Power On secures Hartlepool Marina utilities deal

Utilities connections provider Power On has been awarded a contract by Jomast to deliver multiple utility connections at the Hartlepool Marina development. The agreement covers electricity, water, wastewater, fibre-to-the-premises, and a ground source heat pump network for the first phase of the waterfront project. Initially focused on a heat network, the scope expanded to a full multi-utility package following discussions between the two companies. Ground source heat pumps and infrastructure The development will use a networked ground source heat pump system, designed for higher-density residential buildings. The system includes 32 boreholes, each drilled to an average depth of 200 metres. According to Power On, the approach is expected to reduce carbon emissions compared to conventional heating systems, while also improving energy efficiency. The heat network will be owned and operated by Power On and regulated by Ofgem. Ian Williams, Director at Jomast, comments, “By using Power On’s multi-utility and NGSHP solution, we are making savings on both time and cost. "We will minimise the number of trenches dug, making a huge cost saving and limiting disruption on site.” The installed infrastructure could also support passive cooling in the future, using the same ground source system. Alex Randall, Business Lead for Sustainable Heat at Power On, says, “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract by Jomast and look forward to working with them directly to provide an effective and efficient service installing effective and efficient utilities.”

ENA, BEAMA appoint energy consortium

Energy Networks Association (ENA), a UK industry body representing gas and electricity network operators, and BEAMA, a UK trade association representing manufacturers of electrical infrastructure and energy technologies, have appointed a consortium of consultancies to deliver the next phase of the Electricity Networks Sector Growth Plan. The consortium includes LCP Delta, EA Technology, Frontier Economics, and Energy & Utility Skills. This phase builds on a previous interim report, which outlined the need for more than £100 billion of investment and highlighted the sector’s potential to support tens of thousands of jobs by 2050. The updated growth plan will assess the electricity networks sector’s contribution to the UK economy, including its role in strengthening supply chains, supporting employment, and improving energy security. It will also set out a roadmap for delivering these outcomes. Focus on capacity, skills, and investment The consortium will analyse current network capacity, future growth opportunities, and barriers to delivery. This includes assessing supply chains, workforce requirements, investment pathways, and the policy environment. The work will involve engagement with industry stakeholders to identify gaps and prioritise actions needed to support sector expansion. The plan will also examine the UK’s potential to develop network technologies and intellectual property, with the aim of supporting export opportunities and wider economic growth. Tom Veli, Head of Networks at LCP Delta and Project Lead, says, “Britain’s electricity networks provide the foundation for secure, clean energy and act as the engine for long-term economic growth. "The Sector Growth Plan is about turning ambition into action, creating clarity around investment, strengthening supply chain resilience, and ensuring we have the skilled workforce required to deliver at scale. “We are proud to be supporting BEAMA, ENA, and the entire industry in unlocking this major economic and workforce opportunity.” David Mills, Head of Consulting at EA Technology, adds, ‘‘EA Technology is pleased to be part of the consortium delivering the Sector Growth Plan, helping to shape a strategic, evidence-based roadmap that ensures our networks are future-ready." For more from BEAMA, click here.

WISKA earns EcoVadis Gold sustainability rating

WISKA, a manufacturer of electrical installation products, has achieved a Gold rating from EcoVadis, with a score of 80/100, placing it among the top 5% of companies assessed globally. This milestone comes three years after WISKA’s first EcoVadis assessment and reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into its operations and strategy. EcoVadis evaluates organisations across environment, ethics, labour and human rights, and sustainable procurement. WISKA says sustainability is embedded in its long-term approach, balancing economic performance with environmental responsibility and social impact, adding that it maintains strong environmental management practices and pursues continuous improvement across its global operations. Tanja Hoppmann, General Manager and Head of Sustainability at WISKA Hoppmann, comments, “We are incredibly proud that our efforts to make WISKA more sustainable have been recognised with the EcoVadis Gold medal. "This achievement means a great deal to us because it reflects the dedication and commitment of colleagues across the entire WISKA team around the world. "Sustainability is something we work on every day, and we strongly believe that innovation plays a key role in creating better, more responsible solutions for our industry. "This recognition motivates us to keep pushing forward, continuing to innovate and improving the way we operate.” For more from WISKA, click here.

