is now targeted and depends mainly on the type of property and how the charger will be installed.

Homeowners may qualify if they:

• Do not have a driveway or garage
• Rely on on-street parking
• Require additional installation work, such as pavement crossings or protected cabling systems
• Have an eligible EV (owned, leased or on order)

The scheme is aimed at households where installing a charger is not straightforward, rather than homes with simple private driveway installations.

The type of vehicle does not affect eligibility in terms of brand or model, as long as it is an eligible electric or plug-in vehicle suitable for home charging under the scheme rules.

What you must do before installation

Even if eligible, homeowners must follow a strict process before any installation work begins.

To qualify for the grant, homeowners must:

• Use an OZEV-approved installer
• Ensure their installer handles required grid notification and approvals
• Confirm all equipment meets approved technical standards
• Begin installation only after formal approval is given

Nigel King, Group Operations Director at Eurocar Group, also highlighted a commonly overlooked requirement: “Before installing any charging points at your home… you first need to submit an Energy Networks Association application to your Distribution Network Operator (DNO)… so they can confirm you have the correct equipment and setup.”

He added: “If this is not carried out… you might not be covered on your house insurance if something goes wrong.”

Installers typically manage much of the paperwork, but responsibility for ensuring the correct process is followed remains essential from the outset.

With the scheme closing on 31 March 2027, homeowners have a limited window to get both approval and installation completed in time.

While the £500 EV grant increases available support, it does not simplify the process – meaning those who delay or skip early approval steps are the most likely to miss out entirely.

Plug-in solar panels are being promoted as a simple way for households to generate their own electricity without installing full rooftop panels, following moves to legalise the technology in the UK.

But specialists say the reality is more complicated, with home suitability depending heavily on the condition of a property’s electrical system.

As interest grows in these small-scale solar products, experts are urging households to check their wiring before planning to install plug-in solar systems.

Not every home is automatically suitable

Plug-in solar devices are designed to feed electricity into a home via a standard socket, but that simplicity can mask underlying electrical risks.

According to Kian Milroy, Renewables Electrical Engineer at Heatable, suitability varies significantly from home to home: “Some UK homes will be ready for plug-in solar, but it would be wrong to assume every home is automatically suitable just because the product plugs in.”

He adds that age alone is not a reliable indicator of safety or readiness: “An older home that has had its wiring updated, has a modern consumer unit and has been properly maintained may be in a much better position than a newer property with poor alterations or questionable DIY electrical work."

Electrical standards in UK homes vary widely depending on upgrades, maintenance history, and whether systems include modern protections such as updated consumer units and residual current devices (RCDs), which are designed to reduce the risk of electric shock and overload.

Warning signs in homes

Before connecting plug-in solar or any significant electrical load, Kian recommends checking for signs that a system may not be safe or could need rewiring.

Common warning indicators include:

• Loose, damaged, or cracked sockets
• Scorch marks or discolouration around outlets
• Plugs or sockets that feel unusually warm
• Circuit breakers that trip frequently
• Old-style fuse boxes rather than modern consumer units
• Overloaded extension leads
• Uncertainty about when the wiring was last inspected

Kian Milroy warns that uncertainty itself can be a red flag: “If someone looks at their home and thinks, ‘I’m not sure when any of this was last checked,’ that’s probably the point to slow down and speak to an electrician before assuming any plug-in product is automatically fine.”

Electrical safety bodies in the UK generally recommend periodic inspection of domestic wiring, particularly in older properties or homes that have undergone multiple DIY modifications.

Who plug-in solar actually benefits

Even in homes that are electrically safe, plug-in solar is not a universal solution. The systems typically generate modest amounts of electricity and are best suited to reducing daytime usage rather than powering an entire household.

Households that are at home during the day – such as remote workers, retirees, or families with young children – are more likely to benefit, as they can directly use the electricity being generated.

Kian Milroy says the technology has a clear but limited role: “Plug-in solar has a role to play because it gives more people access to solar, especially those who might not be able to install a full rooftop system. But it can’t solve every problem.”

While plug-in solar offers a lower-cost entry point into renewable energy, experts stress that realistic expectations and safe electrical conditions are essential before installation.

Installing EV chargers is now more complicated than ever, with one leading installer stating, "The era of the simple EV install is over."

New electric rules affecting EV chargers in UK homes have come into force in 2026, changing how installations are designed, assessed and approved.

The updates are reportedly placing greater emphasis on safety, system capacity and how chargers integrate with a home’s wider electrical setup, which is making installations more complex for installers and homeowners.

EV charger installations more complicated than ever

The changes in wiring rules reflect a shift away from straightforward EV charger installations toward more complex system-based design.

Installers must now consider load management, circuit protection, earthing and how the charger interacts with the wider electrical system in the home. Chris Moniz, CEO of Volta EV, says the industry is moving away from simple installations toward integrated energy systems.

"The era of the simple EV install is over," said Chris. "With Amendment 4 [of the Wiring Regulations] now in play, the margin for error has vanished. We’re moving away from simple ‘box-on-a-wall’ deployments toward complex, system-level energy management."

This means installations now require more planning and greater technical precision than before.

Homes may need upgrades before installation is possible

One consequence of the new approach is that some homes will require electrical upgrades before an EV charger can be safely installed.

This is particularly relevant for older properties where existing wiring or consumer units may not be designed for higher sustained electrical loads.

Instead of being a simple add-on, EV charging is increasingly dependent on the condition and capacity of the existing home electrical system. This adds a layer of assessment before installation can even take place.

However, some homeowners may qualify for a £500 grant for EV chargers if they meet certain criteria to offset some of these costs.

Warnings that margin for error has narrowed

The key concern raised by Chris Moniz is that installations are becoming less forgiving.

As EV chargers become part of wider, interconnected home energy systems, mistakes in design or installation can have greater consequences. Moniz warned that under the new rules, the industry is operating with a significantly reduced margin for error.

For homeowners, this means EV charging is now being treated as part of a broader electrical upgrade rather than a simple appliance installation.

Heat pump tumble dryers are expected to become more widely used in UK homes under proposals that would see traditional condenser tumble dryers phased out.

The new efficiency rules form part of wider net-zero policies and could effectively act as a ban on conventional models over time.

The shift is expected to influence the appliances available to homeowners when replacing tumble dryers, as well as how laundry spaces are designed and used in the home.

What are the proposed changes?

The proposals form part of wider government plans to update ecodesign and energy efficiency standards for household appliances.

Under the draft measures, traditional condenser tumble dryers would be phased out over time, with future market access expected to favour higher-efficiency alternatives such as heat pump models.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has stated that the reforms are intended to reduce household energy consumption and support wider decarbonisation goals across domestic appliances.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has linked the proposals to broader energy system reform, stating: “The era of fossil fuel security is over, and the era of clean energy security must come of age.”

The policy aligns with similar efficiency frameworks already operating in the European Union, where appliance standards have increasingly shifted towards lower-energy technologies.

Implications for homeowners

Heat pump tumble dryers are expected to become more common as appliance standards shift towards lower-energy technologies, influencing replacement options in future homes.

For homeowners, this means heat pump models are likely to replace traditional condenser tumble dryers in the market increasingly.

Heat pump models operate at lower temperatures, which reduces energy use but typically leads to longer drying cycles. This may affect day-to-day laundry routines.

A key practical change is installation flexibility, as heat pump tumble dryers do not require external venting and can be sited in a wider range of utility spaces, kitchens or apartments.

While not directly regulated under Building Regulations, appliance energy use is included in SAP calculations for new homes, meaning more efficient models can contribute to overall dwelling EPCs.

Best heat pump tumble dryers

Why have the changes been made?

The proposed changes are part of the government’s wider strategy to reduce household energy use and support net zero targets.

Heat pump tumble dryers typically operate at around 50°C, compared with around 70–75°C for conventional condenser tumble dryers, using a heat-recycling system that reduces electricity consumption. This higher efficiency is the basis for their promotion in updated appliance standards.

By encouraging lower-energy technologies, policymakers aim to reduce overall domestic electricity demand and cut carbon emissions associated with household appliance use. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero estimates that heat pump tumble dryers could save households up to £910 over a 20-year lifespan through reduced tumble dryer running costs.

The changes also align UK appliance efficiency standards more closely with existing ecodesign rules in other markets, including the European Union, where similar efficiency-based requirements have already been introduced for domestic tumble dryers.

However, the scale of change delivered will be determined by how the policy is implemented and the speed at which manufacturers and homeowners respond to the transition.

Octopus Go and Intelligent Octopus Go customers are facing price increases from 1 May 2026, with some saying they were given just 10–11 days’ notice of the change.

The tariffs are popular with electric vehicle owners for offering cheaper overnight charging electricity, but both off-peak rates and standing charges are set to rise.

Octopus Energy says the energy price rises are allowed under variable tariff rules and driven by “ongoing global volatility”.

What is Octopus Go?

Octopus Go and Intelligent Octopus Go are smart electricity tariffs designed mainly for electric vehicle owners.

They offer cheaper overnight electricity for a set number of hours – typically five or six – to encourage off-peak charging of EVs at home. The same discounted rate can also apply to other household electricity use during those hours, depending on the tariff.

Intelligent Octopus Go also uses smart charging to automatically schedule EV charging when electricity is cheapest or lowest carbon intensity.

Because usage varies widely between households, overall costs depend heavily on how much charging is done overnight versus daytime use.

What the Octopus Go price increases are

Customers were informed on 20 April that prices will rise from 1 May, affecting both Octopus Go and Intelligent Octopus Go tariffs.

The main change is an increase in the off-peak unit rate, alongside a rise in standing charges of around 52p per month on average, according to customer communications.

Octopus Energy has said the increases reflect “ongoing global volatility”, while noting that the tariffs remain among the cheapest available for EV charging. The company added that variable tariffs can move up or down depending on wholesale costs and policy charges.

Customer reaction and Martin Lewis response

Some Octopus Go and Intelligent Octopus Go customers have expressed frustration after receiving what they say was around 10–11 days’ notice of the price changes coming into effect on 1 May.

Several said the timing was confusing, particularly as rates had only recently been reduced earlier in April.

One customer told the company they were “shocked with the short notice”, while another said the change felt “too quick after the last price drop”, according to messages shared with the supplier.

"Two weeks notice of change. And they say they review every three months. Also wiping out the Government's levy and costing us more than before" another person commented on X.

Writing on X in response to a customer query about the change, MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis said: “Doesn't sound great, but just to be technical. Octopus Go is not a price capped tariff so it didn't move due to drop in Price Cap. It dropped due to the removal of some govt policy costs from energy bills (which is the same reason the cap moved but still they're separate).”

His comments highlight that Octopus Go is a variable tariff, meaning prices can change outside of the energy price cap system depending on supplier costs and policy charges.

Octopus Energy refused to comment specifically on customers concerns when contacted, but they have said the changes are permitted under variable tariff rules and that, despite the increases, the EV tariffs remain among the cheapest available for overnight charging.

Four people have been arrested as part of a £44m fraud investigation linked to the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme.

Although the scheme, which required energy suppliers to fund home insulation and heating upgrades for lower-income households, has now closed, investigators believe some firms may have claimed payment for work that was never completed.

The case adds to the growing scrutiny of retrofit insulation programmes in recent years.

What the £44m fraud investigation is about

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO), working with the National Crime Agency, carried out coordinated raids across England, arresting four individuals on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud.

The investigation centres on claims that companies submitted invoices for insulation work under ECO4 that was either not carried out or only partially completed.

Numerous other firms are being examined in connection with contracts between 2022 and 2024. Authorities believe energy suppliers may have been defrauded of up to £44m through false or inflated claims.

SFO director Graham McNulty said: “This scheme was designed to reduce carbon emissions, help households cut costs and stay warm – instead, in many cases we suspect little or no work was done.”

Wider concerns over insulation schemes

The ECO4 programme has previously faced criticism for repeated failures, including inconsistent installation quality, poor workmanship, and limited oversight across a fragmented supply chain of contractors and subcontractors.

Industry commentary and homeowner reports have highlighted cases of insulation being fitted incorrectly, unsuitable measures being installed, and disputes over whether work met required standards.

MPs have also raised concerns in recent years about how effectively schemes like ECO4 were monitored, particularly given the number of separate organisations involved in delivery and compliance checks.

What happens next

The investigation forms part of a wider crackdown on economic crime, with authorities urging installers, assessors and others involved in ECO4 projects to come forward with information.

Solicitor General Ellie Reeves said: “This scheme was meant to tackle fuel poverty and improve people’s homes. I am sickened by those who want to profit off the back of a scheme designed to help vulnerable people, and I’m confident the SFO’s investigation into allegations of substantial fraud will deliver the answers victims and the public deserve.”

The ECO4 scheme has now ended and is being replaced by the government’s Warm Homes Plan, which will continue funding energy efficiency upgrades such as insulation, solar panels and heat pumps.

New electrical standards coming into force on 15 April 2026 will change how home battery systems are installed across the UK.

The update to the building regulation BS 7671, published by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the British Standards Institution (BSI), introduces tighter rules on where batteries can safely be located.

Lofts and other high-risk areas are now excluded in an effort to improve fire safety and access.

What the new rules say

The new electric rules are set out in Amendment 4 to BS 7671:2018, the UK’s main wiring regulations, which are jointly published by the IET and BSI through the national wiring committee JPEL/64.

The updated guidance introduces a new dedicated section on stationary battery storage systems, including solar batteries, and sets out stricter requirements for their installation.

In practical terms, the rules state that home battery systems should not be installed in loft spaces or escape routes, such as stairways or hallways, where risk is considered higher and access for maintenance or emergency isolation is more difficult.

The update also introduces clearer expectations around safe installation conditions, including ventilation, physical access, and safe isolation points for maintenance.

Why the rules are changing

The revisions are largely driven by safety concerns linked to lithium-ion battery technology, which is now widely used in home energy storage systems.

The IET and BSI-backed standard focuses on reducing the risk of thermal runaway, a condition where battery cells overheat and can potentially ignite.

Lofts are considered unsuitable for several reasons highlighted in industry guidance aligned with BS 7671:

• High temperatures in roof spaces can increase battery stress
• Limited access can delay detection of faults or fires
• Escape routes increase the safety risk if a fire occurs
• Fire spread can be faster in loft spaces due to timber structures and insulation materials

Industry guidance accompanying the standard also stresses the need for batteries to be installed in locations where they can be safely isolated, inspected and maintained.

Where batteries can now be installed

While loft installations are no longer acceptable under the updated guidance, home battery systems can still be installed in a range of safer, more accessible locations.

The standards point towards installations in:

• Ground floor utility rooms
• Garages or dedicated plant areas
• External walls in suitable weatherproof enclosures
• Outbuildings where access and ventilation requirements are met

The key requirement is that systems must be installed in accessible, ventilated locations that do not compromise escape routes and allow safe maintenance and isolation.

In practice, this means homeowners and installers will need to plan battery placement more carefully, rather than treating loft spaces as a default storage location.

As household energy costs continue to bite and global tensions in the Middle East disrupt markets, many UK families are bracing for another round of price rises later this year.

With bills expected to climb to some of their highest levels from July, consumers face price rises on top of already high living expenses, prompting fresh debate over whether and how the government should step in.

Against this backdrop, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has outlined plans that signal a clear shift from blanket support, and consumer champion Martin Lewis has weighed in with his own analysis and predictions on what homeowners should expect next.

Reeves announces support 'for those who need it most'

In a statement to Parliament, Reeves stressed that support for households hit by rising energy costs must be balanced with long‑term fiscal responsibility.

She said: “Contingency planning is taking place for every eventuality so that we can keep costs down for everyone and provide support for those who need it most, acting within our ironclad fiscal rules.”

That approach marks a departure from the universal support schemes of the past and instead focuses on targeted help for vulnerable households.

Labour ministers have backed expanding the powers of regulators like the Competition and Markets Authority to crack down on unfair energy price rises, such as for oil-heated homeowners whose costs doubled in days, a move aimed at stemming profiteering while market volatility persists due to geopolitical shocks.

