British Gas in massive new £20m solar panel scheme
August 10, 2011 at 2:30 pm
British Gas has partnered with the Mears Group, a large repair and maintenance service provider, to announce a new £20 million contract which will lead to the installation of PV (photovoltaic) solar panels in 3,500 homes in Peterborough.
The contract has been signed with Cross Keys Homes and, according to Mears, will be the biggest PV scheme for social housing in the UK.
As part of the partnership, the installation costs will be covered by British Gas. The energy giant is set to recoup its investment over a period of 25 years through the Feed-In Tariff.
The role of Mears Group will be to carry out many of the installations, including providing the scaffolding and electrical components.
The first panels to be fitted in the scheme should be installed by September, and work on the project is expected to be completed by April 2012.
The chief executive of Mears Group, David Miles, said that the company saw “increasing opportunities in this area” and that the partnership with British Gas provides the company with access to expertise and funding.
PV solar panels are one of the best ways in which people are able to reduce their carbon footprints and take advantage of a completely free and ongoing source of power. The FiT scheme has been set up to encourage more installations of solar panels to help people across the UK to cut down on their energy consumption and start to enjoy the benefits of using the sun’s power instead of relying on fossil fuels.
This scheme is a step in the right direction, and will hopefully lead to many more similar schemes over the years ahead.
What’s the difference between Smart Meters and Energy Monitoring Units?
August 10, 2011 at 1:05 pm
With all the recent advancements in home energy monitoring devices, keeping track of all the new information in the market can be quite difficult. You may have heard of smart meters and home energy monitoring units, but what are they? What do they do? How do they affect you, the consumer? Presented here is a comparison of two similar sounding pieces of equipment that are actually quite different. Both devices can help you save money on energy use, whether you use gas, electricity, or a combination of both.
These devices can be used separately or concurrently to keep track of exactly how much energy usage is taking place. Take control of your energy budget by using these devices to see what appliances use the most energy. Monitor your exact usage over time to see what time of day the majority of your energy consumption happens. Find ways to reduce that consumption with real-time estimated energy use translated into kilowatt hours. Say goodbye to estimated bills for good with the use of automated meter reading. View your energy usage over time with your own personal online account. Read on and find out the differences between these new advances in energy monitoring technology.
Smart metering uses the latest in upgraded technology for automatic, accurate reading of energy usage. Smart meters replace your current gas or electric meters; both digital and manual readout models. Once a smart meter is installed, there is no longer a need for a representative from the energy company to come out to take a reading. The unit uses mobile communications technology to instantly and accurately provide energy usage directly to the utility. This automatic process eliminates human error and provides complete and total accuracy. Your energy usage information is captured on a regular basis, approximately every 30 minutes for electricity usage and once a day for gas usage. The information gathered is stored on an online account for easy access by the customer. With user-friendly line graphs or bar charts, your personal energy usage is easily viewed and interpreted. This allows the customer to see exactly how they are using energy throughout the day, thereby having the knowledge to tailor their usage to conserve both energy and money.
Some utility companies offer free smart meters to homeowners and/or business customers; these are First Utility (homeowners) and Opus Energy (businesses).
Energy monitoring is a less sophisticated technology that uses a stand-alone device that sits in the home and gives an estimated account of electricity usage. A home energy monitor is not 100% accurate but does give you the option of real time output. These units can help identify which appliances cost the most to operate and give you a visual representation of patterns and costs throughout the day. Imagine being able to see a rough estimation of just how much your energy usage translates into kWh, actual costs, and the level of CO2 created by your energy usage. This allows customers to cut down the use of appliances that consume the most energy, both reducing cost to the consumer and reducing your carbon footprint on the environment.
Energy monitoring units are now provided by a number of suppliers such as First Utility, Southern Electric and British Gas to name but a few.
London Olympic Games carbon footprint concern
August 3, 2011 at 3:11 pm
The amount of carbon emissions created by the forthcoming London 2012 Olympics is a cause for concern for UK environmental groups. The key decision to scrap the idea of using wind turbines at the Games may mean renewable energy targets will now not be met.
The London 2012 Olympics will draw a global audience of billions, making it one of the biggest sporting tournaments on the planet (second only to the football World Cup, in fact), as well as being a sponsors’ dream. But environmentalists and pressure groups insist that the Olympics’ profile does not mean its organisers are exempt from doing all they can to prevent any harm to the environment.
Amongst the groups’ concerns are worries about a lack of electric-powered vehicles at (and to and from) the Games, and whether many of the temporary materials being used there are actually recyclable.
Some environmentalists assert that, through lowering carbon emissions as much as possible, the London 2012 Olympics could in fact be seen as ‘leading the way’ when it comes to promoting renewable energy around the globe – enhancing the Games’ reputation even more as it ‘makes its name’ as recent history’s most sustainable event!