Zumtobel launches luminaire remanufacturing service

Zumtobel, an Austrian company specialising in professional indoor and outdoor lighting, has introduced a remanufacturing service for luminaires, aimed at extending product life cycles and reducing environmental impact. The service restores existing lighting systems to an as-new condition through a standardised factory process. This includes dismantling luminaires, testing and cleaning components, and replacing or upgrading key parts such as drivers and LED modules. Software updates may also be applied where relevant. Unlike refurbishment, the remanufactured systems are returned with comparable specifications and performance, alongside a new factory warranty. The service also includes maintenance and annual inspections, with reinstallation either at the original site or a new location. Process and environmental impact According to Zumtobel, the reuse of components can reduce CO2 emissions by between 30% and 50%, depending on the application. In retail environments, this figure is estimated at around 50%, based on Environmental Product Declaration data. The service is offered as a full package, covering deinstallation, remanufacturing, and reinstallation. This approach is intended to simplify the process for organisations looking to extend the use of existing lighting infrastructure. Data collected during remanufacturing projects can also support environmental reporting and certification processes, including ESG requirements. Alexandru Zloteanu, Innovation Manager at Zumtobel, says, “Our remanufacturing service addresses customer needs particularly in brick-and-mortar retail, as well as in logistics and production. "It results in lower total operating costs, reduced resource consumption and emissions, and improved performance thanks to regular technology upgrades.” The service is available with selected luminaire ranges, including Tecton II, Vivo II, Panos III, Craft II, and Factor II. For more from Zumtobel, click here.

Ariston launches R290 heat pump water heater

Heating systems manufacturer Ariston has expanded its heat pump water heater range with the introduction of the Nuos Plus S2 Wi-Fi, designed for domestic and light commercial applications. The new unit uses R290 refrigerant and builds on the existing Nuos Plus Wi-Fi, with updates aimed at improving efficiency, installation flexibility, and system integration. The system has an A+ energy rating and a coefficient of performance (COP) of up to 3.51. According to the manufacturer, this can deliver improved energy savings compared to traditional electric water heaters. The use of R290 refrigerant also results in a low global warming potential (GWP) of 3. The unit supports photovoltaic integration for properties with solar panels and can be connected with other Ariston systems. Its design allows installation in a range of settings, including locations with limited ceiling height, without requiring significant structural changes. Installation and control features The Nuos Plus S2 Wi-Fi includes smart connectivity via Ariston Net, enabling remote monitoring and control. Users can adjust temperature settings, schedule operation, and track energy consumption. The system operates at 48 dBA, with an optional night mode to reduce noise further. It also includes several operating modes, such as Green, Green+, Boost, and I-Memory, which adjust performance based on demand. Additional features include a magnesium anode for corrosion protection, alongside tank protection technology designed to reduce limescale build-up and extend product lifespan. Edoardo Pauletta, Country Manager at Ariston, comments, “We’re excited to launch the Nuos Plus S2 Wi-Fi, which is the first of our R290 solutions launching this year. "As more households shift to renewable sources for hot water generation, Ariston is committed to giving professionals access to a range of sustainable thermal solutions for their customers. “The new Nuos Plus S2 Wi-Fi range offers efficient performance without compromising on quality, and we are confident that it will help users save significantly on their energy consumption and costs while contributing to a greener future.” For more from Ariston, click here.

Free webinar to address standards in PAT testing sector

Product Safety Collective is hosting a free webinar aimed at improving standards in portable appliance testing (PAT) inspections, supported by Chartered Trading Standards Institute and Electrical Safety First. The online session will take place on Thursday 26 March at 4pm and is open to professionals involved in PAT testing and electrical safety. The webinar will bring together industry experts to share guidance and practical insights to help inspectors identify risks and improve inspection quality. Focus on safety and compliance The session will cover common electrical product safety failures and outline additional checks that can be carried out during PAT inspections. It will also address relevant Trading Standards legislation and introduce a new online reporting form for unsafe products and poor practices. According to the organisers, the aim is to support professionals in strengthening their knowledge, improving consistency across inspections, and staying informed about developments in product safety. The initiative is funded through the Electrical Safety Fund, which supports projects focused on reducing domestic electrical risks across the UK. Electrical faults remain a significant contributor to domestic fires, with many incidents linked to faulty or unsafe electrical products. Lewis Collantine, Director of the Product Safety Collective and who will lead the webinar, says, “PAT testing plays a vital role in keeping people safe, but standards across the sector can vary. "This webinar is about sharing practical knowledge, highlighting common safety failures, and helping inspectors raise the bar for electrical safety.” Registration is available via the organisers’ online sign-up page.

RAW Charging to open 'UK's largest destination EV charging hub'