Martin Lewis reacts to Reeves' announcement

On social media platform X, Martin Lewis outlined the two “domestic energy models” the government could use to intervene, urging readers to consider past approaches.

He reminded followers of the Energy Price Guarantee under Liz Truss - a blanket cap on unit costs that limited bills to around £2,500 a year but was extremely costly for the taxpayer - and contrasted it with the more targeted support packages used later, including flat grants and top‑ups for low‑income households.

Lewis’s commentary reflects a focus on cost‑efficiency and fairness; he has previously welcomed measures that shift costs off bills and into general taxation as a way to deliver concrete cuts to household energy costs - for example, urging that savings from cuts to green levies be passed on to consumers, including those on fixed tariffs.

He has also noted in recent MoneySavingExpert analysis that changes to standing charges and removal of certain policy costs from bills represent incremental relief, but stressed that “more needs to be done” for a meaningful reduction in household outgoings.

What Lewis predicts will happen

Drawing on these models Lewis predicts the government will focus on targeted support rather than a universal energy price cap, echoing Reeves’s goal of helping “those who need it most.”

He warns that while vulnerable households may see meaningful relief, middle‑income and high‑usage homes could get only modest savings.

“Targeted help may ease pressures for those most at risk of fuel poverty, but middle-income and high-usage households might see more modest savings unless broader market reforms take effect, making energy efficiency measures and careful budgeting increasingly critical,” Lewis said.

This approach could include grants, rebates, and small structural changes to bills, but won’t provide the dramatic cuts of previous blanket schemes. Broader reforms and stronger regulation, Lewis adds, will be key to keeping energy costs stable in the future.

UK households are bracing for a significant energy price rises this summer as analysts at Cornwall Insight forecast the energy price cap for July‑September 2026 could reach nearly £1,973, one of the highest levels in recent years outside the worst of the previous energy crisis.

That would represent a jump of more than £330 compared with the current cap of £1,641 for April–June, which itself reflected a recent fall in prices.

The projected surge is being tied to volatility in global gas and oil markets following the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Experts predict 'notably higher price cap'

Analysts at the independent energy consultancy Cornwall Insight calculated their latest forecast using wholesale market price data as of 19 March 2026, estimating the Default Tariff Cap – the annualised cap for a typical household using 11,500 kWh of gas and 2,700 kWh of electricity – at £1,972.53 for July–September 2026.

“Our model shows the potential for a notably higher price cap if current market trends continue,” Cornwall Insight said in its recent commentary.

Although this figure is based on forward wholesale prices rather than final regulatory data, it highlights how global pressures are impacting domestic energy costs.

How large of a rise will this be?

The current energy price cap set by Ofgem for the period 1 April–30 June 2026 is £1,641 for a typical dual‑fuel household paying by direct debit – down from £1,758 in the January–March 2026 quarter.

The average costs are:

• Electricity: £882
• Gas: £759

The July forecast of £1,972.53 represents a £331 increase overall:

• Electricity rises by £72.46 to £954.46
• Gas rises by £259.07 to £1,018.07

If Cornwall Insight’s July forecast holds, the new cap would be £331 higher per year than this current level, meaning households on standard variable tariffs could see their bills rise sharply.

Where would this price hike rank historically?

While the projected July cap would be one of the highest in recent years, it remains below the record peak reached during the 2022–23 energy crisis, when the typical annual cap soared to around £3,500–£4,000 due to global gas price shocks following the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

Analysts note that the July 2026 forecast reflects a return to higher costs driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, rather than an extreme energy crisis.

“Although this isn’t the absolute peak we’ve seen historically, a cap approaching £2,000 still represents a significant burden for many households,” Cornwall Insight added.

Observing how global wholesale energy prices evolve before May will be critical, as Ofgem finalises the official July–September price cap based on data over the preceding three months.

Anyone who has been researching energy efficiency for their new home will have become used to the term ‘fabric first,’ as this is still very much the best method for achieving high energy efficiency levels.

When it comes to zero bills, the less energy you need, the easier it is to draw it all from renewables and remove your reliance on the pay-for grid. But, is this achievable by retrofitting an existing home?

If you are building a new home from scratch, the goal of achieving a very high performance fabric is a little less complex, as you're not dealing with an existing structure that is complicated, unknown and very often expensive to treat.

But, when renovating, it's often trickier. That said, once you have treated the fabric of the home as best as you can, that is when you can get an energy requirement calculation and determine which technologies are best suited to delivering comfort to the home, and how close to ‘zero’ you can actually get.

What does zero energy bills really mean?

Zero bills can be defined in a number of ways. Having absolutely no direct running costs may be the initial understanding of the term, and it is true to say that if we put enough solar panels and batteries on a home then we could potentially have a home that had zero bills.

However, the capital cost would be very high, so the question is, should this calculation also include replacement cost of equipment, as this would then require the home to generate an income that was sufficient to cover capital replacement?

The more common use of the term zero bills has usually involved some form of offset. This can be referred to as ‘Net Zero’. The home generates enough energy to cover its use in a fixed period, which is usually a year. The generation will be greater in summer, and the use is greater in winter, but on average they cancel each other out. This can be calculated on an energy used basis, or on a financial cost basis.

It's also common to hear of performance targets such as Passivhaus in relation to Net Zero or zero bills. These are much more achievable on a new build. The retrofit equivalent of Passivhaus is EnerPHit which has certain details that are different, due to the fact that some things simply cannot feasibly be achieved on an existing building.

EnerPHit is however still a very high standard, and as such many homeowners do not set the bar that high, due to budget, average home prices in the street, or simply due to the disruption and expected project duration. It is nonetheless important to know where the bar is being set.

Achieving zero energy bills in an existing home

Energy use is simple to calculate. If you use 10000kWh per year then you need to generate 10000kWh per year. Some purists say that if you use this calculation method you should generate around 20% more than you use to account for grid losses.

However, when we look at the financial cost, things get a bit more open to context. Zero bills in this context is often referred to as ‘cost neutral’ or ‘cost positive’ depending on if you generated more income than your energy bills cost.

Historically, the Feed in Tariff for energy generated on solar photovoltaic panels was many times higher than the actual cost per unit of imported electricity. Therefore the early adopters were earning around £2,200 a year tax free, when their annual energy bills were only around £1,200. This was cost positive.

But, because energy prices rose a lot quicker than inflation, and generation income revenue rates tumbled, it soon became the case that the generation income did not cover the cost of the energy bills. It then became more important for homeowners to find ways of using less energy in the home by insulating, draught-proofing and turning appliances and heating off, or down, when not required.

It also became very important to use any energy generated at the time it was generated. Careful consideration of energy management in the home became increasingly important.

Appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers that could be set up to automatically operate during the day, are now standard for better managed homes. Battery storage systems have become more popular, especially as installation costs fall. The uptake of electric vehicles has also meant that excess energy generation can be stored in the vehicle battery.

All of these technologies, including the increased installation of heat pumps, are based on electricity. The collective term being used for all the electric based products being installed on our homes is ‘electro-tech’ and by deploying smart electro-tech into our homes, the management of energy use becomes easier.

How energy companies are encouraging zero bills

Octopus Energy has embraced the zero energy drive and launched – Octopus Energy Zero Bills Homes. With this scheme, the energy use of your home is calculated and the scheme will guarantee you have no bills for 10 years providing you install solar PV, solar battery storage, an air source heat pump and use an electric vehicle and let them manage it.

This is currently available on certain new build properties with various terms and conditions and fair use policies but Octopus Energy is planning to roll it out to include retrofitting in existing homes too.

I can only see this growing and other energy companies following suit. It’s the way homes are being developed now. We no longer fit industrial infrastructure to houses. We instead manage the homes as complete energy systems, which includes changing how, and when, we use energy.

In my view, zero bills is not a pipe-dream, it's real and it’s happening now. It is however easier to achieve if you have lower energy use to start with. The lower your energy use, the smaller your electro-tech, and therefore the lower your capital costs and the better your return on investment.

Achieving zero bills is not difficult, making it pay for itself though, requires careful planning and managed work.

To start your journey towards a zero energy bills life, you'll need to firstly understand how to work out your energy needs and choose the right renewables. Then, make sure you understand the key fabric first factors such as the best types of home insulation to ensure your home isn't leaking heat before you start.

Ofgem has issued a stern warning to Elon Musk’s company, saying it “will not hesitate” to use its enforcement powers if Tesla fails to meet its regulatory obligations in the UK.

The energy regulator confirmed that Tesla Energy Ventures Limited has been granted a licence to supply electricity to British homes, but emphasised the company will face the same obligations as all other suppliers.

The decision has ignited controversy among politicians and campaigners, who have raised concerns about the company’s role in critical infrastructure.

Controversy over Tesla’s UK energy plans

The granting of a licence to Tesla has prompted sharp political criticism.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said the Government should intervene, tweeting that “Ed Miliband must step in and bar Tesla from holding an energy licence” and warning that “Elon Musk is a threat to our national security and clearly not a fit person to operate in our energy industry”.

"We can't have the lights go out because he's having a strop on X," he added.

Campaign group Best for Britain, which led opposition to the licence, said its supporters had raised what it called “real public concern” about giving Musk access to the UK’s energy supply, describing the decision as a “powergrab” and urging ministers to reverse it.

Supporters of the protest, which garnered over 18,000 signatures aiming to prevent the license being granted, highlighted Musk’s public statements and social media activity during the consultation process as reasons they believed he should not be entrusted with energy infrastructure.

What Tesla’s plans are for the UK energy market?

Tesla Energy Ventures’ new licence allows it to supply electricity to both domestic and non-domestic customers across England, Scotland and Wales following a seven‑month assessment by Ofgem.

Tesla has existing energy‑related operations, including its Powerwall home battery storage systems, and a similar retail electricity service in Texas that integrates solar panels, battery storage and grid services.

The UK licence allows Tesla to offer energy services that tie together its technology products with electricity supply, although the company has not publicly disclosed detailed plans for tariffs or rollout.

Tesla itself did not immediately provide a comment on Ofgem’s decision, but in other markets the company has spoken of its ambition to enable customers to “power your home, electric vehicle and community with low‑cost sustainable electricity”.

Ofgem’s response to the concerns over Tesla

Ofgem’s approval came with a clear message on oversight. The regulator said its detailed assessment found that Tesla Energy Ventures meets all statutory requirements to be licensed as an energy supplier, and that the firm will be “subject to the same binding obligations, monitoring and enforcement as all other suppliers from day one”.

An Ofgem spokesperson stressed that compliance will be monitored continuously and that the regulator “will not hesitate to use our powers where standards are not met”.

These powers include the ability to revoke a licence with only 30 days notice and to issue financial penalties under certain terms.

They added that consumers “remain firmly in control” with the freedom to choose their supplier and switch if they wish, reinforcing that protecting consumer choice is central to its approach.

Ofgem’s stance underlines that while new entrants are welcome in the competitive UK energy market, they must uphold regulatory standards and prioritise consumer protections, with enforcement action ready if those obligations are breached.

The government has announced an immediate £50 million safety net for rural households struggling with soaring heating oil prices.

Families who rely on oil for their homes have faced sharp energy-price rises, with some paying double what they did just a month ago.

The funding aims to ensure vulnerable households can afford to top up their tanks and keep their homes warm as winter draws to a close.

Support for families in rural communities

Over £50 million will be made available to low-income households across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with funding distributed via local authorities and the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves tried reassuring homeowners: “Heating oil prices have spiked sharply, and I know that for families in rural communities, that is a real and urgent problem. That’s why we’re putting over £50 million of support to help the people who need it most.”

The funding is targeted at areas most reliant on oil heating, helping households cover the cost of deliveries and access hot water even as prices remain high.

Tackling price hikes and delivery issues

Heating oil prices doubled last week, largely due to global conflicts affecting crude oil and kerosene markets. Many households must pay upfront lump sums for deliveries, and some have reported being left without oil entirely.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “This government is committed to fighting people’s corner in tackling cost of living pressures. With this investment, alongside new measures to protect customers against unfair practices, we are standing up for the British people.”

New protections for heating oil-reliant homeowners

Unlike gas and electricity, heating oil is not currently covered by a price cap, leaving households exposed to sudden spikes. The government plans to introduce stronger consumer protections, including:

• Enhanced delivery flexibility and a formal Priority Customers Register for vulnerable households.
• Greater price transparency and more repayment options for those facing hardship.
• Oversight by the Competition and Markets Authority to prevent unjustified price increases.
• Consideration of a new regulator or ombudsman to champion consumer rights.

Personal finance expert Martin Lewis has highlighted that some homeowners are being left without deliveries as prices double, emphasising the urgent need for these protections. Families experiencing immediate hardship are encouraged to contact their local authorities to access funding and support.

Wales has announced a major update to its building regulations, requiring all new homes to include a system for renewable electricity generation.

The move makes Wales the first part of the UK to implement such a widespread renewable energy mandate for residential buildings.

This article outlines exactly what the rules require and why it's not just for solar panels, which homes they apply to, and when the changes will take effect.

What is being required

Under the amended Part L of the Building Regulations 2010, any newly constructed dwelling or building containing a dwelling must install a system capable of generating renewable electricity on-site.

As the regulations state, a new requirement is being added so that “when a dwelling or a building containing a dwelling is erected, a system for renewable electricity generation must be installed on-site.”

While the law does not specifically mention solar panels, the requirement ensures that new homes contribute to on-site renewable energy generation. Alternative renewable systems may be allowed in cases where solar is technically impractical.

• Solar PV Panels – The most common and practical solution for homes
• Wind Turbines – Only feasible in sites with enough space and wind resource
• Micro-Hydro Systems – For homes with access to flowing water; very rare in typical housing

Which homes will this apply to

The requirement applies to all new dwellings built in Wales, including single-family homes, apartments, and mixed-use buildings with residential units.

The regulations state exceptions may exist where physical site conditions make it impossible to install an on-site renewable electricity system capable of meeting minimum energy standards.

When the changes will come into effect

The updated regulations will come into force on 4 March 2027, and will apply to any new building where construction has not already begun by that date.

Self-builders and developers will need to ensure renewable electricity systems are included in planning and construction to comply with the new standards.

England is still waiting for the introduction of the Future Homes Standard, which is expected to bring similar requirements for new homes.

Millions of UK households that rely on heating oil are being urged to report sudden price rises amid concerns some customers could be charged far more than expected.

The intervention from consumer campaigner Martin Lewis comes after reports that some suppliers have dramatically increased prices or cancelled existing deliveries before offering the fuel again at higher rates.

It has prompted Energy Secretary Ed Miliband to write to distributors warning them that customers must be treated fairly.

What Martin Lewis has said

Martin Lewis said he had spoken directly with Ed Miliband about problems facing households that rely on heating oil, particularly those in rural areas and Northern Ireland.

Posting online, he said heating oil was “the most immediate concern” for many households currently refilling their tanks.

He warned that prices had “rocketed”, with some reports suggesting they had “nearly doubled in a week”.

Martin Lewis said his biggest concerns were:

• People who cannot afford the new price
• The lack of regulation, because heating oil is not overseen by Ofgem
• Reports that existing booked deliveries were cancelled and customers asked to rebook at higher prices

He said that if reports of cancelled orders being repriced were confirmed, it would be “out of order”.

He asked households experiencing price spikes or delivery issues to send him evidence so it can be passed directly to ministers.

Around 1.5 million homes in the UK rely on heating oil, many of them in rural areas with off-grid heating, and these households are not protected by the energy price cap.

Miliband tells suppliers pricing must be fair

In response, Ed Miliband and Energy Minister Michael Shanks wrote to the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association, which represents heating-oil suppliers.

In the letter, the ministers said they were aware the situation in the Middle East was putting pressure on fuel markets but stressed customers must be treated fairly.

They wrote that the government’s expectation is that pricing should be, “fair, transparent and fully justifiable”.

The ministers also warned distributors they remain bound by consumer-protection and competition law, adding: “Suppliers should ensure that any changes in pricing are clearly explained to customers and reflect genuine changes in supply costs.”

Ed Miliband said he realised it was a "particularly worrying time" for those on oil heating, but that he was working with the competition watchdog to "stamp out unfair practices like price gouging".