However, with the wind turbines option having now been dismissed (supposedly for ‘safety reasons’), the London 2012 Olympics organisers are struggling to reduce the Games’ carbon footprint in new ways.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) to reduce carbon emissions. And although they have said that they are committed to doing so, their decision to seek an alternative to using wind turbines is proving much more difficult than originally expected (despite seeking the advice of key sustainability partners, such as BT).
Meanwhile, time marches on towards the Games’ opening ceremony date, and a fresh concern amongst environmentalist groups is that the ODA is now starting to abdicate responsibility (for finding a wind turbines alternative) to the renewable energy industry itself, which they insist is best placed to offer a solution to the problem.
EDF Energy warns customers of bogus doorstep prepayment salesmen
April 5, 2011 at 12:18 pm
Individuals posing as authorised doorstep sellers are offering EDF Energy users discounted prepayment credit (sometimes at half the price). The unauthorised salesmen are practising criminal activity, and, in fact, involving EDF Energy customers in that activity with each unit of illegal credit sold.
To top-up with electricity credit, EDF Energy customers with a prepayment meter at their home insert a special plastic key into it, adding credit as and when they need to. They can buy the credit at newsagents, small supermarkets, and post offices displaying the PayPoint sign.
EDF Energy has acted quickly to warn customers of the bogus salesmen’s fraudulent activity, and is doing everything it can to combat it; however, many customers using the company’s prepayment meter scheme have already fallen for the scam, and so are effectively paying twice for their electricity.
Although it is not yet clear how long the tricksters have been in operation, the current economic climate is undoubtedly providing them with the perfect opportunity to take advantage of customers who would see a 50% saving on heating their homes as a godsend.
Heavy snow across the UK during the recent harsh winter also meant that many EDF Energy customers were unable to leave their homes at times to buy credit for their prepayment meter from PayPoint outlets. Discounted prepayment credit from doorstep salesmen would have seemed like a wonderfully convenient option, therefore.
Customers topping up their energy supply in this way are easily identifiable by EDF Energy, and should be aware that they will still be liable for the full credit value, once traced. Those who fear they may have bought illegal credit can call EDF Energy free on 0800 096 5040.
Green energy vehicle charging network gets go ahead
March 20, 2011 at 12:14 pm
Electric vehicles (EVs) are a great solution for people who want to reduce their carbon footprint. But one issue has always been a problem: the electricity that the cars run on has to be generated somewhere, and that usually involves the burning of fossil fuels.
However, this hurdle is about to be overcome now that two companies have announced a new charging network across the UK and Ireland for EVs that relies exclusively on green energy.
Green Motion Limited is teaming up with Green Energy Plc to launch the Network One charging stations across the UK in a move that will create 30 jobs and allow EV drivers to get around without having to rely on electricity that is produced from fossil fuels.
Now those people who are keen to drive EVs in a way that does not harm the environment at all will find it a lot easier to charge up their vehicles with electricity generated from wind power, solar power and other green sources.
Green Motion already operates charging stations with Network One in Germany, France and Switzerland. Its success in those countries has led it to launch the network over here, and when the network arrives in the UK it will be the first one in the country to allow cars to charge with renewable energy.
By 2018, Green Motion is predicting that a total of 100,000 charging stations will be up and running in the UK, which will consist of both its Network One charging stations and other standard charging stations. Of these, 40% are expected to be installed in homes, 50% in locations such as supermarket car parks and 10% in the streets. The government has announced that it will install 25,000 by 2015.
The managing director of Green Motion, Stewart Mckee, called the partnership “game changing” and said that it was “hugely significant to the UK’s global technology position.”
EDF joins other electricity companies in price hike
March 10, 2011 at 2:04 pm
On 2nd March, EDF Energy increased its gas prices by 6.5% and electricity prices by 7.5%. EDF has now joined the five other “big six” energy companies that have also put up their prices recently.
The price hikes began in November when Scottish Power’s electricity bills went up by an average of 8.9% and gas by 2%. This was followed by Scottish and Southern Energy who increased prices by 9.4%, followed shortly by a 7% rise in both gas and electricity for British Gas and a 5.1% increase for both for Npower. E.On also announced a 9% increase in electricity prices and a 3% increase in gas.
According to price comparison website Uswitch.com, the change to EDF’s pricing will mean the average annual bill for their customers will go up by £72. It is estimated that the average increase across all suppliers is lower at £63, but Uswitch’s Ann Robinson says that EDF’s customers were protected from a price increase in the winter, when the impact would have been more severe.
EDF regrets the price increase but claims that like other energy companies it has been constrained by a multitude of insurmountable issues such as wholesale costs, network charges and environmental costs. Martin Lawrence, a senior manager from the company, insists that even though he is disappointed by the increase, he is glad the company “held out longer” than its competitors, and did not put up its prices in the winter, during which time it officially had a price freeze.
Energy regulator Ofgem is currently reviewing the domestic energy market to see if any actions need to be taken against the price increases. The work will be completed by the end of March. A similar investigation was also conducted in October 2008, but no evidence of malpractice by the energy suppliers was found.
