The UK government has announced the next round of renewable energy projects under the flagship Contracts for Difference scheme. The Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme is the government’s primary method of supporting low-carbon electricity. It encourages investment in renewables by providing projects with a stable income while protecting consumers from
Solent University’s new sports complex has been successfully connected to Southampton Geothermal Heating Company’s (SGHC) pioneering district energy scheme after signing a £2.8 million deal with energy and services specialist, ENGIE, over the next 20 years. The SGHC is a working partnership between ENGIE and Southampton City Council, launching more
North West based specialist surfacing company, Miles Macadam, has been selected to undertake work on Britain’s newest nuclear power station Hinkley Point C, in Somerset. Miles Macadam’s reputation as a market leader in the manufacture and installation of Grouted Macadam systems has resulted in its recent contract award to work
Flogas UK, a business gas supplier helping companies switching from oil to gas, are doing their bit to help reduce carbon emissions with the introduction to their fleet of two, new Bio-LNG powered trucks. These innovative trucks provide an 80 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared to the conventional
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) have been chosen to deliver upgrade works on the electricity infrastructure across southern England. The substantial improvement programme, representing an investment of £32 million, reaches across parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset and includes the replacement of poles, conductors and plant such as
Are you considering ways to reduce your energy bills? Good, because last year the average gas and electricity bill in the UK was £1,138 a year, which is more than double what it was 100 years ago. Apart from the cost, a home that uses a lot of excess energy
If you want to improve the air quality of your home, you need to choose the best filter for the job. And this means looking at the MERV ratings and understanding what they mean. Check out this guide to air filter MERV ratings and you can pick the filter that
With Brexit causing uncertainty in the construction industry over the future availability of labour, and its costs, the issue of the UKs ‘housing crisis’ isn’t likely to dampen down any time soon. Positive initiatives and efficient processes are needed to help the sector deliver the number of homes that Brits
Using energy in the domestic household is a necessary evil. Yes, there are a lot of benefits to it, in that we thrive on more comfortable living and have the potential to use all sorts of electrical devices that we once didn’t. However, there are also downsides to having a
Energy Assets Group is lighting up the ‘final mile’ network market, with more than 5,000 live electricity connections taken into ownership, and 25,000 more contracted, since the launch of Energy Assets Networks (EAN) just over a year ago. EAN is an independent distribution network operator (IDNO) and has landed a
The UK government has announced the next round of renewable energy projects under the flagship Contracts for Difference scheme. The Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme is the government’s primary method of supporting low-carbon electricity. It encourages investment in renewables by providing projects with a stable income while protecting consumers from paying increased support costs when electricity prices are high. “The UK is leading the way in the fight against climate change, and it’s great news that millions more homes will be powered by clean energy at record low prices. Seizing the opportunities of clean energy not only helps to protect our planet, but will also back businesses and boost jobs across the UK,” said Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Twelve new renewable energy projects have been unveiled, which are set to provide power for over seven million homes at record low prices. They will provide around 6GW of capacity – 2.4GW more than the last round. The costs of offshore wind are now around 30% lower than the second auction held in 2017, with projects now being delivered for as low as £39.65/MWh. These improvements are part of the government’s work to reach net zero emissions by 2050. “Offshore wind is a British success story, with new projects at record low prices creating new opportunities for jobs and economic growth as we leave the EU. The support we’re announcing today will mean that over 7 million more homes will be powered by renewable energy as we decarbonise our energy system – crucial as we continue on the road to net zero emissions by 2050,” added Energy and Clean Growth Minister Kwasi Kwarteng.
