Become a Wiser approved installer with Drayton

With more homeowners looking to installers for advice on efficiency-improving upgrades, such as fitting smart heating controls like Wiser, it is a great time for heating engineers to top up on training and equip themselves with the knowledge to answer these queries. Drayton’s free online 9º Know How academy is home to the Wiser training module, which is where installers can obtain Wiser Approved Installer status. The simple, easy-to-follow course offers installers, heating engineers and electricians the opportunity to learn more about smart heating controls, as well as how the system can help improve energy efficiency. The module is delivered through a series of videos covering a wide range of topics, from product basics, correct installation, and commissioning, all the way to customer care and common troubleshooting scenarios. The Wiser course requires users to pass short, easy-to-navigate multiple-choice tests, which awards installers their Wiser Approved status and certificate on completion. The benefits of becoming a Wiser Approved Installer include a listing on the Wiser consumer website, helping to generate new sales leads from homeowners in their area, a free five-year warranty on registered Wiser kits, which also count towards Wiser Rewards, VIP technical support, and pricing perks in the priority shop. Other modules also available on 9º Know How, for installers to expand their knowledge and complement their Wiser Approved Installer status, are on Drayton’s TRV range, including the new auto-balancing TRV, and the new Digistat heating control. With the addition of an all-new module on Motorised Valves. Those who want to extend their knowledge even further can also visit Drayton’s YouTube channel to view a selection of ‘how to’ videos that support the installation of Drayton products. Additionally, installers can join The Drayton Community on Facebook, to access exclusive Facebook live training sessions and connect with their peers.

Streetworks team go for gold

Keeping London’s streets running as smoothly as possible around roadworks has earned UK Power Networks a Gold Award for the third year in succession. Granted by the Considerate Contractors Streetworks judging panel of the City of London Corporation, UK Power Networks was found to have consistently exceeded the requirements of its Code of Good Practice. The code reflects a spirit of pride, an awareness of the needs of the passing public and regard for the surrounding environment. Companies were assessed on five subjects by the panel: planning and coordination; accountability and response time; commitment to the Considerate Contractors Streetworks Scheme (CCSS) ideal; promotion and innovation; and investing in the city’s business plan. Staff picked up the award at the 35th Annual Considerate Contractor Scheme Awards Ceremony on 19 May. Delivering quick and efficient roadworks across London earned the company two top industry awards from the City of London’s CCSS: a Gold Award for overall roadworks performance in 2020, and a Highly Commended Award for the same category in 2021. London Streetworks Manager Colin Smith at UK Power Networks, who won the Outstanding Individual Achievement Award in 2021 says, “The City of London Corporation CCS Scheme awards points across the year, which range from planning and co-ordination of works, response times to dealing with faults and our proactive communication with the City of London including its environmental department, especially on any unplanned works. “Justin Mandry and his team were praised for their excellent efforts with general repair work in and around the city from box re-builds, carriageway and footway cover repairs. “It’s nice for everyone involved to receive such recognition, the award acknowledges the hard work that is put in from all of our colleagues who carry out work in and around the city.”