Ofgem says smart meters must not make it harder to switch
February 28, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Ofgem has stated in a consultation document that the introduction of smart meters in homes across the country should not in any way become a barrier for consumers who wish to switch their power suppliers.
The statement refers to the new smart meters that are being introduced to every house in the UK over the next few years, with the rollout expected to be completed by 2020. Ofgem is concerned that customers may find themselves tied to the power company that installed their smart meter, and it is making it clear that it does not want this to be the case.
Once the smart meters are in place they will get rid of estimated bills, and will also inform energy customers exactly how much gas and electricity they are using. This could help to increase awareness of the amount of power being used in the home and could make people more inclined to save energy.
However, Ofgem stated that “it is important that where a customer has a smart meter installed, this does not create a barrier to them switching supplier.”
The ability to change suppliers is not the only item covered in the consultation document. Some security concerns have also been raised surrounding smart meters and personal data issues. For example, the data could show when people are not at home through the amount of energy that is being used, leaving them vulnerable to theft.
To counter these fears, Ofgem has said it will make sure suppliers comply with data protection laws, including the use of encrypting information.
The director of Energy UK, Christine McGourty, said that “the industry is working closely with government and the regulator on key issues to be addressed before a nationwide roll-out.”
British Gas teams up with Sainsbury’s to sell solar panels
February 22, 2011 at 1:58 pm
If you like the idea of installing solar panels on your roof to generate electricity and earn a bit of extra money on the side but don’t know where to start, you could now find all you need to know at your local Sainsbury’s.
The supermarket giant has just started up a scheme to sell solar panels in a number of its stores in a partnership with British Gas which will last for the next five years. The aim is to provide more people with access to solar panels and to educate them on how they can take advantage of the panels in their own homes.
Sainsbury’s Energy will start selling photovoltaic solar panels in its stores, which cost about £14,000 to £15,000 to install on the average roof. Although this will be seen as quite a hefty investment by most people, it could actually turn out to be a financially sound decision.
The government Feed-in Tariff (FiT) was recently introduced to allow people to sell back their extra electricity to the National Grid. Using this scheme, and the savings made in electricity, it will take about 15 years to pay for the installation on average.
However, the FiT scheme lasts for 25 years, meaning for the remaining 10 years people can sell back their extra electricity and make a fair bit of profit.
As well as solar panels, Sainsbury’s is also providing home energy assessments for its customers. For £45, customers can have an expert visit their home to produce a personalised report detailing how they can save more energy. Sainsbury’s says that by taking the recommended action customers could save up to £200 a year as a result.
Wind power on the up as UK increases reliance upon renewable energy
January 27, 2011 at 12:41 pm
Those who champion the generation of renewable energy in the UK have received a boost in the form of the news that firstly, wind power is now providing almost half of the nation’s renewable electricity; and, secondly, almost 10% of the UK’s electricity comes from renewable sources.
Figures released by the government show that 2010 was, all in all, a fantastic year for the renewable energy sector, with the statistics from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) clearly showing that the UK is extremely well placed to meet, and even exceed, the targets set for 2020.
These targets handed the UK the ambitious aim of generating a third of their electricity from renewable sources by that target date and, with the rate at which the sector has grown over the past 12 months, there seems to be no reason why the targets shouldn’t be greeted with optimism.
In the third quarter of 2010, the contribution from wind power increased by a total of 37% when compared to the same quarter in 2009, with wind power now the UK’s leading renewable technology for delivering actual units to the grid.
Whilst the news is undoubtedly positive for the renewable energy sector, challenges certainly do remain. Solar power, for example, experienced one of its toughest years during 2010, with the global recession preventing the widespread roll-out of some solar power schemes.
However, with wave energy also receiving a boost during 2010 and geothermal power experiencing solid growth throughout the year, there is reason for optimism across the industry.
Electricity market to receive shake-up
January 20, 2011 at 4:38 pm
Energy and climate secretary, Chris Huhne, has revealed government plans to reform the energy market in the UK in order to allow the nation to make significant steps towards ensuring that reliance upon clean energy becomes the norm over the next twenty years, as well as ensure that the target set for Britain of cutting emissions by a total of 34% is achieved within the next ten years.
If government plans to transform the energy sector, which include around £110 billion of investment to be used to build new power stations and upgrade existing grids, are a success, low-carbon technologies such as renewable energy will become the primary form of energy generation by the year 2030.
It is thought that renewable technologies which have so far not received too much funding or been the focus of intense research will be one of the focuses of the government’s ambitious plans; energy saving devices designed to help Brits cut back on the amount of energy they use on a daily basis will also receive significant support in order to make them more widespread features of modern society.
Huhne, whilst revealing the nature of the plans, stated that the government realise they have a “once in a generation chance to rebuild” the electricity market and are planning to make “cleaner, greener power” the affordable choice for the future. However, criticism, as with most moves made by the current coalition government, has been quick to attach itself to the plans, with some suggesting that consumers will bear the brunt of the proposals through higher energy bills in the short term.