Solent University’s new sports complex has been successfully connected to Southampton Geothermal Heating Company’s (SGHC) pioneering district energy scheme after signing a £2.8 million deal with energy and services specialist, ENGIE, over the next 20 years. The SGHC is a working partnership between ENGIE and Southampton City Council, launching more than 30 years ago. The scheme supplies heat, chilled water and electricity to commercial and residential energy users across Southampton – currently serving a 2km radius of the energy centre. Users already included TV studios, a hospital, shopping centre, student accommodation, residential buildings and hotels; with Solent University tasking ENGIE with the implementation of a new heating connection which would link up existing assets, as well as a new state-of-the-art sports centre. The SGHC currently saves around 10,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per annum, using heat from a large-scale combined heat and power (CHP) plant, supplemented by geothermal energy and conventional boilers. The University required a new District Heating connection with a substation, to provide heating and domestic hot water for the new facilities with predicted annual heating consumption of 620MWh/annum and a contractual peak load of 875 kW; which ENGIE is poised to deliver through the connection to SGHC. Approximately 150 m of Pre-insulated District Heating Steel Pipework were installed, adjacent to the Southampton Solent University building on East Park Terrace, Southampton. Andrew Hart, Managing Director for ENGIE’s Urban Energy business, said: “Southampton is an exemplar of district energy solutions that stand the test of time. We have successfully operated in the city for more than three decades – delivering low carbon and cost-effective energy – so the addition of Solent University to the scheme is a welcome one. “We have adopted an incredibly flexible approach to our service delivery, to ensure we can continue making connections to the scheme and extend this unique solution. We look forward to working with our partners in the council, as well as the University over the next 20 years to deliver a first-rate service for people and businesses in the region.” Paul Colbran, Chief Info & Infrastructure Officer at Solent University, said: “Solent is undergoing a £100 million estate redevelopment programme to provide new and improve current campus facilities, and the new sports complex is just one element of that programme. “With such a large infrastructure project and our desire to be cleaner, greener and more environmentally sustainable, the geothermal system helps us keep our emissions down and makes sense connecting with the current infrastructure already in place.” ENGIE has confirmed the new system is now operational – delivering heating and cooling for the sports centre and beyond.
North West based specialist surfacing company, Miles Macadam, has been selected to undertake work on Britain’s newest nuclear power station Hinkley Point C, in Somerset. Miles Macadam’s reputation as a market leader in the manufacture and installation of Grouted Macadam systems has resulted in its recent contract award to work on the construction of Hinkley Point C, the first new nuclear power station in a generation. 20,000m2 of Hardipave™, Miles Macadam’s own BBA certified Grouted Macadam, has been chosen for the surfacing of the North Plaza, an area to be used as a bus terminal during the construction phase of the power station. Hardipave™ was specified as a fuel resistant surface course with a high tolerance to deformation, heat and abrasion, making it an ideal choice for the proposed scheme. The use of Hardipave™ also provided a ‘value engineering’ solution with a cost saving of over £200k when compared to the originally specified concrete design. The flagship product has been used extensively throughout the UK on transport infrastructure hubs, including many bus terminals, industrial facilities and other areas of intense traffic loading. Notable examples include the Crossrail bus depot at Paddington Bus Station and Wembley Coach Park (the only multi-storey coach park in Europe). Led by EDF Energy, Hinkley Point C is the first new nuclear power station to be built in the UK for over 20 years. The power plant will provide safe, secure low-carbon electricity for around 6 million homes and marks a significant milestone in the revitalisation of the UK’s nuclear power industry, making a major contribution to reaching net-zero emissions.* The project has already created thousands of jobs, hundreds of apprenticeships and spent over £1 billion with local businesses, bringing lasting benefits to the UK economy. Ben Shaw, Director of Miles Macadam, comments: “It’s a huge achievement for us to be selected to work on the Hinkley Point C project and to assist with the incredible progress being made on-site. “It’s great to work on such a prestigious project that will ensure low carbon energy for the future and benefits for the wider economy. “Thanks to a great team effort and our highly skilled operatives we will deliver 20,000m2 of Hardipave™ which will provide a durable and effective surface course, for years to come.
