UK Power Networks starts the search for new apprentices

Distribution network operator UK Power Networks is searching for 31 school leavers and career changers to become apprentices in the electricity industry at a time of exciting change in the sector. The countdown has begun in the search for new recruits for UK Power Networks' popular craft apprenticeship. Applicants have until 31 January to apply online to train as electricity cable jointers, overhead linespeople, and substation fitters. Successful candidates will gain practical, hands-on skills at dedicated training facilities while shadowing experienced technical teams. Paid to learn, their apprenticeship lasts three years for school or college leavers and two years if they are career changers. There are vacancies for 14 foundation and 17 experienced apprentices this year. Once the newcomers qualify, they fill essential roles, helping maintain safe and reliable electricity supplies to 20 million people and ensuring the electricity network is ready for increasing demand as the country moves to low-carbon electric transport and heating. Recruits follow the Power Networks Craftsperson (Level 3) Apprenticeship, which combines practical training at training centres in Kent and Suffolk with theoretical knowledge at college, and gain experience working alongside local experts in their trade. Craft apprentices now also spend a week in the Lake District developing teamwork, resilience, confidence, and communication skills key to their future roles. The apprenticeship class of 2025 described their Outward Bound adventures in just one word in the short video below: [embed]https://youtu.be/6vwzjEbmRRY[/embed] Charlie Aston, Engineering Trainee Manager at UK Power Networks, comments, “The start of a new year is the perfect time to pursue new career goals. "Our apprenticeship programme gives recruits a golden opportunity to learn from experts, work in supportive teams, and build a career with purpose. “Like many of our field staff, I began my own career as an apprentice and I’ve seen how our power apprenticeship programme opens doors to lifelong careers and opportunities. "We look for team players who put safety first, pride themselves on quality work, and strive to provide the excellent customer service our communities depend on. They should also thrive on physical tasks, outdoor work in varied conditions, and creative problem-solving.” Opportunities on offer Six of the sought-after positions are within the company’s commercial division, UK Power Networks Services, responsible for building and maintaining private electrical networks for clients in aviation, rail, defence, fleets, and a range of industries. UK Power Networks craft apprenticeship earned national recognition in 2025, winning the Learning Excellence Awards 2025 Outstanding In-House Training Initiative and East of England Regional Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025, Regional Highly Commended. Applicants can find full details and apply through UK Power Networks' careers pages. The full selection process includes submitting an online application and CV, an online assessment, recorded audio interview responses, an in-person assessment, and a final interview. Apprenticeship positions are available in Aldershot, Borehamwood, Brixton, Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Camden, Canning Town, Chatham, the Chilterns, Colchester, Crawley/Lewes, Croydon/Kingston, Downham Market, King’s Lynn, Lea Valley, Letchworth, Falconwood, Gatwick, Maidstone/Strood, Norwich, Purfleet, Singlewell, Southend, and Wimbledon. For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

VCHRGD integrates chargers with Octopus Energy tariff

VCHRGD Technologies, a British EV charge point manufacturer, has confirmed that its electric vehicle chargers now integrate directly with Octopus Energy’s Intelligent Octopus Go tariff, enabling eligible users to access lower charging rates and automated smart charging schedules. The integration applies across VCHRGD’s charging portfolio, including the Seven Pro 7.4kW home and business charger and the TwentyTwo Dual 22kW workplace and public model. Intelligent Octopus Go automatically schedules charging for periods when energy prices and grid demand are at their lowest. VCHRGD states that customers may be able to access rates from £0.07/kWh, depending on eligibility and tariff terms. For wholesalers and installers, the company says the update is expected to drive interest from households and businesses looking for tariff-compatible charging equipment. VCHRGD cites its reliability statistics and UK-based support team as factors contributing to long-term demand. Founded in 2021, VCHRGD works with installers, distributors, and fleet operators across the UK. The company reports a high rate of positive customer feedback and a low proportion of charger replacements. Tariff-linked charging and installer demand Alex Watson, Founder and Technical Director at VCHRGD Technologies, comments, “Our integration with Intelligent Octopus Go is another step in making EV charging smarter, affordable, and more accessible. "For resellers and installers, it’s a fantastic opportunity, and we’ve already seen that energy integrations can significantly boost sales opportunities in this space. "By working with Octopus, we’re further strengthening our proposition for installers, giving them and the team here at VCHRGD a real edge in the market.” VCHRGD says it plans to contact resellers and installation partners to support discussions with home and business owners considering the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff.