Oil prices fall today – but households may not see it for a while

The row comes even as global oil markets have begun to fall after a sharp spike earlier in the week.

Brent crude – the global benchmark – briefly surged to $119.50 per barrel (about £94) during the height of market fears about supply disruption. By Tuesday it had dropped to around $91.70 per barrel (about £72) as markets reacted to signs tensions might ease.

However, households that rely on heating oil may not see those lower prices immediately.

Heating-oil costs depend not only on crude oil but also on refining costs, wholesale kerosene markets, transport and distribution, meaning global price changes can take time to filter through to domestic deliveries.

For households needing to refill tanks now – often with minimum orders of about 500 litres – the immediate impact could still be significantly higher bills even as global oil prices begin to fall.

UK households that depend on central oil heating are facing a sharp jump in fuel costs as global oil markets react to the escalating Middle East conflict.

Live pricing from HomeFuels Direct - one of the UK’s major domestic heating oil suppliers - reveals that costs for typical deliveries have risen dramatically over just the past week.

These increases come at a time when around 1.7 million UK homes still rely on heating oil rather than mains gas, making many off‑grid households particularly vulnerable to volatile fossil fuel price rises.

Live UK heating oil prices

As of early March 2026, HomeFuels Direct’s live supplier quotes show heating oil prices significantly above levels seen even a few weeks ago:

• 500 litres: ~120 pence per litre (£630)
• 900 litres: ~119 pence per litre (£1,124)

For comparison, heating oil prices earlier this year were far lower. Pricing data from OilCompare shows UK averages in January 2026 were typically around 58–60 p per litre, with some larger-order quotes falling to about 53 p per litre in mid-February. In other words, today’s quotes in some areas are more than double what households were paying only weeks ago, highlighting how quickly global market volatility can feed through to off-grid heating costs.

These oil heating prices look even worse when compared to previous years' prices:

• 2018–2019: ~35–40p per litre (typical UK delivered price range)
• 2020–2021: ~43–48p per litre
• 2022 (pre‑war in Ukraine): ~48–52p per litre
• 2023 (post‑Ukraine conflict volatility): ~52–57p per litre
• 2024 average: ~56–61p per litre
• Early 2026 (before the recent spike): ~53–60p per litre

(Sources: OilCompare)

Why prices have risen quickly

The UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA) - the trade body for liquid fuel distributors - explains that recent volatility in oil markets is feeding directly into what UK homeowners pay for heating oil:

• Crude oil and refined fuel markets have experienced sudden upward price pressure amid the Middle East crisis, affecting the cost of the kerosene used in domestic heating oil.
• Domestic oil distributors generally buy fuel close to the time of delivery rather than stockpiling it, so wholesale price moves translate rapidly into retail quotes.
• Many UK households using heating oil are not covered by the regulated energy price cap, meaning there’s no buffer against sudden global price swings.

This combination of international market factors and local distribution practices helps explain why some UK households are suddenly quoted much higher prices than just a fortnight ago.

Should I buy central heating oil now?

With prices having doubled in days, homeowners are understandably asking whether they should order oil now or wait in hopes of lower costs.

Kaj Adams, founder and director of operations at AnnorlundaDM, described the difficulties he has faced with his own order.

He said: “Early warning for anyone on heating oil my last order has just been subjected to one of the following three options. Maintain delivery date but the price will be whatever it is on the day before delivery, cancel order and have cold showers, or keep order at current price and have a delivery when oil price has dropped to February levels. My new estimated delivery date is 2nd November. Probably best not get close enough to smell me for a couple of weeks.”

Phil Murray, chief executive officer of WCF Fuels, offered practical guidance for households navigating volatile markets. He said “for customers the best approach during periods of market volatility is simply to plan ahead where possible and order in good time before tanks become low. Our teams across WCF Fuels remain focused on supporting customers and maintaining reliable deliveries.”

Practical advice for consumers includes:

• Order judiciously: If your oil tank is low, placing a delivery sooner rather than later can help avoid running out during cold spells - but avoid ordering far more than you need simply because of a temporary peak.
• Compare quotes: Using price‑comparison services like HomeFuels Direct can help identify the best deals from multiple UK suppliers on the same day, potentially saving you tens of pence per litre.
• Monitor short‑term trends: If your tank still has reasonable fuel, watching live prices for a short period may uncover small drops as markets respond to changing global conditions.

Michael Shanks, Member of Parliament and Minister for Energy, emphasised the government’s role in protecting consumers. He said: “Today Ed Miliband and I have written to the heating oil industry regarding price increases for households and businesses. It is vital that customers are treated fairly. Price gouging will not be tolerated. The Competition and Markets Authority will take any action necessary to protect families.”

Nationwide is expanding its Green Additional Borrowing offer, letting homeowners borrow up to £20,000 interest-free for eco-friendly home improvements.

The scheme is available for existing mortgage customers and includes upgrades like solar panels, insulation, and energy-efficient windows.

Following a successful first round in 2024, demand is high, and homeowners looking to create their own eco homes are urged to apply quickly before availability runs out.

0% loans: How do they work?

The Green Additional Borrowing mortgage allows existing Nationwide mortgage holders to borrow between £5,000 and £20,000 at 0% interest for either two or five year terms.

The loan must be used exclusively for energy-saving improvements, such as boiler upgrades, solar panels, air-source heat pumps, loft or cavity wall insulation, double or triple glazing, and electric car charging points. Monthly payments remain interest-free for the chosen term, after which the remaining balance converts to Nationwide’s standard mortgage rate.

Henry Jordan, Nationwide’s Group Director of Mortgages, said: “We are committed to helping our members improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Extending our zero per cent Green Additional Borrowing products will help another five thousand households who want to retrofit their home and can afford long-term investment but struggle to meet the upfront costs.”

This is an expansion of the 2024 offer, which proved extremely popular. That scheme, also allowing up to £20,000 for green home upgrades, saw its first allocation sell out quickly, demonstrating the appetite for affordable, eco-friendly home improvements.

Who qualifies for Nationwide's 0% loans?

To access the Green Additional Borrowing, homeowners must have an active Nationwide mortgage, with the combined total of their existing mortgage and the additional borrowing not exceeding 90% of the property’s value.

The additional borrowing term cannot exceed the remaining term of the existing mortgage, and only one Green Additional Borrowing mortgage per property is allowed.

Nationwide recommends that interested homeowners act quickly, as the previous round in 2024 sold out fast due to high demand for energy-efficient upgrades.

Why it matters for homeowners

With energy costs rising and climate concerns increasing, the mortgage gives homeowners a practical way to make their homes more energy-efficient without upfront costs.

Home improvements financed through this scheme can reduce energy bills, increase property value, and contribute to the UK’s decarbonisation goals.

By doubling the availability from the initial 2024 offer, Nationwide is making it easier for thousands more households to access interest-free funding for green upgrades, but limited availability means acting quickly is essential.

Smart thermostats let you manage your heating system remotely – either through an app on your phone or tablet, or via a voice assistant like Alexa. This means that even if you're at work or on holiday, you can keep an eye on your home's temperature, adjust it, and even set an automated timer so it's toasty when you arrive.

Some models can even learn your daily routine and automatically adjust based on whether you're home, asleep or away, helping to minimise unnecessary heating and, as a result, reduce your energy bills.

To help you find the best smart thermostat, we've rounded up six of our favourite options below, with all the details you need to know about heating system compatibility, smart home integration, and special features. To find out why Tado's Smart Thermostat X scored top points, keep reading.

The quick list

Short on time? Here’s a quick overview of the best smart thermostats – including quick links to more information.

The best smart thermostat overall

What stood out the most about the Tado Smart Thermostat X is its compatibility with a range of different heating systems – whether you have a combi or system boiler, underfloor heating, or heat pumps – making it a great choice for most homes.

The LCD device is sleek and discreet, displaying the exact temperature of the room in Celsius, along with manual control buttons. You can also adjust the temperature remotely via the smartphone app or through smart home platforms such as Matter, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, the iOS app, or the Android app.

The device helps your home maintain a constant temperature, with the ability to create customised schedules for each room in the house. There is also the option to buy a Tado AI Assist subscription for £3.99 per month, which enables you to pre-heat your home before you arrive, view real-time reports on your energy consumption and costs, benefit from open-window detection, and access air quality optimisation. The thermostat can even detect when you're out to avoid wasting energy.

If you want special features, such as geo-fencing, without paying an additional premium, the Honeywell Home T6R-HW Smart Thermostat is a good alternative (unless you have a heat pump).

• Back to the top ⤴

The best smart thermostat runner-up

The Honeywell Home T6R-HW Smart Thermostat can be used with any boiler or underfloor heating system and helps improve the energy efficiency of your home.

The temperature can be adjusted manually on the interface or through an app or voice assistant (including Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, the iOS app, or the Android app). There is also the option to program a seven-day schedule with six set points – perfect if you have a regular routine.

This smart thermostat can be used to control both your heating and hot water, and it features a "boost" function for a temporary override, so you always have access to a warm shower. There are lots of settings to choose from, including Auto (a programmed schedule), Manual (maintains a constant temperature), Eco (maintains an energy-efficient temperature), and Holiday (a reduced set temperature for when you are away).

We think this is a solid option, but if your home is powered by a heat pump, the Cielo Smart Thermostat Eco may be a better choice.

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The best smart thermostat for combi boilers

The Hive Mini V4 Smart Thermostat has the stamp of approval from Homebuilding's Editor, Beth Murton, and Assistant Editor, Sarah Harley, both of whom have one installed in their homes. It’s suitable for combi boilers and can be controlled manually via the touchscreen display, an app, or a voice assistant (Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Home).

This battery-powered device is OpenTherm compatible and offers frost protection for your pipes, a heating boost of up to six hours, and the ability to schedule up to six time slots each day.

Sarah has the hubless version (available on Screwfix) and loves how easily she can control her heating with the click of a button on her phone – whether that’s adjusting her schedule, boosting the heating, or turning it down when it gets too warm.

"That said, I think you have to be careful about where you place portable thermostats like this, as it's assessing the temperature based on only one room or space. It's not necessarily a Hive issue, but something to consider when thinking about where to locate your smart thermostat," she adds.

"However, the fact this one is portable does make it easier to trial it in different rooms, so you can establish which room will give you the most even temperature across your property."

Don't have a combi boiler? There is also a version for system and heat only boilers from Screwfix.

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The best smart thermostat for zone control

If you want precise temperature control across multiple rooms, we recommend the Honeywell Home Evohome Smart Thermostat, which lets you manage up to 12 different heating zones.

The thermostat has a large touchscreen that displays the temperature of each room and the hot water, as well as a control panel. These features can also be accessed remotely via a smartphone app or through your Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT devices.

You’ll be able to set up an individual seven-day schedule for each room (including six time slots per day), which can be optimised based on the outside temperature, room temperature, and set point. Since it automatically learns your home’s heat capacity, your boiler will run at the lowest possible rate.

The wireless design makes it portable and easy to install, and it’s compatible with 24–230V on/off and OpenTherm appliances, including boilers, zone valves, heat pumps, and district heating systems.

If you're looking for something more affordable, we recommend the Cielo Smart Thermostat Eco, which is around £90 cheaper.

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The best smart thermostat for radiators

These smart thermostatic radiator heads will keep your room at the optimal temperature, controlled via the touchscreen interface, mobile app, or smart platform voice-assistant.

They are compatible with most radiators and each pack comes with six different adaptors for various valve types, including Danfoss (RA, RAV, RAVL), Comap, Herz, Terrier, Siemens, and Olymp. This smart thermostat can be self-installed within five minutes and is powered by a convienient rechargeable battery.

Overtime, the device will learn the heating pattern of each room to strike the perfect balance between energy-efficiency and comfort (while still giving you total control). It can also detect when you're out and about, so you never waste money on heating an empty home, and it will put it back on for your arrival.

Similarly to the Tado Smart Thermostat X, some features, such as geofencing, air quality optimisation and open-window detection, require a £3.99 monthly subscription, but you can still access remote control without this. If that's a problem, you could consider the Honeywell Home T6R-HW Smart Thermostat instead.

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The best smart thermostat for heat pumps

This smart thermostat by Cielo can be used with heat pumps, boilers, and geothermal heating systems, and can be controlled via the device itself, a smartphone app, or smart home integration.

The device allows you to monitor your heating from anywhere in the world, adjusting the temperature, setting schedules, and using preset options for Home, Away, and Sleep to reduce your energy bills. It also features geofencing for location-based control, which turns off the heating when you're not there.

The thermostat keeps track of your home's heating and cooling patterns (which you can view yourself) and uses this information to lower your energy consumption. It's easy to install and comes with a backplate, wall plate, USB-C adaptor, and mounting screws with drywall anchors.

For more advanced controls, such as detailed scheduling and room zoning, the Honeywell Home Evohome Smart Thermostat is a better choice.

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Other smart thermostats we tested

Who tested the best smart thermostats

Curious about who’s behind these reviews? Meet the team below:

For more information on our testing procedure, read our dedicated page on how we test products.

How to choose the best smart thermostat

Before investing in the best smart thermostat, you'll need to consider the following:

1. Your heating system
Not every smart thermostat will be compatible with your heating system, so you'll need to check its suitability first. If you'd like to buy one of the models in this guide, we’ve included this information in the table below.

2. Your schedule
In some cases – such as the open window detection feature on Tado devices – certain special features come at an additional cost. To avoid wasting money each month, think carefully about which features you will actually use and need on a daily basis.

3. Installation
While some smart thermostats are as simple as plugging them in and getting started, others require professional installation.

"Many smart thermostats are designed for DIY installation, offering clear instructions and guidance on how to safely install them," says Chris Houghton, operational improvement manager and qualified gas and heating engineer at Ding.

"However, it is important to note that wiring will still be necessary, so if you would rather not have to deal with something like that, you can book engineers to set one up for you.”

What are the pros and cons of a smart thermostat?

If you're feeling undecided on whether a smart thermostat is right for you, Michael Zohouri, Founder of Pyramid Eco, outlines the pros and cons below:

✅Control: "The biggest advantage of a smart thermostat is control. You can adjust the set temperature from your phone and set schedules to match your daily routine."

✅Reduce energy bills: "You can also see how much energy you’re using. That alone can help you save on your bills as you see when you’re wasting energy heating an empty house. And if you forget to turn the heating down before you leave the house, you can use you phone to turn it down. Some systems learn your habits over time and adjust automatically."

✅Zoning: "Some more advanced systems allow you to control different rooms separately when paired with smart radiator valves. That means you’re not heating the whole house just to use one room."

❌More expensive: "They are more expensive than a standard programmable thermostat. Installation can be straightforward, but in some older properties with older wiring, you may need a professional to set it up properly."

❌Savings depend on how you use it: "If someone simply installs a smart thermostat and leaves it running at 21 degrees all day, they won’t see much difference. It’s a tool, not a magic fix."

When used correctly and optimised for your space and lifestyle, the best smart thermostats can be invaluable in reducing energy bills and making your home more efficient.

To learn more, read our guide on smart heating systems and the cost of replacing a thermostat.

Edited by Beth Murton.

From April 2026, the UK’s Energy Price Cap will fall by 7%, cutting electricity by 3.5p per kWh and gas by 33p per kWh for households on standard tariffs.

But Martin Lewis says the current Price Cap is still “pants” and warns that the cheapest fixed deals could undercut it by around 15%.

He spoke to Jonathan Brearley, head of Ofgem, on his Money Show, who confirmed that suppliers will pass on the reductions, but he did confirm that the standing charge is “staying roughly the same”.

Why Lewis says 'the price cap is still pants'

Martin Lewis has repeatedly criticised the Energy Price Cap for failing to fully protect households.

“Those who use the most energy will see the largest benefits, but if you can ditch it, you should,” Lewis said on his Martin Lewis Money Show Live.

The cap sets limits on unit rates and standing charges for standard tariffs, but bills can still rise if households use more energy. Jonathan Brearley added that the standing charge is “staying roughly the same,” while the April reduction reflects the end of the ECO4 scheme and changes to the Warm Home Discount, which shift some costs from standing charges onto unit rates.