Flogas UK, a business gas supplier helping companies switching from oil to gas, are doing their bit to help reduce carbon emissions with the introduction to their fleet of two, new Bio-LNG powered trucks. These innovative trucks provide an 80 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared to the conventional diesel engine alternative. The two vehicles are part of Flogas’ 2040 ambition to provide customers with 100 per cent renewable energy solutions. Flogas’ extensive fleet of vehicles already includes a range of dual fuel and electric hybrid alternatives. However, the all-new Volvo FM tractor units, which will be used to transport bulk LPG and LNG, will be a first of their kind. Coming in to operation as of August 2019, the Volvos will contribute to the aim of growing Flogas’ alternatively fueled fleet of vehicles. James Goodson, recently-appointed National Account Manager for Alternative Transport Fuels at Flogas, said, “These trucks are just the first of many, as we look to make our 200-strong fleet cleaner, greener and increasingly futureproof. “They will each be powered by renewable Bio-LNG – a highly sustainable biofuel that’s produced during the anaerobic digestion process. This means they’ll be 50% quieter, they’ll release significantly fewer pollutants, and fuel costs will be far lower. “As a leading LNG supplier in the UK, at Flogas we understand the critical role this fuel will play as we face stringent government targets to tackle carbon emissions and improve air quality. Whilst it’s still in its infancy in the transport industry, the strong environmental and cost-saving benefits compared to conventional fuels, means LNG is set to become the fuel of choice for heavy goods vehicles. “Hauliers have long faced the challenge of how to reduce their carbon footprint efficiently and cost-effectively. LNG is not just an immediate fix – it’s a long term, reliable solution that makes business sense, and that’s exactly why we’re championing it with our own fleet.” Following strenuous testing of a variety of vehicles from a host of manufacturers, Flogas, finally decided upon the Bio-LNG truck from Volvo, thanks to its impressive capabilities in regard to bulk and cylinder operations. Head of Logistics, Tim Eaton, noted, “When it came to delivering the cleanest emissions, the lowest noise and most efficient running costs, Volvo trucks came out on top. “This is the first time we’ve worked with Volvo, but they have strong experience in LNG-powered vehicles, and the results of the trials simply spoke for themselves. We’re excited to get these trucks on the road, and growing our Bio-LNG-powered fleet further.” Powered by Volvo’s G13C460 LNG engine, the 6×2 Artic truck outputs up 460hp and delivers 2,300Nm of torque — undistinguishable from the diesel-powered alternative. Asides having a range of 400-450 miles, the Bio-LNG Volvo is capable of pulling up to 44 tonnes.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) have been chosen to deliver upgrade works on the electricity infrastructure across southern England. The substantial improvement programme, representing an investment of £32 million, reaches across parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset and includes the replacement of poles, conductors and plant such as substations and underground link boxes. Innovative automation systems have also been placed on the network and some sections of overhead line have been undergrounded. All measures will improve the resilience of power supplies to homes and businesses across the region – supporting growth and wider community needs. Network reliability is a key priority for SSEN and the customers its serves and SSEN’s multi-million pound investment to further improve network resilience and future-proof its infrastructure for customers’ changing demands follows local customer engagement. This is part of SSEN’s commitment to ensuring customers have more involvement in investment decisions in vital infrastructure. Head of Region for Wessex, Jo Niven, discussed the importance of the projects with Dr Lewis and outlined how they will support a reduction in power cuts to his constituents. Jo said: “As a responsible network operator, SSEN makes a commitment to our customers to do all we can to keep the lights on 24/7; by completing over £32 million pounds of works across Wessex in the last three years, we are reinforcing that commitment to the residents and businesses across the region who rely on us to power their day. “This three year programme marks a significant investment to an area which has differing needs across its rural and urban environments, and SSEN embarked on these works to strengthen the power supplies to homes, businesses and communities in Wessex, while reinforcing an infrastructure that it is robust enough to meet future needs.” Dr Julian Lewis MP added: “I’m greatly encouraged to see the level of investment being made in the electricity infrastructure that powers the homes and businesses of my constituents. “With three years of works completed, SSEN is providing Wessex with a power supply fit for the future and whatever changes may come to the region as it grows and develops in the years ahead.” While a total of seventeen large-scale projects have been completed in the last three years, five of the key projects benefitting from the £32 million investment are: • £7.5 million in refurbishing the 132kV overhead lines between Axminster and Yeovil • £5 million in reinforcing the 33kV infrastructure across Velmore, Bishopstoke and Netley Common • £4.3 million in refurbishing the 132 kV overhead lines between Poole and Winfrith Heath • £3.8 million in rebuilding the 33kV overhead line towers between Chickerell and Winterbourne Abbass • £2.8 million in reinforcing the 33kV network between Redhill and Victoria Park though cable overlay. All of the above projects carried out as part of this programme were completed on time and on budget.