SolarEdge Home Hub Inverter brings power backup to homeowners

SolarEdge Technologies has announced the UK launch of the SolarEdge Home Hub Inverter for single-phase systems. Part of the SolarEdge Home ecosystem, the inverter is ready to provide full home backup during grid interruptions, meeting UK homeowners’ growing demand for energy security and independence. The SolarEdge Home Hub inverter is part of a new smart energy management ecosystem called ‘SolarEdge Home’ which seamlessly integrates PV generation, battery storage and smart energy devices such as EV chargers for maximum energy savings. Basing load and scheduling decisions on generation and energy use patterns and preferences, homeowners in the UK will now be able to control, schedule, and track their energy usage and savings, while taking external factors such as rising energy prices or grid interruptions into account. SolarEdge homes will be able to use their home electricity in the event of grid interruption - powering the full house or select energy loads. The Home Hub inverter can continue to generate solar PV energy during a power outage while using the backup capability. Amit Larom, VP and Regional General Manager, Western Europe, SolarEdge Technologies, comments, “We’ve seen over 12 months of rocketing energy prices and concerns about the stability of energy supply to the UK. As a result, people are looking for greater control over the production and management of their home energy supply, both in the short-term and to safeguard them from future instability in the global and UK energy market.” Unlike other inverter solutions - which typically provide partial home backup and require extensive rewiring within the home - the SolarEdge Home Hub Inverter provides full backup capability and has built-in connection with SolarEdge Home Network for a simple installation and a quick commissioning process directly from a smartphone. Customers in the UK will be able to pair the new SolarEdge Home Hub Inverter with a SolarEdge Home Battery 400V and SolarEdge Home Backup Interface to power more of their appliances for longer, on or off grid. The DC-coupled battery architecture eliminates the ‘triple-conversion penalty’, with two less power conversions required than AC-coupled alternatives for efficiency. To yield more energy and increase self-consumption, the Home Hub Inverter also enables up to 200% DC oversizing. The SolarEdge Home Hub Inverter is now available for order in sizes ranging from 3kW-6kW, with 8kW-10kW models expected to join the range later this year.

LEW acquires Impact Electrical Distributors

LEW Electrical Distributors has acquired Impact Electrical Distributors in Nottingham. This is part of its continued expansion plans and is the 17th branch in the LEW network. Impact is a long-established business with over 20 years trading history. The location compliments the existing LEW network of branches, and gives customers a stronger service offering along with an improved customer experience when working outside of their local area. Impact Electrical Distributors will expand the LEW coverage in Nottinghamshire, becoming the second LEW branch in the region. Currently, LEW Mansfield covers north Nottinghamshire. LEW was established 30 years ago in 1993 and has now grown to 17 branches. Its first branch in Gainsborough was followed by branches in Doncaster and Grimsby. Over the past 25 years, its branch coverage extended to north Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, the Midlands, Cambridgeshire and the north east and west. As a member of the largest UK buying group, AWEBB, LEW has competitive commercial terms with the leading manufacturers in the UK. Impact will continue to trade independently, and existing Impact customers should not see any change to the service they already receive. In the background LEW and Impact will be working to share best practice and enhance the customer experience wherever possible. Impact Electrical Distributors will be managed by Declan Healy, who has worked at LEW Sheffield since 2019. Dean Wilsher, Lew Electrical Distributors’ Group Manager, says, “We are delighted to be expanding the LEW customer experience to Nottingham. Impact Electrical has a great reputation and we are excited to get started with them. We would like to welcome existing customers and would encourage any new customers to give us a try. We look forward to building stronger relationships over the coming years.”