How the cheapest fixed deals could save more

Even with the Price Cap falling by 7%, fixed tariffs often offer even bigger savings. Lewis said: “The 14% cheapest fixes available today may drop even further by April, possibly 15% below the Price Cap.”

These deals benefit from the same government cost cuts that apply to the cap, including reduced contributions to the Renewables Obligation and the closure of the Energy Company Obligation.

Households on fixed deals can see their bills automatically fall, making them potentially a smarter option than staying on a variable price-capped tariff.

How to switch or lock in savings

To make the most of the reductions, consumers should check when their provider will apply their tariff cuts. Lewis recommends using comparison tools such as the MoneySavingExpert Cheap Energy Club to find the best fixed deals based on usage and region.

“Almost every household on a standard tariff should see their supplier pass on these savings, but the fastest way to guarantee a lower bill is to move to a fixed deal if your provider allows it,” Brearley said.

By reviewing tariffs now, Lewis says households can lock in the April reductions and potentially pay less than the Price Cap for the rest of 2026.

A major change is coming to how the energy efficiency of homes is measured in the UK – one that could affect every builder, developer, and renovator.

The government has announced the Home Energy Model, a new system set to replace the current Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) and to calculate Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

For decades, SAP has been used to estimate a home’s energy use, but it relies on simplified assumptions and averages.

The Home Energy Model will use a different methodology to calculate energy use, taking into account the building, its systems, and how it is used, which we will explore to give you all the information you need once it is finally introduced.

Why the Home Energy Model is being introduced?

SAP uses simplified assumptions and monthly averages to estimate energy use. This approach does not fully reflect how modern homes operate, particularly those with heat pumps, solar panels, batteries, or other energy technologies.

The Home Energy Model addresses these limitations by simulating energy use over time, considering how homes are built and how they are occupied.

David Hilton, a renewable energy expert, commented on this transition: “Any new product takes time to transition in and there will need to be a lot of training, re-education and debugging of the system before it can finally settle. This transition is the key.”

For builders and renovators, this means energy assessments will provide a clearer view of a home’s performance, supporting design decisions, retrofits, and compliance with energy regulations.

How will the Home Energy Model work?

The Home Energy Model will estimate how much energy a home uses over the course of a year, producing a detailed simulation of heating, hot water, and electricity use.

It will take into account:

• The building itself – walls, floors, roof, windows, and insulation
• Heating and cooling systems – including boilers, heat pumps, and ventilation systems
• Renewable energy and storage – such as solar panels or batteries
• How the home is used – occupancy patterns and appliance use

From this information, the model produces results that show:

• Total energy use for heating, hot water, and electricity
• Energy use patterns throughout the day and across the seasons
• Energy performance metrics for EPCs, including running costs and carbon emissions

David Hilton also highlighted the challenge of introducing a new system to the industry: “The Home Energy Model looks to be a welcome improvement on SAP but until we actually have the final product and can see how it works and how it will be rolled out into industry it is very difficult to know what it will mean for the industry… I also wonder how keen the industry is for yet another change that will inevitably cost time and money in an already difficult market.”

The Home Energy Model turns information about a home and its use into a simulation of energy performance, which will be applied to building regulations and Energy Performance Certificates.

When will the Home Energy Model be introduced?

The Home Energy Model will be introduced when the Future Homes Standard comes into effect, setting updated energy efficiency requirements for newly built homes.

Initially, it will be used to assess compliance with the new standard. Over time, it will also be applied to Energy Performance Certificates for new and existing homes.

David Hilton noted the potential scepticism around the rollout: “There will inevitably be large amounts of scepticism due to history being plagued with expensive Government schemes that were destined to fail or were cancelled due to political U-turns. Something needs to be done, and hopefully this is it, but the reality of its efficacy will only really be evident in the fullness of time.”

During the rollout, there will be a transition period where both SAP and the Home Energy Model are available, giving builders, assessors, and software providers time to adapt.

What this means for builders and renovators

Once in use, the Home Energy Model will affect how energy performance is calculated and reported. Builders and renovators will need to:

• Consider how insulation, windows, heating systems, and renewable technologies affect energy ratings
• Understand that assessments and EPCs will be based on a simulation of how the home is used throughout the year, rather than simplified averages
• Plan for training and software updates, as the model is integrated into compliance checks and EPC production

David Hilton commented on the practical implications for industry professionals: “Any new product takes time to transition in and there will need to be a lot of training, reeducation and debugging of the system before it can finally settle. This transition is the key.”

The Home Energy Model will provide a consistent framework for assessing energy use and efficiency, helping industry professionals plan, build, and retrofit homes in line with updated regulations.

The Home Energy Model represents the next step in how the UK measures home energy performance. By simulating energy use in detail, it aims to provide more accurate assessments for building regulations and EPCs.

Builders and renovators will need to understand its implications, plan for the transition, and consider how building materials, systems, and occupancy affect energy performance.

While the system is not yet in use, preparing for the Home Energy Model now can help the industry adapt smoothly when it is introduced alongside the Future Homes Standard.

Homeowners could soon make real money from the renewable energy projects around their homes that could also save them from rising energy prices.

The UK’s new Local Power Plan will let residents buy shares in local solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage schemes, turning nearby clean energy into a potential income stream.

Ministers and industry leaders say this is a historic opportunity for ordinary people to benefit directly from the green energy transition, putting households in control and letting them earn while their communities generate electricity.

What the new Local Power Plan means

The UK Government and Great British Energy have unveiled a sweeping strategy for community and local energy, described in official documents as “the biggest public investment in community energy in this country’s history.”

This plan aims to expand clean energy projects such as solar panels on community buildings, battery storage and other renewable generation assets that are owned and led locally.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the drive for clean energy was about creating an economy that “works for the many, not just the wealthy and powerful in our society” and that local and community energy is central to that vision. He added that the government wants people to be able to “own and control clean energy so the profits flow into your community not simply out to the big energy companies.”

Great British Energy’s CEO Dan McGrail said the investment is intended to deliver “cleaner, more secure and more affordable energy for our communities.” The plan includes measures to support up to 1,000 community and local energy projects, offering grants, loans and advisory support so groups and individuals can be more directly involved in clean power generation.

How homeowners could benefit

One of the key aims of the Local Power Plan is to help communities participate in renewable energy schemes through shared ownership and other collaborative models.

The policy explicitly discusses developing investable business models and exploring ways to make it easier to share generated power locally, which could translate into opportunities for local people to invest in and benefit from projects in their area.

Stakeholders from community energy organisations have welcomed this emphasis on local involvement. Repowering London’s Chief Executive Afsheen Kabir Rashid said the investment puts “money directly into people’s pockets through reduced bills, quality jobs and meaningful local investment.”

While the government announcement does not dictate how share offers will work in practice, existing community energy groups often use shared ownership structures where local people can invest and help fund renewable infrastructure.

This means homeowners could, in future, have clearer pathways to take part in local energy schemes that return value to communities, whether through access to energy revenue, savings on energy bills, or community reinvestment.

What happens next

The Local Power Plan says the government will continue working with devolved authorities, local councils and community organisations to improve the landscape for community energy projects.

It also notes the intention to consult on regulatory and business model changes that could make shared local ownership more accessible.

Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities Miatta Fahnbulleh said strong communities are “the backbone of our society” and that the plan’s support aims to empower local people with the tools and funding they need to deliver projects that matter to them.

Officials say the next step is a detailed consultation process, expected to continue through 2026, which will explore how to operationalise shared ownership and local participation in clean energy - potentially giving homeowners and local investors new ways to benefit from the UK’s transition to net‑zero power.

Energy standing charges are finally set to fall by around £40 a year from April, offering households a rare piece of good news amid years of rising bills.

With energy prices rising, any reduction will be closely watched by consumers feeling the squeeze. The change follows a Government decision to shift Warm Home Discount costs off the standing charge and onto the unit rate.

Consumer champion Martin Lewis has welcomed the move as a step towards fairer billing. Crucially, the reduction will apply to everyone, not just those who qualify for the Warm Home Discount.

What the change means for households

From April, all energy customers will see a reduction in the daily standing charge on both gas and electricity bills. The saving is expected to total roughly £40 per year, split between gas and electricity.

Martin Lewis welcomed the move, saying: “Paying £300-plus a year simply for the facility of having energy is too much.”

He has long argued that the standing charge unfairly penalises low-usage households and added that it is “the biggest single cause of complaint I get about energy bills, by a mile.”

Although some costs are being moved on to the unit rate, the overall impact - assuming other factors remain stable – should still mean lower bills for many households.

Why the Government made the shift

The Government decided to remove Warm Home Discount costs from the standing charge following consultation and mounting public concern.

Those costs will instead be incorporated into the unit rate, alongside other changes such as cancelling certain environmental schemes and shifting some policy costs into general taxation.

Lewis described the reduction as “only a baby step, but it’s good to see some movement in the right direction.”

He added that after speaking to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and the Ofgem chief executive, he believes they are “hearing the mood music” around widespread dissatisfaction with standing charges.

What happens next?

Campaigners and consumer groups now hope Ofgem will take a similar approach in its long-term consultation on the future structure of energy bills.

Lewis has previously described the standing charge as a “moral hazard” because it disincentivises lower usage and keeps bills high even for those who use very little energy.

For older households who may not use gas during the summer yet still pay daily charges, the reform could feel particularly significant. While the £40 reduction is modest, it signals a possible shift in direction – and offers a small but welcome boost for every energy customer from next April.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are about to be calculated in a very different way as the government prepares to launch the Home Energy Model (HEM), which will replace the current Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) used since 1993.

The government says HEM is designed to provide more detailed calculations of energy use, including heating, hot water, solar panels and smart home technologies.

While the Future Homes Standard is still due to be introduced in early 2026, HEM will now follow at least three months later, meaning millions of homes will be assessed under the new model.

What the Home Energy Model is and how it works

According to the government, HEM calculates energy use at 30-minute intervals, compared with the monthly averages used by the current SAP system.

The government says this will allow the model to take account of factors such as room temperatures, heat loss through walls or windows, shading from other buildings, and the performance of heating systems, including heat pumps.

HEM is initially being developed to check whether new homes meet the Future Homes Standard, but the government plans for it to eventually be used for EPC calculations.

Timeline and implementation

The government has confirmed that HEM will not launch at the same time as the Future Homes Standard.

The Future Homes Standard rollout is still planned for the first quarter of 2026, and SAP 10.3 will remain the official method for EPC calculations until HEM is ready. HEM is now expected to follow at least three months later.

Officials said the delay is intended to ensure the model is “as robust as possible and delivered to the highest possible standard,” giving assessors, developers and homeowners time to prepare for the change.

What this means for homeowners and EPCs

Once HEM is live, the government says EPCs will be calculated using the new methodology, which could change the ratings for millions of homes.

SAP 10.3 will continue to be used until HEM is implemented. The government says the new model is designed to support the Future Homes Standard and future energy performance assessments, though exactly how ratings may change in practice remains to be seen.

From February 2026, UK energy suppliers must comply with tougher rules on smart meter installations and repairs.

Customers may automatically receive £40 compensation if an installation is delayed by more than six weeks, an appointment fails due to a supplier's fault, or a reported problem is not addressed within five working days.

The changes are intended to make smart meters more reliable, helping ensure the information they provide can be used to support practical energy-saving tips for households.

Automatic compensation for delays and faults

Under the updated rules, the £40 automatic payment applies in three key situations:

• When a smart meter installation takes longer than six weeks
• When an appointment fails due to the supplier’s error
• When a reported fault is not accompanied by a resolution plan within five working days

The compensation is intended to encourage suppliers to act promptly and prevent customers from being left with unresolved issues.

This comes after reports that found 1 in every 10 smart meters faulty in 2023, requiring a mass recall, an issue which is still not resolved, Ofgem have admitted.

Melissa Giordano, Deputy Director of Systems and Processes at Ofgem, said: “Every customer who wants a smart meter should get one quickly, and it should work from day one. These new rules set clear expectations for suppliers and protect consumers when things go wrong.”

Expanded supplier obligations

Energy suppliers are now required to ensure that smart meters are installed correctly and fully operational in smart mode from the outset.

They must repair or replace meters that are not functioning properly, aiming to reduce long-standing faults and improve overall customer satisfaction.

The rules apply to all UK energy suppliers, creating a consistent standard across the market. Suppliers are also expected to maintain timely communication with customers about appointments and repairs, ensuring transparency throughout the process.

Future standards and monitoring

Ofgem will continue to monitor supplier performance under these updated standards and has committed to reviewing them again in early 2027.

Further rules are planned later this year to cover compensation for smart meters that remain unfixed in smart mode for more than 90 days.

Giordano added: “Automatic compensation remains a powerful way to incentivise the industry to make sure smart meters are working correctly and to fix issues quickly.”

The regulator said these measures are part of a wider strategy to improve the smart meter experience, encourage compliance, and maintain public confidence in the rollout.

If you've spotted a burst water pipe outside your house and are unsure what to do, we're here to guide you through the next steps, with advice from a qualified plumber and water leak expert.

From blocked drains to frozen pipes, cold weather can invite a host of pesky problems – and a burst pipe is just one of them, causing flooding, property damage, and an interruption to the water supply.

To find out what you need to do in the event of a burst water pipe – whether it's on your land or not – keep reading to find out what the experts recommend.

What to do if you have a burst water pipe outside

If you have a burst water pipe outside your home, the first thing you should do is report it to your local water company, advises James Hargrave, Head of Leakage Operations at Anglian Water. The same applies if there is a leak coming from your external stop tap or meter.

However, if the burst comes from a private pipe inside the boundary of your property, James explains that you may need to turn off your water supply and find a plumber to repair it. “If in doubt, the water company can determine whether it is one for them to repair and can guide you to approved contractors who can help.”

How to repair burst pipes on a private property

If you discover a burst pipe on your private property (as opposed to public land), you'll want to follow plumber Harry Davis' step-by-step guide below:

1. Turn off the water supply at the stop tap to prevent further damage
2. For small, accessible bursts, a temporary repair clamp or self-amalgamating tape can limit water loss until a permanent fix is made. However, most outdoor or underground private supply pipes will require a professional plumber to excavate and replace the damaged section safely and to current standards
3. Once repaired, it’s essential to improve protection and insulation around the pipe to prevent the problem recurring

What causes burst water pipes outside?

There are a number of causes of burst water pipes, such as age and corrosion, which create small weaknesses that worsen over time, explains James Hargave.

It can also be down to seasonal conditions: in winter, the ground can freeze and swell, causing pipes to burst; in summer, the ground can shrink as it dries out.

What are the signs of a burst water pipe outside?

Unfortunately, many causes of a burst water pipe are out of our control, but by spotting the signs early, you can prevent as much damage and cost as possible.

Here's what Harry Davis says to look out for:

• Unexplained wet patches in the garden or driveway
• Areas of ground that are unusually soft or waterlogged
• Water pooling when there hasn’t been any rainfall
• A sudden drop in water pressure
• Unusual noises in the pipework
• A higher than expected water bill
• In winter, frost or ice forming in unexpected outdoor areas

How to prevent burst water pipes outside your home

Since outdoor pipes are fully exposed to cold temperatures, Harry Davis explains that they’re particularly prone to bursting. Here’s how he recommends preventing this from happening:

• Insulate external pipework with weatherproof lagging – especially at stop taps, joints and bends
• Garden taps should be turned off at the internal isolation valve and drained before winter, and hoses disconnected
• Fix small leaks early, as even minor drips can freeze and cause blockages that lead to bursts
• Maintain a well-heated, energy-efficient home helps stabilise temperatures around entry points where pipes pass through walls. Systems like OH4 can support this by helping homeowners manage background heating efficiently, reducing cold spots without driving up energy use

By keeping an eye out for the signs of a burst water pipe and implementing preventative measures, you can reduce the risk of damage and costly repairs.

You might also want to read our guides on drainage problems and condensation on cold water pipes.

The Warm Homes Plan, first promised in May 2024 by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, was designed to tackle rising energy bills and reduce carbon emissions by upgrading the energy efficiency of millions of homes.

The plan, which aims to support insulation, low-carbon heating, ventilation, and solar technologies, was expected to provide clarity and funding for households across the UK.