Are you considering ways to reduce your energy bills? Good, because last year the average gas and electricity bill in the UK was £1,138 a year, which is more than double what it was 100 years ago. Apart from the cost, a home that uses a lot of excess energy is also contributing to the pollution and carbon emissions throughout the country. In our post on the ‘Top Tips to Reduce Energy Usage in Your Home’, it details how your appliances and heating system can be the biggest culprits when it comes to energy consumption. Fortunately, these are easy to remedy, and we are going to have a look at five ways to reduce your household bills. Upgrade Your Boiler Because more than half of your household energy bill is spent on heating, replacing an old and inefficient boiler can make a huge difference to your bill. Just ask Philip Dyte from London, who was recently featured in a Money Wise article about cutting energy bills. After he upgraded his flat’s old boiler, he noted that he saved over £100 on his yearly energy bill. HomeServe explains that when a boiler is old it is best to get it replaced as soon as possible. By upgrading your boiler, it is a good way to reduce the amount of energy consumption, as you can switch from a regular boiler to a combi boiler. This is the most popular type of boiler in the UK and can be a very economical option. Use Smart Thermostats While standard electric heating is extremely efficient, in the UK it is very expensive. In fact, it’s three to four times more expensive than a newer gas-powered central heating system. Using a smart thermostat and reducing room temperatures by just one degree can save you £75 a year. You can control these from your smartphone from practically anywhere and some can even learn your routine or adjust settings automatically based on the weather forecast. Home Insulation Insulating cavity walls and your loft can mean huge savings on your yearly energy bill, as well as getting double-glazing. Energy Saving Secrets states that laying thick 270mm loft insulation can save you up to £130 off your yearly energy bills, as a lot less heat will be lost through your roof. On the other hand, cavity wall insulation can save you up to £145 a year, while solid-wall insulation can save you £245 a year. This type of insulation is much more expensive to fit, however, the energy savings might be worth it in the long run. Meanwhile, double-glazed windows could result in savings up to £75-£100 a year, depending on the quality of glass. Energy-Efficient Appliances Apart from energy-saving LED light bulbs, choosing energy-efficient appliances in your home could save you money, too. Modern appliances tend to have energy ratings from A to G, with the former being the greenest and the latter the least green. Some appliances like fridge-freezer combinations have A+++ ratings and are much more efficient than appliances that are 10 years old. This is Money’s guide to energy efficient appliances, explains that households could save about £113 a year by switching to a more energy-efficient fridge freezer. An A+++ dishwasher could also save you £47 a year, while an A+++ washing machine could result in a savings of £34. Energy Efficient Lighting In the UK, lighting accounts for about 15% of a household’s energy bill. Upgrading from your standard light bulbs to energy-efficient LED bulbs will cost just under £1.60 to run per year, whereas a traditional bulb is closer to £10. LED bulbs can save you £2 a year per bulb, and considering they cost less than £5 they will essentially pay for themselves in a few months. Getting into the habit of turning off lights when you leave a room is another good way to save on your energy bill.