Drayton offers a 'Great Greggs Giveaway'

To kickstart the new year, Drayton, a manufacturer of heating controls in the UK, has launched the Great Greggs Giveaway, with up to £26,000 worth of vouchers up for grabs until the end of April. When installers spend over £75 on Drayton products in a single transaction - either online or in branch at any merchant or retailer in the UK - they’ll receive a £5 Greggs digital voucher. Plus, there’s no limit on how many voucher installers can claim; the more individual transactions they make with a minimum spend of £75 on Drayton products, the more they can earn, until the £26,000 total giveaway value runs out. All installers need to do is upload their proof of purchase via the Drayton website and their £5 Greggs voucher will be sent via email, ready for them to redeem in store. Only purchases between 1 January and 30 April 2026 qualify for this promotion and must be redeemed by 10 May 2026. Additionally, installers can unlock an extended five-year warranty by registering their products with Drayton Rewards+. Log in or sign up to Drayton Rewards+ and all registered products will also qualify for points that can be exchanged for products, merch, and vouchers from the rewards catalogue. Giving back to contractors Nick Hunt, UK Sales and Marketing Director at Drayton, comments, “Here at Drayton, we’re always looking for ways to give back to our loyal installers, which is why we’re excited to be kicking off the new year with the Great Greggs Giveaway. "It’s a simple way to say thank you for their continued support, while helping to put a well-earned treat in their hands. "Alongside the Rewards+ loyalty scheme and extended warranties, we hope it gives installers an extra reason to choose Drayton in 2026.” For more from Drayton, click here.

Cold snap drives UK power demand to seven-year high

An Arctic blast of snow, sleet, and hail has driven UK temperatures to -12.5°C, the coldest recorded this winter, sharply increasing electricity demand and placing stress on the GB power system. With Storm Goretti forecast to bring further heavy snowfall, experts warn that elevated demand and high prices could persist into mid-January. Reacting to the news, Jake Thompson, GB Market Expert at Montel Analytics, says, “National electricity demand surged during peak hours as temperatures plunged. Morning peak demand reached 44GW today, with Montel EnAppSys forecasts suggesting demand could rise to around 46GW during the evening peak. On Monday, GB recorded its highest demand since March 2018 at 47.3GW. “As a result, 23% of demand was met by renewables on 5 January, the day of the demand peak, leaving the system heavily reliant on the conventional gas-fired generation fleet during peak periods. To alleviate pressure on domestic generators, NESO, the GB system operator, intervened in interconnector markets." Effects on interconnectors Jake continues, “Ahead of the day-ahead auction, interconnectors linking GB with Belgium (Nemo Link), the Netherlands (BritNed), and Denmark (Viking Link) were scheduled to export power from GB from 05:00 through to the evening peak. However, from 05:00 this morning, NESO reduced these flows by purchasing volumes via competitive auctions, paying prices of up to £1,040/MWh. The highest prices were recorded around 13:00 and were more than ten times the weighted day-ahead price for the same hour. “The decision to buy back exports had material knock-on effects across neighbouring markets, particularly in the Netherlands. Severe winter weather reduced renewable output across the region, forcing fossil fuel generation to meet the bulk of demand. Dutch generators were already exporting to Germany and Belgium, with further flows reaching France, while relying on imports from Denmark and GB. When GB reduced exports, Dutch imbalance prices surged above €4,000/MWh (£3,464/MWh) on Monday, 5 January. “The cold snap could last until at least 11 January, maintaining elevated demand levels. High prices are expected to persist due to the system’s reliance on gas-fired generation, especially during periods of low wind. Forecasts indicate wind output could fall to as little as 2GW on 8 January, further limiting renewable supply and increasing upward pressure on wholesale prices.”

ESP spotlights its Aperta access control range

Innovative security products supplier ESP is once again shining a spotlight on its Aperta access control range, a streamlined and reliable collection of products designed to meet the demands of modern installations. The range operates under the Aperta name - the Italian word meaning 'to open' or 'to allow access, passage, or a view through a space' - and continues to be recognised for its focus on ease of installation and straightforward operation. With just two main components - door station (with optional access control keypad) and the hands-free monitor - the Aperta range will allow the creation of anything from a single-door entry system to a multi-usage system. Two-wire technology The Aperta video door entry systems utilise two-wire technology, which offers many benefits and advantages over traditional video door entry systems. For simplicity and time-efficient installations, the two-wire technology provides a friendly platform by reducing the number of cores required for connection and requires just one power supply unit (PSU). This ensures that just one PSU needs to be concealed and supplied with just a single electrical mains supply. The Aperta access control range offers superb video and audio quality and comprises the following products: • Two door entry kits: The APKIT includes a colour monitor and door station, and the APKITKP includes colour monitor and door station with door release option via the keypad. They will both connect up to four monitors. • Multi Apartment Door Station (APDSMW), which includes door release via keypad and will connect up to 32 handsets. • Optional monitor with GUI (graphic user interface) menu incorporated for advanced options and includes SD card record facility. ESP has also developed new instruction manuals to support the range. They are designed to enhance the simplicity of installation by incorporating easy-to-follow, step-by-step graphics, taking the user through the installation and programming processes. For more information, visit ESP’s website or download the Scolmore Group app. For more from ESP, click here.