Officials have now confirmed the full plan will not be released until January 2026, leaving homeowners and advisors uncertain about what support will be available and when.

What the Warm Homes Plan includes

The plan is intended to upgrade up to 5 million homes over the next five years, helping households cut energy costs while contributing to the UK’s climate targets.

Key programs, such as the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme for heat pumps, may continue, but full details on eligibility, grant levels, and low-interest financing are still unknown.

So far, the government has confirmed £1.29bn for social landlords and £500m for local authorities to fund energy efficiency upgrades, but individual homeowners still have no clarity on what support, grants, or loans will be available for their properties.

Reasons for the delay

Officials say the delay is due in part to the need to finalise a replacement for the scrapped Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme, which was ended in the Autumn Budget.

Combined with £1.5 billion in cuts to household energy programs, the government says it is taking extra time to ensure the plan provides “clear support for homeowners while safeguarding thousands of clean energy jobs.”

A DESNZ spokesperson said the government is “doubling down on support for home upgrades” and will outline plans to help households and support jobs “soon.”

Impact on homeowners and industry

The delay has left homeowners and the retrofit sector in limbo.

Becky Lane, CEO of Birmingham-based retrofit company Furbnow, which has upgraded more than 1,000 homes across England and Wales, said: “After slashing ECO and £1.5bn in the Autumn Budget, the industry desperately needs certainty. The Warm Homes Plan is now over eight months late. We want to invest and grow, but it’s impossible when government keeps announcing cuts while withholding the policy we need to deliver.”

She added: “Eight months of delays and counting. Companies like ours are ready to scale up and deliver better outcomes for homeowners, but we can’t plan or invest without knowing the rules of the game. The government promised the Warm Homes Plan in May. It’s now December, ECO has been scrapped, and we still have no clarity on what replaces it. Set a date and stick to it. This sector can’t operate in limbo.”

Lane also highlighted the importance of targeted low-interest finance, saying loans must focus on upgrades that need the most support, insulation, heating systems, and ventilation, rather than narrowly on solar and batteries.

Without clear guidance, millions of homeowners are left uncertain about when or how they can improve their homes.

E.ON is bringing some festive cheer early this year, offering customers three full days of free electricity over the Christmas period.

The offer, running from 24–26 December 2025, is part of the company’s new Next Direct 18-month tariff and is designed to help households enjoy the holidays without worrying about rising energy costs.

For many, the festive season means more cooking, more lights, and more time at home – and E.ON’s gift could ease the pressure on household bills during one of the busiest times of the year.

How will the free electricity will be applied?

Customers who sign up to the Next Direct 18m v1 tariff will receive free electricity for three full days – Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

The discount will be applied as a bill credit within 30 days, based on the customer’s actual electricity consumption and standing charges during that period. All usage between 00:00:01 on 24 December and 23:59:59 on 26 December 2025 will be included.

Julian Lennertz, Chief Commercial Officer at E.ON Next, said: “With our holiday gift of three days of free electricity, we want to help our customers enjoy what matters most – without worrying about the cost.”

Who qualifies for the offer?

The deal is open to both new and existing customers who switch to the Next Direct 18m v1 tariff by 12 December 2025.

To be eligible, households need to have a working smart meter and homeowners must opt in to share half-hourly consumption data.

The tariff, priced at £1,600 for a typical dual-fuel household, is currently the cheapest 18-month fixed product on the market, according to E.ON Next.

What customers need to do?

Eligible customers simply need to sign up to the Next Direct 18m v1 tariff before the deadline to secure the three days of free electricity.

E.ON Next will automatically track usage through the customer’s smart meter, so there is no need to submit readings or claim manually.

The company is also offering energy-saving tips by encouraging households to make the most of the festive period by using timers for Christmas lights, reducing screen time, lowering thermostats slightly and cooking more efficiently to keep energy use – and costs – down.

Every winter, many households will choose to decorate their gardens with an inflatable Santa and festive lights. I myself have just inflated my own giant Santa too, one my family has been playfully hoisting over the festive period for many years now.

With rising energy costs and growing concern over home electricity consumption, it's natural to wonder: do these cheerful decorations come with a hefty electricity bill?

This festive season, we look at how much your inflatable Santa will cost to run, from a small 4ft inflatable Santa all the way to a massive 12ft blow-up Father Christmas.

How much does an inflatable Santa cost to run per hour?

Here are typical estimates of electricity usage and what that means for running costs based on common inflation décor power draws and current energy rates from Utilita’s Power Price List.

Even a larger 10–12 ft Santa, running 6 hours each evening for a full week, costs only around £1–£2 per week to run.

Why inflatable Santa's are relatively low

While inflatable decorations draw a little electricity, they remain minor consumers compared with the heavy-duty appliances that dominate home energy use. According to a recent overview of household electricity usage:

• The biggest electricity drains are “wet” appliances, like washing machines, dishwashers, and tumble dryers, which use large amounts of power for heating water.
• Cold-appliance systems, fridges and freezers, run continuously to maintain temperature and make up a significant chunk of energy use.
• Everyday electronics (like TVs or consoles) and general household lighting are more significant energy users than a seasonal inflatable.

Because inflatable Santas typically draw only tens to low hundreds of watts, and only when in use, their relative impact on your overall electricity bill remains small.

What impacts real-world cost and how to stay efficient

The actual cost of running a garden inflatable depends on a few simple but important factors:

• Size and blower/light power: Bigger blowers and brighter lights increase wattage.
• Hours run per day: Limiting use to a few hours in the evening keeps costs low.
• Electricity tariff/unit cost: Because your cost scales with the kWh rate (i.e. the energy price cap used by your supplier).
• Number of powered decorations/appliances running at once: The more items drawing power simultaneously (inflatables, lights, TVs, chargers), the higher the total draw.
• Standby/power-draining “vampire devices” : Gadgets left plugged in or on standby can quietly draw extra electricity over time.

If you stick to a modest-sized inflatable (such as a 4 ft or 7–8 ft Santa), run it for limited hours, and avoid unnecessary standby draw, you can enjoy festive décor at minimal cost.

Inflatable Santas, from smaller 4ft versions to larger 10–12ft ones, generally use only ten to a few hundred watts.

Running one for a few hours each evening adds just a few pence per hour, and even less than £2 a week for most households under current rates.

Because bigger energy drains come from appliances like washing machines, fridges and standby electronics, an inflatable Santa remains a low-cost festive choice, provided you manage overall electricity usage sensibly.

The government has scrapped the ECO4 scheme, which previously helped homeowners access thousands of pounds’ worth of energy-efficiency upgrades such as insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps.

Homeowners can no longer claim any of this support, meaning those who had hoped to cut energy bills or make their homes greener through government funding will now need to cover the costs themselves.

We look at what the cancellation means for homeowners, energy price rises, and what support is still available to upgrade homes.

ECO4 cancellation and what it means

ECO4, the fourth phase of the Energy Company Obligation, was designed to help low-income households improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

The scheme funded upgrades including loft and wall insulation, underfloor heating, solar panels, air-source heat pumps, and more. Thousands of homeowners across the UK benefitted, reducing both energy bills and carbon emissions.

With the scheme now cancelled, homeowners who were previously eligible can no longer claim funding for these improvements.

Any plans to install insulation, heat pumps, or solar panels with government support will need to be funded privately, which could cost thousands of pounds.

What support is still available?

In place of ECO4, the government is delivering energy-efficiency and low-carbon heating upgrades through the Warm Homes Plan, managed by local authorities.

The scheme targets low-income homeowners and private renters, providing grants to improve insulation, heating systems, and other energy-saving measures. It’s important to note that the Boiler Upgrade Scheme remains active and unaffected by the ECO4 cancellation.

Becky Lane, CEO of Furbnow, a leading home energy renovation company, gave her reaction to the ECO4 cut: “Scrapping ECO is the right call, but cutting £1.7 billion from the sector that keeps Britain warm is a huge shock. That money has to go straight into the Warm Homes Plan and into local teams who actually do the work. If it doesn’t, we won’t have the people or the businesses needed to fix Britain’s cold, drafty homes.”

She also warned about long-term energy costs, stating: “A temporary £150 bill cut won’t stop the fact that UK energy costs are structurally too high and our homes waste far too much heat. The Budget temporarily cuts bills by moving renewables costs, but these costs come straight back onto households in a few years’ time.”

Homeowners eligible for the Warm Homes Plan should contact their local council to check if they can receive funding for insulation, heating upgrades, or low-carbon technologies. Acting early may help secure support before local allocations are used up.

How homeowners are affected

The cancellation of ECO4 marks a major shift for households that previously relied on government support to make energy-efficiency improvements.

Homeowners outside low-income or benefit-receiving brackets will now have to cover the full cost of upgrades themselves, potentially making energy-saving improvements less accessible.

For those who can still access grants through local authorities, the Warm Homes Plan provides a pathway to make homes warmer and greener. Homeowners are encouraged to stay informed, check eligibility, and apply early to take advantage of available support.

Many UK homeowners are unaware that they could be losing heat through their uPVC windows by not adjusting the settings, causing their energy bills to rise.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, properly draught‑proofing around windows could save around £85 a year in Great Britain, so even small adjustments can make a real difference to comfort and costs.

By adjusting a hidden setting in the window locking mechanism, homeowners can press the sash tighter, reducing draughts. I tried it out on my Victorian draughty home to show you the impact it had and how easy it was to do.

What is the hidden setting on uPVC windows?

The key lies in the small “mushroom” cam pieces (and their matching keeps) inside your uPVC window's locking hardware.

These are part of the locking mechanism and, if set correctly, pull the sash tightly into the rubber seal when you close the window.

That “compression” determines how well the window stops draughts: more compression equals a tighter seal and less heat escaping.

How to adjust your uPVC windows for winter weather

Adjusting your uPVC windows is a relatively simple job that shouldn't take much time.

You can do this with just one tool, an Allen key. However, some uPVC windows may require a screwdriver depending on your window type, but the process is still the same. You need to do the following:

1. Open the window and inspect the locking edge. Look for the mushroom-shaped cam and the corresponding keep (a small plate) on the frame.
2. Use an Allen key to rotate the mushroom cam a little, or move the keep slightly if it’s mounted in a slotted hole. Try turning or shifting it by just a millimeter or a quarter turn clockwise.
3. Close the window and check how the sash feels: if it’s too hard to lock, loosen a bit; if it’s too loose, tighten more. Do this gradually and test after each tweak.

How much impact does it have?

So how much difference does this actually make?

Well I decided to test this by using the world's smallest thermal camera to see the before and after effect from adjusting my windows settings.

Prior to adjusting, the seal of my uPVC window was a low 9.0°C, meaning the cold air outside was invading my home at quite a high rate.

A day after draught proofing the window the temperature was now 11.2°C without me having to raise my thermostat or make any other changes, meaning my home was no longer losing as much heat.

So it just goes to show that a small change can make a big difference to your home's heating, but if your want to have good ventilation in the summer you will need to turn the mushroom back on your uPVC windows and doors to its summer setting to loosen the seal.

A quiet Essex bungalow has become the unlikely test bed for a new way of heating homes using recycled energy from tiny computers.

At a time when energy price rises have pushed many households to look for alternatives, the couple living there have turned their garden shed into a working “energy room” that now powers most of their heat and hot water.

The result is a dramatic fall in their monthly bills, dropping from around £375 to as little as £40.

Data workloads become heat in a garden shed

Terrence and Lesley Bridges, who live in a two-bedroom bungalow near Braintree, are the first household in the country to replace their traditional gas boiler with a HeatHub – a compact data centre installed in their brick shed.

The unit contains more than 500 Raspberry Pi computers immersed in oil; as they process data for paying clients, the waste heat is captured and transferred into the home’s hot water and radiator system.

Their shed has effectively become a small-scale boiler room powered not by combustion or electricity bills, but by 'computational' work carried out on behalf of third-party customers.

Bills collapse under the new heating model

The trial is part of UK Power Networks’ SHIELD programme, which aims to find low-cost, low-carbon heating solutions for households on modest incomes.

Because Thermify, the company behind the HeatHub, earns revenue from clients who pay to run their digital workloads on the hardware, the electricity used by the computers is covered by that data-processing business model.

Combined with solar panels and solar batteries also installed under the SHIELD scheme, the Bridges’ total monthly energy spend has plunged to £40–£60 – a reduction of almost 90%.

“SHIELD is our flagship innovation project,” said Jack McKellar, UK Power Networks’ innovation programme manager.

McKellar said the initiative directly supports the company’s consumer vulnerability and fuel poverty strategy: “We don’t want anyone to miss out on the benefits of new and emerging technologies as the UK moves towards a greener future. This project combines cutting-edge kit with a pioneering Social Energy Services Company model to help households save money and reduce emissions.”

Outbuildings become utility hubs in emerging energy trend

While this is the first household to adopt a data-heated home, the trial signals a broader shift in how UK homes may be powered in the coming decade.

The modest garden shed, once an optional extra in property listings, is increasingly becoming a vital space for housing modern energy hardware, including solar inverters, batteries, heat stores and now data-centre modules.

Over the next four years, up to 300 homes across the East and South East will join the trial. Backed by Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund, UK Power Networks intends to gather enough evidence to scale the system dramatically.

“We aim to scale this up to 100,000 units annually by 2030,” McKellar said, calling the trial an important step in delivering affordable, sustainable energy solutions nationwide.

Around 7 million UK households with high energy use are set to gain the most from a planned 5 % VAT cut on domestic energy bills.

The move, currently being discussed by the government ahead of the November Budget, is designed to ease pressure on struggling households.

However, analysts say that energy-efficient homes will see much smaller savings, highlighting the uneven impact of the policy.

With energy price rises continuing to push bills higher, this measure offers short-term relief for households consuming the most energy, but little relief to energy-efficient homeowners.

Why high-energy homes will benefit more

VAT on domestic energy bills is currently a flat 5%, so households that use more energy save more in cash terms.

Inefficient homes with poor insulation, older heating systems, such as gas or oil boilers, or multiple occupants stand to benefit the most. Tim Leunig, former government adviser, said: “Most of the benefit would go to people in larger houses with larger-than-average electricity bills.”

Ed Miliband, Energy Secretary, hinted to the BBC that the government is examining all options to help people with energy bills: “We face a cost-of-living crisis … so obviously we’re looking at all of these issues.”

Scale of the impact and timing

Around 7 million households are considered high-energy users and are likely to benefit most from the VAT cut.

Nesta estimates that while the average household saving is £86 per year, high-energy households could save several hundred pounds.

However, it is predicted that around 10 million energy efficient homeowners will see little benefit from the VAT cut on energy bills due to their lower costs, according to Nesta.

The government is reportedly finalising plans ahead of the 26 November 2025 Autumn Budget, with the potential for the VAT cut to take effect shortly after legislation is passed.

Policy implications and advice for homeowners

The VAT cut provides short-term financial relief, but it does not reduce underlying energy use. Analysts such as The Eco Experts argue the government should pair any tax relief with energy-efficiency improvements such as insulation, smart lighting, or heat pumps to deliver longer-term savings.

Nesta states: “Most of the absolute benefit will flow to the wealthiest households,” highlighting that smaller, energy-efficient homes will see far less relief.

Energy UK adds that the measure is not the most effective way to reduce bills for all households: “The VAT cut will help high-energy homes, but those already using energy efficiently will benefit far less.”

Now that the summer is just a distant memory, the search for window coverings to keep cold out has begun for many homeowners. While curtains and blinds are often chosen for the decorative impact they will have on a space, it is important to note the role they can play in keeping a house warm too.

There are many steps you can take when it comes to draught proofing windows, but certain dressings and coverings are definitely better than others at keeping out the chill.

We took a look at the most effective window coverings for blocking draughts and minimising heat loss so you can keep your home feeling warm and cosy throughout the colder seasons.

How do window coverings help insulate a room?

Before choosing the right type of window covering for your room, it is useful to understand how certain fittings work to keep a space feeling warm. It is actually quite simple.