If you want to improve the air quality of your home, you need to choose the best filter for the job. And this means looking at the MERV ratings and understanding what they mean. Check out this guide to air filter MERV ratings and you can pick the filter that will give you the air quality you want. The Importance of Indoor Air Quality Before you learn about MERV ratings, you should understand the importance of indoor air quality. Most Americans spend their days indoors. However, the pollutants indoors are between two and five times higher than they are outside. If you’re sensitive to pollution, then the particles in your inside air could cause you health troubles. Certain homes are more naturally susceptible to pollution. For instance, some energy efficient buildings lack ventilation. This leaves the air trapped indoors with nowhere to go. Synthetic furniture, pesticides, and cleaning agents can also diminish the quality of your air. You don’t have to let your health suffer. The right air filter can trap the majority of particles floating in your air. When your HVAC system takes in air, the filter catches the dust and other particles. But some air filters have large pores and allow small particles through. By understanding how MERV ratings work, you can learn which filter is the most effective. What is the MERV Rating? A MERV rating stands for the minimum efficiency reporting value. As a rating system, it notifies individuals about the efficiency of air filters. High ratings mean smaller pores and more efficiency at filtering the air. Meanwhile, low ratings indicate inefficiency and large pores. The scale starts at one and goes all the way to 16. Air filters get divided into three categories. First, there are the low-efficiency filters. These don’t do much for keeping out small particles. Secondly, there are the medium-efficiency filters. These filters usually rate between 10 and 13. Typically, this type of filter does an adequate job of taking dust and other particles out of your air. Finally, there are high-efficiency filters. These filters aren’t common in homes or apartments because they have small pores. Due to their size, they limit the air flow. Your HVAC system needs to work harder to maintain a steady temperature. Getting the Proper Fit If your filter does not have a tight fit, the MERV rating is irrelevant. There should be no gaps in your filter, or large particles can pass through it. A Balance Between Air Flow and Efficiency at Removing Particles When you’re purchasing a new filter, don’t look for the highest MERV rating. Instead, look for one in the seven to 13 range. If you want better airflow and a lower energy bill, choose a rating on the lower end of the scale. But if you have allergies or concerns about pollutants, you should opt for a value closer to 13. If you have questions about finding the right filter, you can speak to an HVAC professional. They can explain more about the MERV ratings and they can advise you on finding a filter. You can also go to a reputable online source for all of your filter needs.
With Brexit causing uncertainty in the construction industry over the future availability of labour, and its costs, the issue of the UKs ‘housing crisis’ isn’t likely to dampen down any time soon. Positive initiatives and efficient processes are needed to help the sector deliver the number of homes that Brits can pay for — which is where LPG energy could come into play. In this piece, LPG suppliers Flogas take a look at how LPG is assisting in the provision of affordable housing for UK buyers and why it’s vital that the sector and government gets behind it if they want to hit targets and meet housing demands. An overview of the UK and affordable housing Recent research and data into housing in the UK show that there are clearly issues that must be addressed. A government initiative to build 200,000 discounted homes to first-time buyers had not produced a single home by the end of 2017, according to a report by the Independent. Similarly, approximately 12% of chartered surveyors doubt that the government will be able to achieve its 300,000-new-homes-a-year target in 2018, with even Parliamentary Affairs Manager of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Lewis Johnston, stating that it was “clear more radical action is needed.” Currently, there is also conflict between the government and local councils regarding affordable housing in the UK. In a bid to boost availability, the government has claimed that councils which don’t build enough new homes will lose the right to determine the location of subsequent new houses. This ruling is part of a planning policy framework which details regulations regarding the number of homes that each council must construct — which considers localised aspects of an area including local house costs and average wages. Essentially, if a location has a particularly high level of unaffordability, that council will need to build a greater number of new, affordable homes. But in cities and towns that are dense with built-up areas, could this mean that councils will be forced to build on rural areas? Perhaps. Former Housing Secretary and current Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, revealed