SELECT launches new membership sub-category

SELECT has introduced a new sub-category of membership to reflect the growing demand for installation of electric vehicle (EV) charge points among its members. Scotland’s largest construction trade association is rolling out the dedicated EV membership classification as an increasing number of electrical contractors carry out the work to help Scotland meet its net zero targets. The association says the new classification will also help consumers find a suitably trained and competent electrician who is able to carry out the work safely and to the highest standards. From 5 June 2023, three new sub-categories will be introduced specifically for SELECT members who undertake EV charge point installations: EV charging equipment installations (domestic) EV charging equipment installations (commercial) EV charging equipment installations (large scale) Director of Technical Services, Bob Cairney says, “We are aware of the changes to the demands that many SELECT members encounter from consumers for certain types of electrical installation work to be carried out. “This includes the increased demand for the installation of EV charging equipment, which is being driven by climate change targets and the subsequent popularity in low and zero-emission vehicles. “SELECT has therefore decided to expand its work categories to include this type of electrical installation work, with the introduction of new classifications and approvals recognising those members who are competent to undertake such work. “We will also use this information to help potential customers find members with the necessary competence to undertake the specific work through the ‘Find a Member’ search facility on our website.” The new sub-categories will be added to SELECT’s 10 existing technical categories, one or more of which members must be accredited in to be considered for membership: Low and extra-low voltage electrical installations up to 1kV - 1a, EV charging equipment installations (domestic); 1b, EV charging equipment installations (commercial); 1c, EV charging equipment installations (large scale). Low voltage electrical installations up to 1kV (defined approval) Fire detection and fire alarm systems in dwellings only Fire detection and fire alarm systems in buildings including dwellings Emergency lighting systems Manufacture and/or installation of control panels and control systems Hazardous areas Security systems Voice and data systems In-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment. The new categories will only be available for members currently classified in category 3.1: Low and Extra-low Voltage Electrical Installations up to 1kV, and will be subject to specific technical requirements and proof of suitable training. Bob adds, “There is no doubt that the future is electric and that the way we live and work will increasingly rely on renewable technology powered by, and dependent on, electricity. “Our members will play a key role in the design, installation and maintenance of such renewable systems so it is vital that we recognise their role and also provide peace of mind for the public, pointing them in the direction of skilled contractors who are suitably trained and qualified.”

Martindale Electric launches socket and non-trip earth loop testers

Martindale Electric has introduced two new advanced socket and non-trip earth loop testers, the EZ165 and EZ365, which it says are must-haves for any electrician or engineer needing to check mains sockets. These compact but powerful testers detect 28 fault conditions, check the mains voltage level and show how safe the earth wiring is by carrying out a non-trip earth loop test and indicating its value in six discrete ranges. This test is critical for ensuring the safety of an electrical system, as a low earth resistance is essential for safety disconnection devices to work properly and prevent electrocution when faults occur. The EZ165 and EZ365 testers have a variety of features to make fault diagnosis fast and easy. The combination of red and green LEDs quickly identifies neutral, earth and live connections, and makes it easy to spot common faults. A lookup chart provides further fault diagnosis. The testers also indicate high and low voltage levels and their tough, sculpted design makes them easy to unplug, transport and use in a variety of environments. The EZ365 model includes additional features, such as an incoming supply polarity swap test and the ability to trip test 30mA RCDs. The L-NE cross polarity test detects a serious fault condition that cannot be identified by many normal socket testers and is easily activated by using the touchpad on the EZ365. Faults are also indicated audibly on this model.