Once cold weather hits outside, blinds and curtains prevent heat loss inside by forming a layer of air between the room and the window. This insulating pocket helps to stop warm air escaping from the room as well as blocking draughts from getting in. The thicker the material you choose for your window coverings and the more snugly it is fitted around the window, the better.

Other types of window treatments, such as shutters, when fitted tightly, prevent draughts from getting through.

1. Thermal curtains

While any curtain is better than none when it comes to keeping out the cold, some are more effective than others.

Unlike standard single-layer curtains, thermal varieties are made up of multiple layers, each with a thermal lining sandwiched between. Heat transfer is prevented thanks to the pockets of air that become trapped between the layers.

When choosing thermal curtains, be on the lookout for those made from heavier fabrics, take accurate measurements to ensure they fit well and opt for full-length designs that extend all the way to the ground – this will also add a luxurious look to your bedroom window ideas.

"Heavier curtain fabrics such as velvet or wool blends are particularly good at blocking draughts, and they also add texture and depth to a room," adds Yvonne Keal, senior product manager at Hillarys.

Shop thermal curtains

2. Thermal blinds

Just like thermal curtains, thermal blinds are specially designed to prevent both heat loss and overheating. Some feature thermal linings, while others rely on a honeycomb-like, cellular structure.

"If you’re looking to reduce heat loss through glazing, thermal blinds are one of the most effective solutions," says Simon Browne, product expert at Luxaflex, who goes on to suggest using a product such as Luxaflex® Duette® blinds. "Their honeycomb structure traps air in individual pockets, creating a thermal barrier that can cut heat loss by up to 55%,' says Simon.

"They're especially useful in living rooms with large windows, or in glass extensions, where traditional curtains or blinds might not be suitable," continues Simon. "And because they’re available as smart electric blinds, you can programme them to open and close at set times – or even link them to your smart heating system. That means they can automatically close when the heating comes on, helping to retain warmth and reduce energy waste.”

"Roman blinds with thermal linings are a great option," adds Yvonne Keal. "They sit close to the window and help reduce heat loss. Layering them with thick, lined curtains adds another level of insulation and creates a warm, inviting feel that’s ideal for winter."

Shop thermal blinds

3. Window shutters

Window shutters are a stylish and practical way to keep out the light and provide privacy – plus they can be a better option than hanging curtains in a kitchen, where easy-to-clean finishes are key. However, can they help when it comes to keeping cold draughts from windows penetrating a room?

"Shutters are a bit like a winter coat for your windows," says Adam Turnbull, director at Cathedral Shutters. "They give you that extra layer that keeps the warmth in and the draughts out."

"For a more structured look, shutters are a brilliant choice," adds Yvonne Keal. "They fit snugly to the window frame and help seal in warmth, especially in older homes where draughts are more common. It’s about combining practicality with style.”

4. Secondary glazing

The right window coverings such as blinds and curtains can make a huge difference to keeping the heat in during colder months, but assessing the windows themselves and considering window repair or upgrades can make even more of a difference.

"Measures such as thermal blinds or lined curtains can be of some benefit in reducing heat loss, mainly by keeping warm air trapped in the room and draughts out," picks up Andrew Haydon, director at Simply Plastics. "However, they don't tackle the root of the issue, which is often the performance of the glass itself, as despite thick curtains, heat can still be lost through single-glazed windows or older pieces of glass.

"It's here that secondary glazing can provide a more direct improvement," continues Andrew. "By forming an air gap between the window and an added acrylic panel, it minimises conductive heat loss through the glass, just as double glazing would. By layering up window coverings with something that addresses the window surface heat loss, such as secondary glazing, you can save far more heat than one solution alone."

5. Thermal insulating window film

If secondary glazing costs are a little high for your right now, thermal insulating window film kits are well worth considering and can be surprisingly effective when used in combination with some of the other methods mentioned.

"Window insulation kits can be a useful temporary measure, particularly during colder seasons," says Andrew Haydon. "However, while 'clingfilm-style' products do cut down on draughts, they may have to be replaced every year. More robust alternatives, such as solid acrylic panels in secondary glazing kits, provide a superior seal and long-term value, as well as providing extra benefits such as blocking outside noise. For those wanting to add insulation without going for complete window replacements, they offer a low-intervention and effective solution that can help save energy."

Most window insulation kits are easy to fit on a DIY basis – just cut them to size, stick them on and use a regular hairdryer to shrink them to fit the window.

5. Draught proofing measures

In addition to window coverings, there are other, super simple, draught proofing measures you can take to help stop cold breezes coming into your home – as well as keeping the warm air you are paying to generate in. Many of these can also help with soundproofing.

Plug up gaps between windows and frames using weather strips, many of which are self-adhesive and are designed to be cut to the required size. You could also consider using weighted draught excluders along window sills to prevent incoming breezes.

There are other measures well worth taking too which, although small, can make all the difference to the comfort levels within your home.

"Do not obstruct radiators with long curtains, and shut window coverings at nightfall to retain the heat," advises Andrew Haydon. "In the daytime, allowing sunlight in can passively warm the area as well."

FAQs

How can you maximise the effectiveness of thermal window coverings?

In order to make the most of your new investments, our experts have some tips on maximising their effectiveness.

"A combination of thermal window treatments with other measures is key," explains Andrew Haydon. "For instance, installing lined curtains or insulating blinds together with secondary glazing will minimise both radiant and convective heat loss. The glazing takes care of heat loss in a house via the glass itself, and the curtains will assist in keeping warm air within the room."

Is secondary glazing as good as double glazing?

If you are renovating a house with very old windows, it may well be worth considering replacing them with something more energy efficient, although this will obviously come at a cost – with triple glazing costs sitting at the top of the price scale. For this reason, many people opt to fit secondary glazing instead – but will it suffice?

"Secondary glazing cannot equal the thermal performance of new triple glazing, although it can provide a significant improvement in insulation at a fraction of the cost," explains Andrew Haydon. "It's an especially good option for those looking to cut heating bills in the short to medium term, or in buildings where replacements are not feasible, such as listed homes. However, for those with even a small budget, it could be worth slowly replacing windows in key areas, starting with high-traffic spaces like the living room or kitchen, where you would feel the most benefit."

Considering upgrading your windows? Before investing in triple glazed windows, be sure you understand all their pros and cons – it may be that double glazed versions would suffice.

Scotland is updating the rules for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), which show how energy-efficient buildings are.

The new regulations will come into force on 31 October 2026 and introduce redesigned certificates, new ratings, and improved digital systems.

These changes aim to help homeowners, tenants, and landlords make informed decisions while reducing energy use and emissions.

What’s changing with EPCs in Scotland?

Scotland is overhauling how Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) work. The new Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2025 were laid before the Scottish Parliament on 10 October 2025.

EPCs are already used to show a home’s energy efficiency and carbon emissions when it’s for sale, rent, or newly built. The reform will introduce:

• New ratings for energy efficiency and heat retention.
• Redesigned EPCs and Property Reports with clearer guidance for homeowners and tenants.
• Improvements in the digital infrastructure, including a new cloud-based EPC Register.

The goal? Make EPCs more accurate, user-friendly, and useful for lowering energy costs and emissions.

How Scotland’s EPCs will differ from the rest of the UK

While EPCs exist across the UK, Scotland is taking a slightly different path:

• Heat Retention Rating: A new metric for homes, replacing or enhancing some older energy ratings.
• Calculation methods: Scotland is using new models (the Home Energy Model for domestic buildings and the Simplified Building Energy Model for non-domestic buildings) that differ from current UK methods.
• Property Reports: More detailed advice for homeowners on potential improvements, like insulation or heating upgrades.
• Digital Register: Scotland is creating its own system for issuing and storing EPCs, while the UK will continue with its own system.

The Scottish Government is still aiming for some alignment with the UK timetable to keep the EPC assessor market working smoothly across borders.

Preparing for the changes

The Scottish Government is aiming to give enough time for homeowners to adjust to the changing EPC requirements. Between now and October 2026, the Scottish government say they will:

• Share full calculation methods and Property Reports.
• Conduct final user testing to make EPCs easy to understand.
• Launch a communications campaign for homeowners, landlords, agents, and assessors.
• Approve and appoint Accredited Organisations to run EPC schemes under the new rules.

This phased approach ensures the market is ready for the new standards without disruption.

Looking ahead

These reforms are part of Scotland’s wider push for energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions.

Optional steps, like the Heat & Energy Efficiency Technical Suitability Assessment (HEETSA), may provide even more tailored advice for tricky-to-decarbonise buildings, like old tenements.

For homeowners, tenants, and landlords, the changes mean:

• Better guidance on improving energy efficiency.
• Potentially lower energy bills.
• Clearer, easier-to-understand EPCs that reflect modern standards.

Scotland is aiming to take the lead in updating EPCs while still keeping some compatibility with the rest of the UK, aiming for a smoother energy-efficient future.

IKEA has long been known for transforming how we furnish our homes, now it wants to help power them too.

The retail giant has unveiled a brand-new Home Energy Services range in the UK, featuring solar panels, heat pumps, home batteries and EV chargers designed to make sustainable living simpler and more accessible.

Partnering with renewable energy experts Aira and Soly, IKEA says its latest offering could help households cut both emissions and energy bills while making the switch to greener technology effortless.

Air source heat pumps

The most recent addition to IKEA’s energy offering is its air-to-water heat pump, produced in partnership with Swedish clean energy company Aira.

The unit is designed to provide both heating and hot water by extracting energy from outdoor air and transferring it indoors through a connected system.

IKEA lists both indoor and outdoor units as part of its heat pump range, alongside optional maintenance plans and installation services handled by Aira.

According to the company’s product details, customers can book a consultation and receive a fixed-price quote for installation on the IKEA website.

Solar panels and home batteries

IKEA’s solar energy offering - available through its partnership with Dutch provider Soly - includes rooftop solar panels, battery storage systems, and inverter technology for converting generated power into household electricity.

Customers can choose between standard and premium solar panel types and add home batteries for energy storage, allowing them to use stored electricity during high-demand periods.

The service also covers installation and performance monitoring, managed through Soly’s UK operations.

EV charging

The retailer has also added home electric vehicle chargers to its UK portfolio, again provided through Soly.

The wall-mounted EV units from IKEA are compatible with most major EV brands and can be paired with IKEA’s solar and battery products for integrated home charging.

The chargers are available with optional installation and smart management features, including scheduling and consumption tracking.

Availability in the UK

The full Home Energy Services range is now listed on IKEA’s UK website, with individual products offered through its energy partners.

Each product - heat pumps from Aira and solar, storage and EV systems from Soly - includes installation and maintenance options, available to both new and existing IKEA customers.

The launch expands IKEA’s energy operations into the UK following earlier rollouts in markets including Germany and the Netherlands.

Britain faces a deepening energy crisis with household debt to suppliers hitting a record £4.4 billion.

As another winter energy price rise takes effect, campaigners warn millions risk falling behind on bills once again.

Experts say the only long-term solution lies in upgrading millions of draughty, inefficient homes, as a new generation of “zero-energy-bill” houses shows what’s possible.

Record debt raises alarm over winter bills

Millions of households are bracing for higher costs this winter after Ofgem’s latest energy price cap rise added about 2% to typical gas and electricity bills.

The increase takes annual costs for a typical household to around £1,755, up £35 on the previous quarter. But behind the modest percentage lies a mounting crisis.

Ofgem figures show households now owe £4.4 billion to energy suppliers, the highest level since records began. More than one million homes have no arrangement in place to repay their debt.

Energy UK, the trade body for suppliers, said the figures underline the need for an “enduring, properly targeted” system of support.

“The level of help remains insufficient for those who need it most,” said Ned Hammond, deputy director at the organisation. “Without structural reform, the number of people unable to pay will only rise.”

Warning over the cost of inaction

Consumer groups and housing experts warn the UK’s failure to improve its ageing housing stock is trapping millions in high bills.

The country’s homes lose heat up to three times faster than in many parts of Europe, largely due to poor insulation and outdated heating systems.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said small contractors are ready to deliver large-scale retrofit programmes but “lack clear, long-term funding and a stable policy framework.”

Local authorities echo that message. The Local Government Association has urged ministers to accelerate retrofit schemes, warning that delays are “locking households into unnecessary costs” and undermining efforts to cut carbon emissions.

A government-commissioned supply chain review published this year found that Britain will need tens of thousands more trained retrofit installers to meet its energy-efficiency targets, but current training capacity is far short of demand.

Zero-energy-bill homes point to a different future

While millions struggle with arrears, a small but growing number of “zero-energy-bill” homes are offering a glimpse of what the future could look like.

Developers such as Barratt Developments, Ilke Homes, and social housing providers in Oxfordshire and the West Midlands have built pilot sites where solar panels, air source heat pumps and battery storage allow homes to generate as much power as they use.

These homes typically cost more to build upfront but remove energy bills entirely by balancing generation and consumption over the year.

Housing analysts say such designs - combined with large-scale retrofitting of existing stock - could drastically cut household energy costs if backed by consistent policy.

“This isn’t science fiction,” said Simon McWhirter of the UK Green Building Council. “We already have homes that produce their own energy. What’s missing is the scale and investment to make it the norm.”

Race to retrofit

The government says its upcoming Home Upgrade Programme will support up to five million households with better insulation and low-carbon heating.

But campaigners warn progress is too slow to protect vulnerable families this winter - or to prevent future crises.

A report by Energy UK estimates that spending £1.5 billion a year on targeted support could close the fuel-poverty gap completely, saving affected families an average of £400 annually.

Until such investment materialises, the divide between those in energy debt and those living in zero-bill homes is likely to keep widening.

As winter approaches, suppliers, builders and charities are issuing the same warning:
without a nationwide effort to retrofit Britain’s homes, the country will keep paying for heat that simply escapes through the walls.

From 1 October 2015, millions of households will see their energy bills rise again as the price cap increases by 2%, taking the average annual bill from £1,720 to £1,755.

Experts are warning families to act fast by submitting meter readings before the rise kicks in to avoid paying over the odds.

The warning comes as new research shows one in six households say they simply cannot afford further hikes.

Urgent action needed today

Go.Compare’s energy spokesperson, Gareth Kloet, said households should not delay.

“Whether you take manual meter readings or have a smart meter, it’s vital to take a meter reading as close as possible to when the price cap comes into effect and send it to your provider,” he urged.

“This ensures that all the energy you’ve used up until 1 October is charged at the lower rate – not tomorrow’s higher one.”

Kloet also warned that even small changes at home could make a big difference, urging families to cut down on unnecessary energy use now. “Batch cooking, sealing draughts, and only boiling what you need in the kettle might sound small, but these habits add up – both for your wallet and the environment.”

Millions under financial strain

The comparison site’s survey of more than 2,000 people lays bare the pressure on households:

• 16% say they cannot afford any more price rises at all
• 29% admit they are worried about energy bills
• 10% believe they are not getting the best deal from their current provider

Despite more tariffs appearing on the market, too many households are missing out on potential savings. One in five (20%) have never switched provider, while nearly a third (29%) have stayed put for more than three years – even as prices have fluctuated.

Don’t get caught out

Kloet said tomorrow’s rise should be a wake-up call for anyone who hasn’t reviewed their energy tariff. “If you’ve been with the same provider for years, the chances are you’re overpaying,” he warned.

He advised that now is also the moment to consider locking in a fixed-rate deal: “With prices prone to jump in winter, a fixed contract could shield you from future increases – but remember, you’ll be tied in for the length of the deal.”

And for those hesitant to switch, Kloet added: “Even if you don’t want to move provider, use this moment to challenge your current supplier. Knowing what else is out there gives you the power to negotiate – and potentially cut your bills.”

Britain’s largest electricity supplier, Octopus Energy, has signed a deal with Chinese wind turbine maker Ming Yang Smart Energy, potentially bringing Chinese-built turbines to the UK for the first time.

The partnership aims to expand wind power capacity, reduce energy costs, and accelerate the country’s clean energy transition.

However, the deal also highlights the UK’s growing reliance on imported renewable energy technology with further questions being raised over why the UK is not producing its own renewable energy systems.

What is the Octopus and Ming Yang deal?

