The Government has postponed its mass installation of 'smart' energy meters by a year.
In a statement to Parliament, Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey confirmed that the full-scale release of more than 50 million meters to about 30 million homes and businesses will now run from 2015 to the end of 2020. The previous target was to install the units from 2014 through 2019.
The program is aimed at cutting energy use, emissions and consumer bills by providing users with instantaneous information on the power consumption of appliances through computerized meters.
Smart meters give much more detailed information on energy use than traditional 'dumb' meters. Research has suggested they can help consumers reduce their energy consumption, and they also allow remote readings to be taken so customers get more accurate bills.
The Government has been consulting with energy suppliers on its plans to introduce smart meters. The message was that more time was needed if the mass roll-out was to get off to the best possible start and ensure a quality experience for consumers.
The government is also introducing measures to make it easier for energy suppliers that wish to start installing smart meters before 2015 to do so.
From the end of 2013, rules will be brought in that mean if a customer with a smart meter changes energy supplier - the new supplier cannot replace the smart meter with a dumb device.
Posted 03.05.13
Registered social landlords are being invited to bid for money to support the installation of cost-effective renewable heating systems in social housing stock, particularly focusing in off-gas grid areas.
Building on the success of the past Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) social landlord competitions, the Energy Saving Trust has re-launching the scheme with two new competitions, each with an initial budget of £3 million.
The competitions, which were launched on the 2nd May, are:
The Fast Track competition. This has a standard timeline in line with past competitions and is intended for landlords who have pipeline projects ready to go.
Unlike in previous years, there will be no limit to the amount of funding a bidder may request, subject to landlords' bids complying with State Aid regulations.
The Reach-Out competition, which will run on a slower timeline and is combined with a programme of events for interested landlords during Spring 2013.
This competition is intended for those landlords who had previously thought the RHPP competition was not for them, who needed to find out more before committing and/or are in need of application advice/support.
A funding cap of €200,000 (approximately £175,000) on the size of individual bids will be maintained for this competition to ensure a diversity of projects are funded.
For further details, visit the Energy Saving Trust website via this link.