Wales leads the way for renewable energy and heating in the UK

The latest data from MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) shows that the number of small-scale renewable installations in homes and businesses in Wales in April saw the nation secure the highest uptake in the UK. In recent years, Scotland has held on to the top spot as the UK nation with the highest proportion of installations per household. As Welsh homeowners continue to invest heavily in greener energy amidst the cost-of-living-crisis, they have overtaken Scotland in the league tables for the first time since 2021. Scotland has roughly double the number of households as Wales, so whilst Wales has a smaller total installation count, there are more houses with installations according to MCS and housing data. By the end of April 2023, all-time installation volumes reached 178,758 for Scotland and 97,537 for Wales. Using housing data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) to compare uptake volumes, Wales has 7.24% of homes with installations against Scotland’s 7.23%. England is third with 1,261,503 (5.52%) and Northern Ireland is fourth with 31,421 (4.19%). Total installation volume and uptake is viewable in near-real-time by each home nation and also by local authority on the MCS Data Dashboard. Every certified installation is recorded in the MCS Installations Database, the most comprehensive for small-scale renewable technology in the UK. The MCS Data Dashboard uses this data, updated every 24 hours, to paint a dynamic picture of the uptake of renewables across the country. One Welsh company seeing the demand for renewable energy installations is Llandudno-based Chris Allen Heating. Founder Chris and his colleagues transitioned into small-scale renewables after more than 35 years of experience in installing traditional heating and electrical technologies. With experience in fitting air source heat pumps already, Chris and the team chose to become MCS certified for solar PV technologies too. Chris comments, “Not only can the customers see the savings to their electric bill very quickly, but once installed, there are very few, if any, changes to how the customer uses the existing systems in their homes.” Sian Griffith, a primary school teacher who lives in Anglesey, decided to invest in solar PV in 2021 for three reasons: her concerns around climate change, the desire to reduce her carbon footprint and the potential savings on her energy bills. Under the Welsh Government’s Arbed am Byth scheme, after purchasing her panels, Sian qualified to have them fitted to her home free of charge by Chris Allen Heating. Sian says, “It made perfect sense to have the panels fitted once the surveyor had explained how they worked, and that my south-facing roof was an ideal location for them. The installation company provided instructions on how to make the most of the panels by doing as many electricity-hungry activities, such as clothes washing, during the day when the panels were generating at their peak.” Chris expects that the number of renewable installations in Wales and across the UK will continue to increase year-on-year. He believes it is inevitable that fossil fuels will be slowly phased out as they become less affordable. Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, explains, “It’s promising to see Wales perform so well in our latest data release as it highlights that more Welsh homeowners are not only looking to decarbonise their homes, but also that they are conscious about the installation quality they receive to maximise efficiency. For consumers like Sian, solar panels will lead to long-term cost savings. “Solar PV continues to be the most popular technology type in Wales and across the UK, but heat pump installers are also seeing further uptake each month, and demand is gaining momentum for low-carbon heating, especially since the Boiler Upgrade Scheme was extended to 2028. “With the energy crisis still very prevalent, consumers face hard decisions, so we hope these latest statistics give businesses and consumers in Wales the confidence to invest in home-grown energy to prepare their homes for a low-carbon future.”

ERA celebrates seven-year partnership with Neighbourhood Watch

ERA has renewed its partnership with Neighbourhood Watch, the largest voluntary crime prevention movement in England and Wales, for a seventh consecutive year to help reduce crime and create safer communities. As part of this year’s partnership, ERA has become the first official corporate sponsor of Neighbourhood Watch’s Community Safety Charter, which forms a core element of the organisation’s strategy for tackling antisocial behaviour and crimes in public spaces. One year since its inception, over 1,320 organisations and individuals have signed up to the charter to support individuals in being united, dynamic and safeguarded. Helen Downer, UK and Ireland President of ERA’s parent company, Tyman, comments, “Neighbourhood Watch has an incomparable influence on communities across England and Wales, so we are extremely proud to be supporting them in providing individuals with the very best crime prevention products and security advice.” As Neighbourhood Watch’s primary smart security sponsor, the long-term partnership demonstrates ERA’s ongoing commitment to making communities safer through product innovation and expert advice that provides homeowners with the highest standards of protection and peace of mind. John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch, comments, “As a leading provider of conventional security solutions and more recently smart security solutions, ERA supports us in assisting homeowners in advancing their security, which helps achieves better wellbeing and safer communities as a result. “We are thrilled to announce the extension of our close partnership with ERA to drive the very best crime prevention techniques and advice to ensure our members and all homeowners feel increased pride and satisfaction.”