The partnership will explore the use of Ming Yang’s turbines as part of Octopus Energy’s “Winder” initiative, which aims to develop up to 6 gigawatts of wind projects by matching communities keen to host wind farms with developers.

Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation, said: “By combining Octopus’s expertise in smart technology and software with outstanding wind turbines, we can optimise every kilowatt and cut energy costs for millions of bill payers.”

The deal covers both onshore and offshore wind projects, with Octopus also planning to explore additional solutions, including solar power and battery storage, in collaboration with Ming Yang.

UK reliance on imported renewable technology

The deal comes as Britain faces broader questions about its dependence on imported renewable energy technology.

A report from August 2025 found that 97% of the UK’s solar panels are sourced from China, highlighting both ethical and supply chain concerns as it was also found forced labour camps were used in the creation of the solar panels.

Dr Laura Murphy, Director of the Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice, commented: “This is not just a supply chain issue – it’s a human rights issue... As the UK accelerates its clean energy agenda, it must ensure it is not complicit in abuse abroad.”

Balancing cost, growth, and supply

The Octopus–Ming Yang partnership highlights Britain’s reliance on imported renewable technology, from Chinese wind turbines to solar panels.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “While imports allow the UK to scale up renewable energy quickly, building homegrown capacity remains a priority. Through initiatives like Great British Energy, we are investing in domestic clean energy projects, strengthening local supply chains, and creating jobs to ensure long-term energy security and sustainable growth.”

The deal underscores the tension between rapidly expanding renewable energy and the government’s longer-term goal of developing a resilient domestic clean energy sector.

Initiatives like GB Energy aim to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, promote ethical sourcing, and support UK-based manufacturing, but its effectiveness in this regard is still in doubt.

Amazon has become a go-to for big-ticket upgrades, and this year it’s shining a light on solar.

Homeowners looking to harness clean energy from their own balcony can now pick up flexible solar panel kits for up to 30% off, offering an affordable alternative if your roof is not suitable.

Top brands like ECO-WORTHY, Renogy, and DOKIO have slashed prices on their semi-flexible solar panels, many of which are designed specifically for balconies, garden walls, sheds and uneven surfaces.

With discounts bringing a 130W flexible panel down to £62.39, it’s now easier than ever to begin your off-grid power journey.

Flexible solar panels now available at reduced prices

Several well-known manufacturers are offering single panels and bundled kits with temporary discounts on Amazon.

The ECO-WORTHY 130W 12V monocrystalline panel, for example, is now listed at £62.39 (down from £89.99). It features a thin 0.25 cm profile, weighs just under 4 kg, and is capable of producing up to 520Wh per day in full sun.

Renogy’s 100W and 200W flexible panels, as well as kits from DOKIO, are also listed with discounts between 15% and 30%.

All models included in the sale are semi-flexible, waterproof, and designed for small-scale outdoor use.

Installation requires no permanent fixtures

Flexible solar panels are designed to be mounted without structural changes, making them suitable for renters and DIY setups.

Most come with pre-drilled mounting holes reinforced with metal grommets, allowing for easy attachment using cable ties, velcro straps, adhesive pads, silicone sealant, or double-sided tape.

Panels include pre-attached cables (usually 2.5–3 feet in length) for connecting to solar charge controllers, batteries, or compatible microinverters. No tools are required for basic setup, and users can install the solar panels independently without electrical expertise, depending on the intended use.

Because of their low weight and thin construction, panels can be repositioned or removed if needed. Most kits arrive fully assembled and ready to connect.

Where to install them on your balcony

Flexible panels can be mounted in several places depending on sunlight and available space. Common balcony installation points include:

• Railing tops or faces, using Velcro or cable ties
• Balcony floor or decking, propped at an angle for better sun exposure
• Wall or façade facing outward, if direct sunlight is available
• Overhangs or balcony roof structures, if angled toward the sun

Orientation and daily sun coverage will affect output, so panels are often angled or repositioned seasonally. The non-permanent nature of these panels means no drilling into brick, glass, or shared structures is necessary.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to explore solar power at home, but have found the cost to be a barrier, now could be your opportunity to benefit.

These flexible balcony panels are proof that smart energy doesn’t have to be expensive – or permanent. With Amazon prices this low, powering your home sustainably is finally within reach.

Indoor solar panels are gaining momentum as a smart solution for powering low-energy electronic devices.

Unlike traditional solar panels, these are designed to harvest electricity from artificial light sources like LED and fluorescent bulbs.

The technology could help reduce battery waste and enable more sustainable, self-powered devices across homes.

A new energy source for everyday devices

Indoor solar panels are ideal for small devices that need to run continuously, such as remote controls, smart thermostats, or environmental monitors.

These applications don’t require much power, but they do require reliability and low maintenance.

Ossila, a UK-based scientific equipment and materials manufacturer that supplies research tools to labs and developers worldwide, is at the forefront of this innovation.

According to the company’s Digital Marketing Associate, Imogen Pass: “Indoor solar panels are emerging as a smart solution for powering small, low-energy devices that need to run continuously - like sensors and smart-home systems.”

Lightweight, flexible and sustainable

Indoor solar panels differ from traditional outdoor panels by harvesting energy not from sunlight, but from the artificial lighting commonly found indoors- like fluorescent bulbs and LED lights.

These panels use advanced materials specially engineered to absorb the specific wavelengths and lower intensity of indoor light.

When the light hits the solar PV cells, it excites electrons in the material, generating electricity that can power small, low-energy devices continuously without relying on batteries or plugs.

Their lightweight, thin, and sometimes flexible design makes them easy to integrate into compact devices. According to Imogen Pass, Digital Marketing Associate at Ossila: “Many of the new solar materials which work well in indoor light conditions can make devices that are flexible and lightweight. Combined with artificial intelligence, indoor solar could enable fully autonomous devices that are energy self-sufficient, low-maintenance, and more sustainable by design.”

Standardised testing for real-world light

One of the biggest challenges in developing indoor solar is ensuring consistent performance under varied lighting.

To address this, Ossila uses calibrated indoor light simulators that replicate standard lighting conditions for testing new panels.

“By ensuring that all devices are tested under pre-defined lighting conditions, researchers can better guarantee consistency and quality in device performance,” Pass explained.

This kind of quality control is key to moving from lab success to real-world adoption.

Hundreds of thousands of households across the UK can breathe a sigh of relief after the government announced a delay to the planned shutdown of older electricity meters, averting a potential crisis in heating and hot water access.

The government has confirmed that the planned 30 June switch-off of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) to help homeowners deal with energy price rises will no longer go ahead as originally scheduled.

Instead, the phase-out will begin gradually and in select locations – giving energy suppliers more time to upgrade meters and protecting vulnerable customers from being left without essential services.

"Thousands of vulnerable consumers will not now experience any sudden disruption," said Energy Consumers Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh. "This is about managing the process in a way that protects people, especially those most at risk."

Concerns over deadline

As of late May, more than 314,000 homes, including over 100,000 in Scotland alone, were still using obsolete RTS meters.

These devices, introduced in the 1980s, rely on longwave radio signals to toggle electricity use between peak and off-peak electricity times and can directly control heating and hot water systems.

Concerns mounted in recent months that many households would not be upgraded in time, potentially losing control of their energy systems – or facing higher bills – if meters were switched off before replacements were installed.

Fuel poverty campaigners warned that the original end-of-June deadline was “simply unachievable” and risked widespread disruption.

Gradual phase-out and more targeted support

The government now says that the RTS switch-off will begin on a “small scale” and in carefully chosen areas.

Households and businesses will be contacted well in advance by their energy supplier to schedule meter replacements – primarily with modern smart meters capable of mimicking RTS functionality.

Ministers emphasised that the new phased approach will allow for closer monitoring by Ofgem and ensure that vulnerable customers are prioritised.

Ofgem is also preparing new rules requiring suppliers to offer replacement tariffs that leave customers “no worse off” than under RTS arrangements – a key demand from consumer groups.

Industry under pressure

Suppliers have faced mounting criticism over the slow pace of replacements. Despite years of warnings, many were unable to ramp up installations to meet the original deadline.

The energy department has now made clear that firms must step up. “Suppliers need to be properly resourced to reach all RTS customers, including those in remote and rural areas,” said Minister Fahnbulleh.

The government will meet fortnightly with Ofgem and industry leaders to track progress – with particular focus on rural Scotland, where the density of RTS meters is highest.

What happens next?

Customers with RTS meters should expect to be contacted by their energy supplier in the coming weeks or months.

In most cases, installations will involve a straightforward swap to a smart meter, preserving off-peak pricing and automatic heating schedules.

Consumers are encouraged to respond promptly to booking requests and ask questions if unsure. The government has assured the public that no one will be left behind in the transition.

Norfolk residents face an uncomfortable clash: their homes could be acquired for the proposed East Pye Solar Project, a vast 2,500-acre development vital for national climate targets.

The situation highlights a growing tension where the pursuit of green energy, like solar panel farms, directly impacts local communities and the rural environment.

Locals, who often support renewable power, are now challenging whether sacrificing homes and productive land is the truly "green" path forward.

The human cost of green energy

Dozens of residents, including 89-year-old Yvonne Davy, received letters from the developer's lawyers stating their properties "may be required."

Davy, a solar panel owner herself, felt "absolutely appalled," vowing, "They'll get my property over my dead body."

Beyond potential acquisition, families worry about their quality of life. Chris Humphrey, whose home would be surrounded by 3.5-metre-high panels, stated, "I'm completely for solar panels... but it has to be on rooftops and not on fields."

Another resident Joanna Young said "it only powers 115,000 homes! What a waste of land. One small nuclear reactor could power 1,000,000 homes and only requires a handful of acres".

Hempnall Parish Council Chairman David Hook expressed fears of the "industrialisation of large areas of attractive, tranquil countryside," calling it a "precious national asset."

Farmland vs solar power

The East Pye project, intended to power 115,000 homes, is part of a larger trend of massive solar proposals in Norfolk.

Resident Robert Eagle questioned the project's vast scale, reportedly "10 times larger than the next biggest solar farm in the UK," asking, "Where is the food going to come from?"

Norfolk County Council leader Kay Mason Billig echoed this, condemning the "creeping abuse" of countryside and valuable agricultural land. The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) advocates for solar on "rooftops... not on productive agricultural land and open landscapes."

While the solar industry points to biodiversity benefits, the sheer scale of Norfolk's proposed farms underlines a significant conflict between energy goals and rural preservation.

Developer claims under fire

Developer Island Green Power calls their letters a "statutory obligation" and states they aim to avoid a compulsory purchase order.

However, locals report feeling "harassed" by phone calls, questioning the developer's approach. David Hook also highlighted a key discrepancy: the developer claims East Pye is "crucial for meeting climate targets to triple solar power by 2030," yet its grid connection date is reportedly for 2031.

With three-quarters of initial consultation respondents opposing the plan, and concerns about developer tactics, East Pye exemplifies the complex challenges of the UK's net-zero transition impacting local communities.

Energy bills are set to fall by 7% from July, but regulator Ofgem is urging homeowners not to rely on the energy price cap alone, warning that switching to a fixed tariff could lead to bigger savings.

Despite the summer drop, many households could still be overpaying for their gas and electricity.

The regulator says switching to a fixed tariff could save hundreds more and provide greater payment certainty.

Price cap to drop – but savings are modest

From 1 July, the energy price cap will fall by £129 a year for a typical household, lowering average bills to £1,720.

This marks the first decrease in a year and follows a drop in wholesale gas prices. While welcome, the cut simply reverses the April hike and leaves bills higher than they were a year ago.

The cap applies to 21 million homes on standard variable tariffs in England, Scotland, and Wales, but not Northern Ireland.

Better deals for those who switch

Ofgem says customers could save up to £200 annually by locking in a fixed-rate deal, which provides price certainty for 12 months.

While 35% of households are now on fixed tariffs, many remain on default variable deals.

Ofgem’s Tim Jarvis stated: "The first thing I want to remind people is that you don't have to pay the price cap – there are better deals out there so it's important to shop around, and talk to your existing supplier about the best deal they can offer you".

He suggested homeowners should compare tariffs or contact their supplier for better options.

Not everyone can switch — and bills remain high

Some households remain stuck on default tariffs due to debt or lack of confidence after poor experiences switching suppliers.

Charity National Energy Action warns that vulnerable consumers need more than just market choices to afford their bills. And while the summer drop provides some relief, price rises are still significantly above pre-crisis levels.

Money expert Martin Lewis dubbed the cap a “Pants Cap,” advising most customers to fix now and beat the cap entirely.

The UK’s goal for all homes to meet minimum energy efficiency standards by 2030 is unlikely to be met, with leading banks predicting delays of up to 13 years.

New forecasts suggest it could be 2043 before most properties reach EPC Band C, the government’s benchmark for energy performance.

The shortfall threatens to derail climate targets and could leave homeowners facing higher bills, reduced property values and barriers to selling or remortgaging.

Financial institutions sound the alarm

UK Finance, representing the banking and finance industry, has highlighted the challenges in meeting the 2030 EPC targets, saying it could be until 2043 until targets are met.

They caution that the scale of required home upgrades, coupled with financial and logistical barriers, could lead to widespread non-compliance.

In their consultation response, UK Finance stated: "The timescale is challenging and overly ambitious, particularly if many properties cannot be improved on time in an economically viable and cost-effective way."

Similarly, Lloyds Banking Group has expressed concerns about the inadequate progress in decarbonising the UK's housing stock.

Rebecca Heaton, Director of Environmental Sustainability at Lloyds Banking Group, stated: "As the UK’s largest mortgage lender, we are concerned by the inadequate progress in decarbonising the UK’s 28 million homes. The UK has the oldest and draughtiest housing stock in Europe and progress is off track."

They advocate for abandoning the proposed 2028 deadline for new tenancies and suggest that achieving the 2030 deadline for all tenancies will depend on homeowners' understanding of necessary improvements and the availability of financial support.

The scale of the challenge

Currently, approximately 60% of the UK's housing stock falls below the EPC C standard.

To meet the 2030 target, an estimated 1.6 million properties would need to be upgraded annually, equating to retrofitting about 2,000 properties each day. Failing to meet this target could land homeowners a fine of up to £5,000.

This ambitious pace is further complicated by insufficient capacity in the retrofit supply chain and labour force.

Calls for government action

Industry experts and financial institutions are urging the government to provide clearer guidance and increased funding to support homeowners in making necessary energy efficiency improvements.

Which, the consumer advisory group, previously called for a review of EPC rating systems after it was found "too many EPCs do not provide an accurate assessment of the energy efficiency of a home".

Financial incentives have also been suggested from lending groups, including introducing grants, low-interest loans, or tax breaks to make upgrades more accessible.

A group comprising Mortgage Advice Bureau, TSB, Leeds Building Society, and Coventry Building Society has proposed a stamp duty refund for homebuyers who retrofit their property to achieve an EPC rating of C or higher.

They argue that such incentives would make energy-inefficient homes more attractive to buyers and catalyse a greater level of upgrading across the UK housing stock.

The UK government has announced that Great British Energy, the state-owned energy company, will be prohibited from using solar panels linked to forced labour practices in China's Xinjiang region.

This decision comes amid mounting pressure from MPs, campaigners, and international observers to ensure that the UK's transition to renewable energy does not come at the cost of human rights abuses.​

However, the decision has now raised concerns over how the UK will maintain sufficient supply chains of solar panels to continue the UK's net zero transition.

GB Energy's ethical stand against forced labour

GB Energy, established to spearhead the UK's renewable energy initiatives, has taken a firm stance against the use of solar panels produced under unethical conditions.

The company's decision to exclude products linked to forced labour in Xinjiang reflects a commitment to ethical sourcing and human rights. This move aligns with growing global concerns about the use of forced labour in the production of polysilicon, a key component in solar PV panels, in the Xinjiang region.​

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband stated: "Great British Energy will be an industry leader in developing supply chains free of forced labour as it propels us in our clean energy superpower mission."

Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK, expressed confidence, said: "Given progress in ensuring that the UK supply chain is free from solar panels produced with raw materials tainted by human rights abuses, we are confident that there will be no slowdown in solar deployment."

