GOVERNMENT NEWS
King’s Speech ‘takes brakes off’ Great British Energy
The Labour Government has revealed its legislative framework for Great British Energy, the UK’s state-owned energy company, which is crucial for meeting the ‘2030 net zero grid target.’ Today, His Majesty The King presented the government’s legislative agenda. This State Opening of Parliament underscores the government’s dedication to “rebuilding Britain” through 40 proposed bills and draft legislation.
UK’s green economy call for stronger climate policies after Climate Change Committee report
The UK has a strong history of reducing emissions, successfully meeting all targets to date, with territorial emissions now down by over half. This achievement deserves recognition, and the Climate Change Committee commends the efforts of successive governments. However, despite some progress last year, the previous government showed signs of slowing down and either reversed or delayed crucial policies. The new government must act swiftly to meet the nation’s climate commitments.
‘Labour must now act on building commitments’ – HVAC sector responds to 2024 election
The UK’s new government faces demands from industry to fulfil its election manifesto pledge for affordable, sustainable heating solutions. The Sustainable Energy Association (SEA) is among the organisations urging immediate action, calling on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to capitalise on Labour’s victory in the July 4 General Election by advancing the party’s plans to enhance sustainability in UK buildings.
Ofgem addresses uncertainty in gas sector’s net zero transition
Ofgem has outlined significant challenges facing the gas distribution (GD) and gas transmission (GT) sectors as the UK moves towards its net zero targets. Today, the energy regulator has announced its RIIO-3 Sector Specific Methodology Decision, outlining crucial guidelines for the GD, GT and Electricity Transmission sectors.
SECTOR UPDATES
Plumbing & heating boost in latest PHMI report
The latest figures from the Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) report show total value sales for April through specialist plumbing and heating merchants were up +6.2% in 2024 compared to April 2023. Volumes rose +14.2% and prices fell -7.0%. However, with three additional trading days in 2024, like-for-like sales for April (taking trading day differences into account), were -9.0% lower than 2023.
BMBI April 2024 report highlights ongoing challenges
The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published in June, shows builders’ merchants’ value sales were up +3.9% in April compared to the same month a year ago. Volume sales increased +4.7% and prices eased -0.8%. However, with three additional trading days this year, like-for-like value sales were down -11.0%.
UK solar power output hits record high amid gas decline
UK gas production fell by more than a third during the second quarter to 13.4TWh – the lowest quarterly amount recorded by Montel Analytics in the past two decades. Concurrently, gas prices followed an upward trajectory, beginning the quarter at £23.24/MWh, dropping to a low of £21.26/MWh in early April, and then rising above £23.00/MWh for most of the month.
National Grid: Britain will remain dependent on gas for years
Britain will remain reliant on natural gas for the foreseeable future, according to National Grid, posing a challenge to Sir Keir Starmer’s green energy ambitions. The National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) now anticipates that demand for gas in 2030 will be at least 20% higher than previously projected.
INSTALLER NEWS
Ten most popular trade apprentices
New data has revealed the most popular trade and construction apprenticeship in the UK, with plumbing coming only second to electricians. Trade Fix Direct investigated 50 trades and construction apprenticeships to find out which were the most commonly searched for in major cities across the UK.
CIPHE announces new Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard for plumbing apprentices
Plumbers rank high for most physically active
Tradespeople, including plumbers, may be the fittest workers in the UK. This is according to new research from Direct Line business insurance which found that the average tradesperson completes an impressive 27 hours of physical activity per week, which is 11 times the NHS’s minimum recommendation of 2.5 hours of exercise per week.
PRODUCT NEWS
Time to think about LPG regulator replacement
Installers are being urged to check LPG regulator replacement dates in homes, motorhomes and holiday park appliances, as the summer holiday season ramps up. Although there are stringent UK regulations to keep gas appliances safe, LPG regulators have limited lifespans and can become faulty if not replaced at the time recommended by the manufacturer, which is often every ten years.
Heat pumps considered core solution to Welsh government’s net-zero commitment
Three million UK heat pump installs required over next five years to meet climate targets
The switch to heat pumps and other low-carbon heating systems will need to be made by one in 10 households over the term of this Parliament if the UK is to meet its climate obligations, new analysis has revealed.
CONSUMER NEWS
Energy price cap falls but £600 lift to annual bills ahead, report warns
A report by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit says there are already signs that bills will rise again this winter as it urges political parties to get a grip on tackling the UK’s continuing dependence on natural gas.
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