Ofgem and Innovate UK announce challenge areas for the SIF

The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) and Innovate UK have announced the challenge areas for the third round of the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), which will open for applications in early September 2023. The SIF aims to find and fund ambitious, innovative projects with the potential to accelerate the energy transition to net zero at the lowest cost to consumers. Four innovation challenge areas have been set as the priorities for this year’s project proposals to address. They have been identified in consultation with the energy industry, consumer groups and other stakeholders. The challenges reflect the SIF’s broad emphasis on delivering innovation which is aligned to Ofgem’s strategic change priorities. Areas of focus include preparing networks to deliver a net zero power system in 2035, decarbonising heat, ensuring an equitable energy transition for the benefit of all consumers, and integrated approaches to increasing flexibility and energy storage across the energy system. The four specific challenges for this round are: Whole system planning and utilisation of networks, to facilitate faster and cheaper network transformation and asset rollout This is the challenge to improve and evolve the process of network planning and connecting new low-carbon energy supply and demand to the grid, helping to meet net zero in a timely and cost-effective manner. Novel technical, process and market approaches to deliver an equitable and secure net zero power system This challenge is about developing and scaling-up technologies, processes and markets which will deliver an equitable and fair net zero electrical system at all levels. Unlocking energy system flexibility to accelerate electrification of heat The challenge to address here is the visibility and coordination of electric heat demand, to enable effective network planning and flexibility for a greener and more affordable future energy system. Enabling power-to-gas [P2G] to provide system flexibility and energy network optimisation Using renewable energy to generate gas such as hydrogen can potentially allow long-term energy storage and bring energy system benefits; the challenge is to unlock this potential. The first funding phase of this round will open in early September, when energy network companies working with other innovators can apply for up to £150,000 for a feasibility study to develop their ideas in response to the challenges. After this discovery phase, those projects judged to have the greatest potential will go forward to the alpha phase in 2024, with additional funding of up to £500,000 to further develop their ideas over six months. Then after a further selection process, successful projects will go through to a final phase, beta. They will become multi-million-pound, large-scale demonstrators, working to prove their potential for rollout across energy networks as business-as-usual. The aim is to speed up the development of new technologies and services that will help meet the urgent challenges facing energy networks and society, as we move towards a low-carbon future. Marzia Zafar, Deputy Director of Strategy and Innovation at Ofgem, says, “This is a great opportunity for innovators to focus their talents on solving some of the major challenges the energy sector is facing on the road to decarbonisation. “SIF has already proved to be a launchpad for some fantastic innovative thinking and we’re looking forward to seeing what exciting proposals we get in response to this year’s set of specific challenges.” Matt Hastings, Deputy Director for the Ofgem SIF at Innovate UK, says, “This year’s SIF challenges express some of the most important areas that must be urgently tackled to decarbonise energy networks by 2035 - whether the backlog in new grid connections or the transition to electric heating. "We encourage innovators everywhere to look at these challenges and opportunities and bring forward their ideas. The previous two rounds of the SIF have already funded more than 100 ground-breaking innovation projects and we look forward to exciting proposals taking shape over the coming months for this year’s programme.”

Octopus Electroverse launches EV charging solution for businesses

Octopus Energy’s Electroverse has launched its new solution for businesses, unlocking its cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) public charging experience for even more people. The new product, which is in beta phase, will allow businesses to manage their EV fleets through a new online platform, with customisable reporting functions. It will help overcome typical challenges businesses face when managing an EV fleet. Companies can view and download charging history details like where and when charges took place and how much they cost - all in one dashboard. It can be broken down by group or individual driver. All charges appear in one consolidated invoice, enabling a full overview of the business’ EV charges at the tap of a finger. Employees won’t be out of pocket, saved from clunkily expensing back public charging costs. The Electroverse EV roaming service app gives them instant access to pay at over 430,000 public charge points from over 470 brands globally. Charging is made as easy as a tap of the Electroverse card. Drivers will also be able to access Electroverse’s features, like the interactive global map showing chargers and availability, a route-planner to plan journeys, and in-car support with Apple CarPlay, AndroidAuto and more. It comes as EVs continue to climb in popularity with over 20,000 new car deliveries in April alone. As more businesses choose EVs, Electroverse’s solution will give them confidence to make this change. Matt Davies, Director of Octopus Electroverse, says, “Electroverse is revolutionising EV public charging, with just one card and app to use with hundreds of charge point brands. With access to over 430,000 public charge points, we’re over the moon to now bring our simple and seamless EV charging solution to businesses. This will be a game-changer for companies making the switch and will help them manage their EVs easier than ever before.”