The amendment to the Great British Energy Bill ensures that the company's investments in solar panel projects will not support industries implicated in human rights abuses.​

Political and public pressure prompt policy shift

The government's decision follows intense pressure from across the political spectrum and human rights organisations. Previously, the Labour government had instructed MPs to reject a similar amendment.

However, the growing outcry over human rights violations in Xinjiang and the ethical implications of sourcing solar panels from the region led to a reconsideration of the policy.​

Critics had warned that the UK's reliance on solar panels produced in Xinjiang could undermine its commitment to human rights and ethical practices.

Sarah Champion MP, Chair of the International Development Select Committee, said:​ “I’m gravely concerned that without sufficient safeguards in place, we will run the risk of transitioning to net zero on the backs of those in slavery. We need to see clear intent that modern slavery cannot make up any part of GB Energy supply chains.”

Penny Mills, director of Devon CPRE, expressed concerns about local councils' lack of control over solar panel sourcing, added:​ “Three of the four councils we contacted either don’t have a clue what we are talking about or say they have no powers to ensure solar panels are ethically sourced. The UK Government’s pledge to exclude suppliers complicit in systematic human rights violations is meaningless.”

The policy shift has been welcomed by advocates for ethical energy sourcing, who see it as a necessary step towards ensuring that the UK's green transition does not come at the expense of vulnerable populations.​

Challenges ahead in ethical sourcing

While the decision marks a significant step towards ethical sourcing, challenges remain in implementing the policy.

China currently dominates the global production of polysilicon, accounting for a substantial share of the market. This dominance raises concerns about the feasibility of sourcing solar panels entirely free from links to forced labour whilst keeping the cost of solar panels down.​

Industry representatives have called for the UK to take a leadership role in developing alternative supply chains and supporting domestic production of solar panel components.

The government asserts that domestic and ethical international supply chains can meet demand, and pressure is mounting on China to improve labour standards.​

As the UK continues its transition to renewable energy, balancing ethical considerations with environmental goals remains a pressing challenge.

In a playful yet poignant display, Good Energy has transformed Southsea Model Village into "Sunshine Place," a miniature neighborhood showcasing the potential of renewable energy in everyday life.

The installation features tiny eco homes equipped with solar panels and heat pumps, alongside miniature figures of prominent political figures, including Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, symbolising the national discourse on climate policy.

We tour the tiny village and explore what message the village is trying to highlight.

Miniature homes, major message

The miniature village showcases 12 new tiny homes outfitted with solar panels and heat pumps, along with eight retrofitted buildings - demonstrating that even the most compact properties can embrace renewable tech.

Nigel Pocklington, CEO of Good Energy, said: “Small changes can have a big impact. Sunshine Place demonstrates what a greener, cleaner future could look like in the UK.”

Public placards explain energy subsidies, tackle myths about green tech, and make the case for more funding to ensure fairer access to clean home heating.

Mini politicians, real policy debate

In a creative twist, Sunshine Place includes handmade models of well-known political figures to highlight the spectrum of opinions in the UK's energy debate. Among them:

• Ed Miliband, Labour’s Energy Secretary and clean energy champion
• Max Wilkinson, Liberal Democrat MP and original sponsor of the Sunshine Bill
• Miatta Fahnbulleh, Labour Minister for Energy Consumers, advocate for Warm Homes and Clean Heat plans
• Stephen Morgan, Labour MP for Portsmouth South and backer of energy bill support for local families
• Nigel Farage, Reform UK MP and outspoken critic of green energy policies

By staging this visual clash between renewable advocates and sceptics in miniature form, Good Energy hopes to spark public and political imagination on what a truly sustainable future could look like.

Sunshine Bill reboot and policy push

Alongside the model village, Good Energy has written to MPs urging a revival of the now-defunct Sunshine Bill, which would mandate solar panels on all new homes. The campaign also calls for:

• Removing green levies from electricity bills and shifting them into general taxation
• More government funding for lower-income households to access heat pumps and solar
• Accelerated political action ahead of a looming energy affordability crisis

“Helping people understand their options, the grants available, the money they can save, and their contribution to the nationwide push towards net zero is what has guided this feel-good campaign,” said Pocklington.

With household emissions still accounting for 17% of the UK’s carbon output, Sunshine Place delivers a serious message in a fun-sized format; when it comes to climate solutions, scale shouldn’t limit ambition.

Households across the UK will see an increase of 80p in their annual energy bills to help fund discounts for people living near new or upgraded electricity pylons.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband confirmed the plan, stating that these slight energy price rises would be used to compensate those who live in close proximity to pylons being built to support the country’s renewable energy transition.

The 80p bill increase: A nationwide contribution

As part of the government’s strategy to expand the UK’s energy grid, households in Great Britain within 500 meters of new or upgraded pylons will receive annual discounts of up to £250 over a period of ten years.

The total cost of this compensation scheme will be covered by a modest increase of 80p per year in the average household's energy bill.

Miliband explained that the scheme’s costs would be “more than offset” by the long-term benefits. “This is about recognising the contribution people are making by hosting this infrastructure,” Miliband said. “It’s not just compensation but acknowledging their role in the transition to a cleaner, greener energy system.”

While the financial impact on individual bills is minimal, the government is hopeful that this approach will smooth over some of the tensions surrounding the construction of new pylons, which are vital for meeting the UK’s clean energy targets.

The impact on average households

Although the bill increase is small, critics argue that even small hikes add up for households already facing rising living costs.

The 80p annual increase will be distributed across all customers, regardless of whether they live near pylons or not, which means that the financial burden will be felt by everyone.

Rural campaign groups have voiced concerns that the cost of the scheme should not fall on the entire population. “While we understand the need for infrastructure, it’s unfair that all households must pay for the inconvenience of living near pylons,” said one rural advocate. “People in affected areas should receive more than just a small reduction in their bills- they deserve better compensation for the loss of their landscapes.”

Although the increase is modest, households across the UK are likely to face multiple hikes in energy costs in the coming years, prompting concerns over affordability for vulnerable families.

How the government plans to manage costs

The UK government’s strategy to fund these bill discounts extends beyond simple cost allocation. Suppliers will be responsible for passing the costs onto customers, which means that while the increase is relatively small per person, it will be spread across millions of households.

The government hopes that the benefits of a more connected and efficient energy grid will outweigh the slight increase in bills over time.

Miliband emphasised that the new grid infrastructure would allow the UK to better utilize offshore wind farms and other renewable energy sources, which are currently underutilised due to the lack of adequate transmission infrastructure. “Without these pylons, we would be wasting valuable clean energy,” he said, suggesting that the long-term benefits would ultimately lower energy costs for all consumers.

As part of the broader Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the government is also working to streamline the planning process for future energy projects.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has noted that simplifying regulations and accelerating development would benefit both the economy and the transition to greener energy sources. She added: "We owe it to the people of this country to get Britain building again. It is no longer a question of whether we build the new infrastructure we need but a question of how and this must be done in lockstep with local communities."

While the plan has been welcomed by the renewable energy sector, the financial impact on households remains a contentious issue. For now, millions of families will see a small but steady increase in their energy bills to fund this nationwide push for a cleaner energy future.

As of 2030, homeowners in the UK will face significant penalties if they fail to provide a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when selling or renting their properties.

Those without an EPC or with an outdated one could be fined up to £5,000.

But what kind of EPC do you need and how do you go about getting one? We answer all you need to know so you avoid facing unnecessary fines.

What penalties could you face for not having an EPC?

Homeowners are legally obligated to provide an EPC when selling or renting their home. If they fail to do so, they could face significant fines.

Trading standards officers enforce EPC compliance and if a homeowner does not provide an EPC they may be fined up to 12.5% of the home’s rateable value, with a minimum penalty of £500 and a maximum penalty of £5,000.

Additionally, if a local authority requests a copy of the EPC, homeowners must provide it within seven days or risk a further fine of £200. If the penalty is contested, homeowners can request a review or appeal the decision in court.

What type of EPC do you need?

The EPC required for a home depends on its characteristics, such as the type of heating system installed.

If a home has fixed services like heating or air conditioning, the EPC should reflect the energy efficiency of those systems. Homes without such fixed services may not require an EPC unless the services are planned for installation.

Newer homes built after 2012 automatically have an EPC, but older homes may not, especially if they’ve never been rented or sold since the certificate’s introduction.

Homeowners of older homes should ensure they obtain an energy rating before selling or renting their property to avoid penalties.

How to get an EPC for your home

In order to meet these new EPC ratings by 2030 homeowners looking to obtain an EPC must hire a qualified energy assessor.

An EPC is a legal requirement for all buildings being sold or rented, and it's crucial to check that it’s up to date. If you haven't yet acquired an EPC for your property, or if it’s outdated, it’s essential to arrange for an energy assessment as soon as possible to avoid fines.

Improving your property's energy efficiency before the assessment can help boost your EPC rating. Simple upgrades, such as installing energy-efficient light bulbs, improving insulation, or replacing old boilers, can make a noticeable difference in your property's energy score.

Octopus Energy is stepping up efforts to combat rising energy costs by helping to build 100,000 Zero Bills homes.

The company aims to deliver these eco homes across the UK by 2030 that could potentially eliminate all energy bills for 5 to 10 years.

Powered by renewable energy sources such as solar panels, heat pumps, and smart energy management systems, these homes offer a promising solution for reducing household energy costs.

Zero Bills homes aim to transform homebuilding

Octopus Energy Zero Bills homes are built with green technologies, designed to generate and store the majority of their energy on-site.

The initiative aims to provide homes that generate and store their own energy, removing the reliance on external energy suppliers.

The homes will utilise technologies like solar panels and heat pumps to create a more energy-efficient environment, allowing homeowners to avoid traditional energy bills.

These homes are also expected to reduce carbon emissions, contributing to the UK's environmental goals.

How much free electricity will each home provide?

Each Zero Bills home receives 10 MWh of free electricity annually - enough to cover the energy requirements of a well-insulated three-bedroom house.

With the average UK household using approximately 14.2 MWh per year, the highly efficient design ensures the homes consume much less, around 6 MWh annually.

Homeowners who exceed their free allocation will be billed for the extra energy, but the tariff is designed to minimise reliance on non-renewable sources, providing affordable, sustainable energy for most households.

Who can benefit from the scheme?

The Zero Bills homes scheme is primarily aimed at new-build properties, and Octopus Energy has partnered with some of the UK’s largest developers, including Vistry Group, Bellway, and Persimmon, to roll out these homes across the country.

One notable project includes a development in Bedfordshire, where Bellway has committed to delivering 250 Zero Bills homes.

Additionally, Octopus Energy is working to retrofit older homes to meet the Zero Bills standard, with an estimated 500,000 homes built since 2013 potentially eligible for upgrades.

Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy, envisions a future where greener living becomes the affordable option: “In just six years, 100,000 homeowners, families, and couples could be living without ever having to think about an energy bill. Together with leading developers, we’re building a brighter future where greener living is the cheaper option, not the premium.”

As energy prices rises continue, Zero Bills homes provide a much-needed solution for homeowners, offering both environmental benefits and significant cost savings.

What if your home could turn waste heat from the internet into free hot water? It might sound futuristic, but this idea could become a reality thanks to a trial by British Gas and Heata.

At a time when energy price rises continue to put pressure on household budgets, this innovative approach offers a clever way for homeowners to cut bills, reduce carbon emissions and rethink how energy is used.

The concept is simple: instead of wasting the heat generated by cloud computing, why not put it to good use? Every time we browse the internet, stream videos, or use artificial intelligence services, vast data centres produce enormous amounts of waste heat and Heata has found a way to capture this heat and redirect it into people’s homes.

A win-win for homeowners and the planet

Data centres – large facilities that store and process digital information – produce a lot of waste heat.

Normally, cooling systems use extra energy to prevent overheating. Heata has come up with a smarter way to handle this heat: instead of letting it go to waste, it is used to provide free hot water for homes.

Heata has developed a "virtual data centre" by distributing small servers into homes rather than housing them all in one large facility.

These servers are attached to hot water cylinders, so as they process data, the heat they generate warms the water. This reduces the need for gas or electricity to heat water, cutting both costs and carbon emissions.

Chris Jordan, co-founder of Heata, explains: “We’ve created a solution that enables us to reuse the waste heat from cloud computing to provide free hot water for families in our communities. Our reliance on data centres is only going to grow, and by thinking differently about how we use this technology, we can reduce its carbon impact while benefiting homeowners.”

How it works

A small Heata server is installed in your home and connected to your hot water system. When companies run cloud computing tasks (such as processing large amounts of data), these tasks are handled by the Heata server.

As the server works, it naturally generates heat. Instead of wasting this heat, the system transfers it into your hot water tank, meaning you save energy by using less gas or electricity for heating water.

The best part? Heata covers the unit's electricity cost, so households only benefit from the extra warmth. This could save homeowners up to £340 per year on electric water heating and £120 per year on gas heating.

Paul Lodwidge, Head of Energy Product & Propositions at British Gas, highlights the significance of the project: “Innovative projects like this are another example of how the UK is becoming a leader in cutting carbon emissions. Heata is a true pioneer in the way it has developed a solution that can reuse waste heat and deliver significant cost and carbon savings. We’re proud to support this trial and explore ways to scale it up.”

More than just savings

As artificial intelligence and digital services expand, the demand for data processing is increasing.

By rethinking how we use this technology, homeowners can help make the energy system more efficient while reducing their own bills. British Gas is currently running a three-month trial with Heata, installing units in employees’ homes. The results will help improve the system, to make this technology widely available.

If successful, businesses across the UK could adopt this model, turning waste heat into a valuable resource for local communities.

The future of home energy

This project marks an exciting step toward smarter, more sustainable homes.

Just like solar panels capture the sun’s energy, these small servers repurpose heat that would otherwise be wasted.

For homeowners looking to cut energy costs and reduce their environmental impact, innovations like Heata offer a glimpse into the future - where homes don’t just consume energy but help generate and recycle it for a greener world.

MPs have warned that Brexit is making energy more expensive for UK households, with some arguing that leaving the EU has led to higher prices, inefficiencies and reduced energy security.

During a debate in Westminster Hall today, Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse (Bath) and others called on the government to address the impact of Brexit on energy price rises, accusing ministers of ignoring the issue.

Brexit and rising bills

Hobhouse argued that while factors like inflation and global energy shocks have contributed to rising costs, Brexit has played a significant but often overlooked role.

"Since leaving the EU, we have lost the benefits of being part of a shared European energy market," she said. "When we were inside the system, electricity flowed freely across borders, reducing costs and improving security. Now, without proper cooperation, we are facing inefficiencies, higher prices, and weaker energy resilience."

She warned that the UK’s departure from the EU’s energy trading arrangements has led to increased volatility in electricity prices, making energy more expensive for households.

UK falling behind Europe

Hobhouse pointed out that while EU countries are making progress in lowering costs through shared energy policies, the UK is being left behind.

"In the first half of 2024, gas prices in the UK were 22% below the EU average, while electricity prices were 27% above it. We now have the highest ratio of electricity to gas prices in Europe, and it’s putting us at a disadvantage," she said.

The imbalance, she argued, is preventing people from switching to cleaner heating technologies like heat pumps, which are widely used in European countries such as Sweden.

Calls for rejoining energy market

Several MPs supported the argument that Brexit has made energy policy more difficult and called for closer cooperation with the EU.

Hobhouse suggested that the government should consider rejoining certain European energy frameworks, such as the 2030 climate and energy framework, to restore stability and reduce prices.

"We need to stop making Brexit an excuse for inaction," she said. "Reintegrating with EU energy markets where it makes sense would benefit everyone. We should be pragmatic, not ideological, when it comes to keeping costs down."

However, Conservative MPs defended the Government’s approach, arguing that global factors like the war in Ukraine and the post-pandemic recovery have had a bigger impact on energy prices than Brexit.

What happens next?

Despite growing pressure from opposition MPs, the Government has not indicated any plans to reconsider its energy relationship with the EU.

But as energy bills continue to be a major concern for households, the debate over Brexit’s role in rising prices is unlikely to go away.

With energy security and affordability remaining top priorities, the question now is whether ministers will acknowledge Brexit’s impact on energy prices.