RAW Charging, an electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint operator for the leisure, retail, and hospitality sectors, is partnering with Landsec to launch "the UK's largest destination EV charging hub" at Bluewater in Kent. The installation forms part of a £24.5 million national EV charging network across some of the UK’s most popular shopping destinations. The rollout will deliver 1,000 new charging bays - comprising 554 AC fast chargers and 446 DC rapid chargers - across 28 Landsec destinations, including Bluewater (the largest retail destination EV charging hub in the UK), Gunwharf Quays, White Rose Shopping Centre, and Brighton Marina, with some installations already complete. Modernising legacy charging infrastructure RAW says its network is designed to meet growing customer expectations while helping retailers and landlords drive footfall, engagement, and revenue. By placing charging hubs at high-footfall destinations, it says EV drivers will remain on site for longer - interacting with retail, dining, and leisure offerings - creating a tangible boost to dwell time and spend. The 20-year partnership will also include a major replace and upgrade programme, modernising legacy charging infrastructure that no longer meets current standards for speed, reliability, or accessibility. These upgrades are expected to improve charge time, with some chargers charging a vehicle within a dwell time of 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. The network is also fully accessible via contactless payment and the major EV charging apps. RAW Charging’s network already powers popular destinations including National Trust sites, Merlin Entertainments (such as LEGOLAND Windsor and Alton Towers), McArthurGlen Designer Outlets, and several hotel groups. Collectively, these destinations reportedly power over 400,000 electric journeys per year. Investing in the UK Neil Broadbank, CCO at RAW Charging, comments, “We’re proud to partner with Landsec, whose top-tier retail and leisure destinations attract millions of visitors each year. “Our EV charging hubs give customers confidence to recharge on arrival, enhancing their experience and keeping them on site longer. "This investment goes beyond infrastructure; it’s about connecting amazing places and supporting the UK’s transition to cleaner, greener transport.” Ben Padley, Head of Consumer at Landsec, adds, “Our destinations welcome millions of visitors each year and are the hubs for communities across the UK. Creating exceptional experiences while supporting a more sustainable future is central to how we shape those places. “As more drivers switch to electric, retail destinations like ours have a clear responsibility to make charging simple, accessible, and part of everyday life. "Through our partnership with RAW Charging, we’re embedding high-quality, future-ready EV infrastructure across our portfolio, including plans for what will become the UK’s largest destination charging hub at Bluewater." For more from RAW Charging, click here.

Solar interest surges 27% as homeowners seek independence

British homeowners are reportedly racing to future-proof their properties against global energy shocks, with new data from Octopus Energy, one of the UK’s largest energy suppliers, showing a 27% surge in solar installation enquiries since the start of the most recent conflict in the Middle East. Current geopolitical turmoil has caused a dash for solar, as households seek to shield their bills from the volatile global gas market. Since late February, gas prices have soared by more than 60%. According to the latest industry data from MCS, the UK is currently experiencing its strongest year on record for solar. More than 260,000 homes installed solar in 2025, bringing the total to 1.85 million households generating their own clean energy. Battery storage shows similar interest Recent data from MCS also shows that battery installations in the UK nearly doubled year-on-year, allowing households to capture and use their own power during peak evening hours. Aside from security of energy and less reliance on the national grid, Octopus Energy claims that home solar generation provides a "massive reduction" in bills for households. A report from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), found that an average homeowner could save around £500 a year on energy bills by installing rooftop solar panels. Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Product Officer at Octopus Energy, comments, “We are seeing a fundamental shift in the national psyche when it comes to energy. With the second energy market shock in less than five years, homeowners are looking for security. "This surge in solar interest suggests people now see their rooftops as a frontline of their financial resilience. By generating their own power, they can help to insulate their bank accounts against global energy crises.” For more from Octopus Energy, click here.

"Why are contractors still paying to quote?"

For the best part of three decades, Electrika has been quietly doing something that most people in the electrical contracting industry don't realise: giving contractors a professional estimating platform, loaded with manufacturer trade prices, completely free of charge. No subscription. No trial period. No catch. While some contractors are still pricing jobs on Excel spreadsheets – or paying upwards of £2,000 a year for commercial estimating software – thousands of electrical contractors across the UK are already using Electrika to build accurate, professional quotes on any device they own. How does free actually work? Electrika is funded by the manufacturers whose products appear on the platform. Schneider Electric, Hager, MK, and more than 25 other leading brands provide their trade price data directly to Electrika, keeping it current and accurate. In return, their products are specified by thousands of contractors every week. It's a model that works for everyone. Contractors get a proper tool. Manufacturers get their products into quotes. And nobody has to pay through the nose for the privilege. More than a price list What sets Electrika apart from a simple catalogue is the depth of its estimating capability. Contractors can build detailed kits – right down to the nuts, bolts, and cable clips – save them as templates, and reuse them across projects. Labour rates, equipment markups, preliminaries, and profit margins are all handled within the system, producing professional reports that can go straight to a client or quantity surveyor. One contractor recently told us he'd completed over 2,200 estimates through the platform, serving more than 20 clients from a single account. His business model depends on Electrika being free – and on the quality of the output being indistinguishable from systems costing ten times as much. What's new for 2026 Electrika has recently completed a major platform update, bringing a fully mobile-responsive interface that works seamlessly on phones and tablets alongside the traditional desktop experience. The platform has also had a significant security upgrade and a redesigned user interface to match modern web standards. Coming later this year, AI-powered product assistants will help contractors find, compare, and specify products using plain language – no more scrolling through catalogue pages to find the right MCB or luminaire. A Pro subscription tier is also in development, offering advanced features such as variation pricing, enhanced file management, and a business dashboard – all at a price point that won't break the bank. Getting started Registering takes less than a minute. There is no credit card required, no obligation, and no time limit. Visit electrika.com to start quoting today. Whether you're a sole trader pricing domestic rewires or a growing firm tendering commercial fit-outs, the tools are the same – and they're free. Electrika – free electrical estimating software, trusted since 1996.

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