plans in March to create several new towns between Oxford and Cambridge. He commented: “Along that corridor, there’s an opportunity to build at least four or five garden towns and villages with thousands of homes.” According to the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), garden villages are ideally constructed away from established settlements and created on a basis of industry and jobs, with an aim to create diverse, well-designed and affordable homes. Although this project is a potential solution to more affordable housing, the issue of powering and maintaining garden towns and villages in rural locations is a point that needs consideration. The role of LPG? There are approximately four million homes not connected to the mains gas grid in the UK. According to the Non Gas Map, which was created in collaboration with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy; the reliance on the mains grid varies significantly across the UK. Certain locations — such as northern Scotland and central Wales — appear to show less dependence on being connected to the main network, while others, including north-east England and the Home Counties, have a greater percentage of homes that rely on energy provided by mains gas. One of the concerns of placing new housing projects in rural areas is the delivery of sufficient energy, both during the development and for the subsequent homeowners. However, the data above shows that there is an opportunity to construct homes in areas that aren’t connected to the mains network, granted that an equally-efficient alternative is implemented in its place. But how will this encourage affordable housing growth? LPG may offer those in affordable housing development and construction the chance to ease the pressure of building in inner cities and instead opt for open, rural spaces where there is greater space and opportunity. Currently, a small number of major commercial developers create the majority of the UK’s housing. By using LPG as an easy alternative to main network connection, we can widen the number of locations that a housing project can take place. Consequently, more small- and mid-size companies should have a greater chance of securing a plot for development in the sector and we may see a growth in affordable housing as a result. LPG also has a variety of advantages when it comes to affordable housing, one of which is the fact that gas bottles, cylinders and tanks make LPG easy to transport and simple to store during the construction process. Keeping production costs as low as possible is essential to all businesses — no firm wants to go over budget. However, the ease of supplying and stockpiling LPG may help developers keep a track of energy costs and ensure that mains grid issues, such as power cuts, won’t affect productivity — another potentially costly side-effect. It’s no secret that there’s a nationwide drive towards green practices and reducing our carbon footprints. In an industry like construction and housing, it’s easy to adopt less environmentally friendly products and practices. However, the demand to bring these down will only grow as the government strives to achieve its target of lowering carbon emissions by at least 80% of 1990 levels by 2050 — and not doing so may cost companies in the form of taxes and penalties. Fortunately, LPG is a relatively clean form of energy, releasing just 81% of the carbon dioxide that oil does and 70% of the carbon dioxide that coals emits. With tax relief offered to energy-efficient businesses, it’s helpful to be as eco-friendly as possible. If developers of affordable housing choose to utilise LPG, this could also work towards greater numbers of affordable housing projects. Evidently, there’s opportunity for affordable housing if developers take advantage of LPG. With demand increasing and only a few practical initiatives to ease the strain, such as garden villages, it seems as if they sector needs all the help
Using energy in the domestic household is a necessary evil. Yes, there are a lot of benefits to it, in that we thrive on more comfortable living and have the potential to use all sorts of electrical devices that we once didn’t. However, there are also downsides to having a home with high energy usage. For starters, your bills are likely to be a lot more expensive, and you’re actually contributing to the pollution and carbon emissions in the environment. It’s in everybody’s best interests that you reduce the energy usage in your home, but what are the best ways of doing this? Well, follow these top tips and you’ll be living a less expensive and eco-friendlier lifestyle in no time! Take a Look at Your Appliances Stop whatever you’re doing and have a sweep of all of the electrical items in the room that you’re currently sitting in (if you are at home!). Now you’ve done that, count up how many appliances there are, that are plugged in and switched on and you aren’t currently using. Chances are, there are quite a few, aren’t there? And if you don’t have any, then well done you! You’re already on your way to reducing your households energy consumption. This is a small change you can easily make that won’t impact your life on a day-to-day basis at all, but will massively reduce your energy usage and the cost of your monthly bills. Most the time if you feel like you’re overpaying on your bills, you absolutely are – but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re being overcharged! These appliances consume energy if they’re switched on, even when they’re not in use, so make a concerted effort to turn your switches and appliances off! The littlest things can sometimes make the biggest difference. Trusted professionals deliver home energy grants by installing what’s needed to make your living space more energy efficient. This includes energy-efficient home appliances and fixtures. They can provide cost-saving energy solutions for your home without hidden costs. Additionally, many energy providers offer free or subsidized energy audits to discover areas where you can save money. Your Heating System Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature is one of the most important things. Typically, people find that their energy bills are far more expensive in the winter months as opposed to the summer, due to the colder outdoor temperatures. Keeping your home warm in the winter is crucial, however, have you ever considered that if your home isn’t properly insulated, then it could be letting in more cold air than it should be? This is something that people often overlook when they’re paying for high energy bills throughout the winter, but if you tackle this issue you could seriously reduce the amount that you have to use your heating during these months. It’s actually really simple too. All you need to do is have a look at all of your windows and doors and make sure that each on is properly sealed. If not, you could either look at resealing them, or replacing them for something more sturdy. For example, if you don’t have double glazing, investing in some could save you a lot of money in the long run. Likewise, if you live in a brick house that hasn’t been worked on in a long time, consider getting in touch with a repointing brickwork specialist to do some improvements. Although some of these things do cost money, what’s better – to have a one off payment due now that’ll reduce all of your regular payments in the future, or to keep paying more and more for your energy bills? It’s a no brainer really! Water Next, think about the ways in which you use the water in your home. Did you know that on average, it takes up to one hundred and fifteen litres of water to fill a bath, in comparison to the mere fifty that a shower uses in comparison. If you bathe every day currently, why not consider switching it up and showering instead? By making this simple change, which is actually more time efficient anyway you’ll save as much as sixty-five litres of water. Likewise, are you guilty of leaving the tap running while you wash your face, brush your teeth, or even have a shave? Or do you even put the shower on for five minutes before you get into it? Be more aware of when you’re using your water, and whether it’s really necessary. Finally, if you wanted to take it a step further, you could invest in a low pressure showerhead. These reduce your water usage, energy usage, carbon emissions and will likely reduce your monthly bill too! Just by doing a little bit of research and making conscious decisions, you can make the world of difference – so what are you waiting for?
Energy Assets Group is lighting up the ‘final mile’ network market, with more than 5,000 live electricity connections taken into ownership, and 25,000 more contracted, since the launch of Energy Assets Networks (EAN) just over a year ago. EAN is an independent distribution network operator (IDNO) and has landed a significant number of asset ownership contracts thanks to its partnerships with contractors, housebuilders and developers across Britain – and its flexible approach to asset adoption. The company has quickly built a portfolio comprising thousands of domestic connection points, but a key success factor has been its approach to other asset types, including industrial and commercial schemes, EV charging infrastructure and data centres. “Rather than focusing on any one asset type, we have chosen to support independent connection providers (ICPs) and developers with a degree of flexibility that gives us a competitive advantage in the marketplace,” said Jayson Whitaker, Managing Director of EAN. “This business ethos enables our team to work closely with ICPs to find the most cost-effective network construction solution and to provide a competitive asset value.” EAN has made significant progress under Jayson’s leadership as part of the Group’s wider asset management activities. Its agile approach has seen the adoption of electricity assets linked to housebuilding, retail and office and industrial development, while simultaneously tapping into the rapidly growing electric vehicle charging sector. “The 5,000 connected asset milestone represents an exciting stage in our development and is testament to our partnership ethos with ICPs,” said Jayson. “However, this is just the beginning – with our flexible business approach and other asset-based innovations in the pipeline, we anticipate a strong period of growth ahead.” www.energyassetsnetworks.co.uk