Martindale updates CP201 socket tester

Martindale Electric, a manufacturer of electrical test equipment, has introduced an updated version of its CP201 industrial socket tester, extending its range for testing 16A and 32A single-phase industrial sockets. The revised CP201 is intended for use during routine inspection and maintenance, providing a simplified method for identifying common wiring issues and supply voltage conditions at industrial outlets. Updated features and intended use The latest CP201 includes a simplified interface designed to make results easier to interpret. Wiring conditions are indicated using three LEDs arranged to reflect the pin layout of the plug, supported by an on-device reference chart to assist with fault identification. The tester also checks mains voltage, indicating whether the supply is high or low at the socket. The device is designed for testing single-phase industrial socket wiring and is available in both 16A and 32A versions. Each unit is fitted with a 230V industrial plug compliant with BS EN IEC 60309-1. The CP201 is housed in an ABS moulded enclosure intended to withstand regular site use and does not require ongoing maintenance, according to Martindale Electric. Steve Dunning, Managing Director at Martindale Electric, says, “Socket testers provide a fast and effective solution for identifying potentially unsafe installations and wiring faults, and can be particularly useful as a service tool for detecting unsafe conditions prior to installing new plant and equipment.” Martindale notes that socket testers are not a substitute for full verification of an electrical installation, but are commonly used as an initial indicator during maintenance and inspection activities. For more from Martindale Electric, click here.

ECS commissions LED controls for Stoke City FC

Elite Control Services (ECS), a UK specialist in architectural lighting control systems, has completed the commissioning of a new LED lighting controls system at the Bet365 Stadium, home of Stoke City Football Club. The project forms part of a wider lighting and controls upgrade at the stadium, replacing floodlights that had been in operation since 2014. The new system is intended to improve lighting performance while reducing overall energy consumption. Stadium lighting and controls upgrade The lighting design was produced by Midstream, with ECS responsible for commissioning and integrating the controls, RGBW, and under-bowl lighting systems. The installation includes a combination of LED luminaires, projectors, and RGBW floodlighting, alongside a fully integrated architectural controls platform. Control is provided through three main access points located in the Match Control, Media Suite, and Groundsman’s Shed. Following commissioning, the system delivers illumination levels of 1,650 lux, aligned with Premier League requirements, while reducing the stadium’s energy use by 51%. During the project, ECS carried out on-site demonstrations using temporary projectors and floodlights to determine beam angles and mounting positions. This process informed final installation decisions for the RGBW lighting, projection equipment, data infrastructure, and control systems. The upgrade also introduces colour-changing RGBW lighting across areas including advertising boards, pitch-side screens, and under-bowl spaces. In addition, projection equipment is used to display club and stadium branding on the pitch ahead of matches. Adam Hardy, Director at ECS, comments, “We’re thrilled to have partnered with Midstream Lighting and Stoke City FC on such a prestigious project. "Our team worked tirelessly to ensure the lighting control system not only meets the Premier League specifications but also delivers an energy-efficient, dynamic experience for both players and fans.” James Brunt from Midstream Lighting adds, “It was fantastic working with ECS on this project. Their expertise in lighting control and commissioning was instrumental in delivering the high-quality, energy-efficient system Stoke City FC required.”

Phenolic breakdown: The hidden danger

If you have read any of UK manufacturer of electrical test equipment Kewtech's previous articles, you may already be familiar with the mantra "Test Before You Touch". In a previous piece, the company explored the risks of metallic surfaces becoming live. Here, it dives into a lesser-known but equally dangerous issue: phenolic breakdown in thermosetting plastics. What are phenolic plastics? Back in the late ’60s through the early ’90s, phenolic resin was the go-to material for electrical accessories: strong, heat-resistant, and a great insulator - at least when new. Fast forward a few decades and those same components could be hiding a serious hazard. Phenolic materials don’t always age gracefully; over time, heat from loose connections or overloaded circuits can cause them to crack, become brittle, and even carbonise. What's more, carbonised phenolic can become conductive. That means what was once a safety barrier can turn into a live path for electricity. Phenolic plastics are still commonly found in older DNO intake cut-outs, identifiable by the dark brown, almost-black colour. What to watch out for Key identifiers include scorch marks, cracks, brittle surfaces, or that tell-tale burnt smell. See the video below for an example: [embed]https://youtube.com/shorts/MSl3TxzFwqg?si=INFm5Ne6P6K7aiAZ[/embed]   Visual checks are your first line of defence, but tools like the Kewtech KT1700 single-pole voltage tester can give you an early warning. The tester won’t diagnose phenolic breakdown directly, but it will tell you if unexpected voltage is lurking on nearby cut-out surfaces - a common symptom when phenolic insulation fails. Lawrence, AKA 'Bristol Sparky', comments, “I wasn’t aware of phenolic breakdown, and now it’s one of the first things I check before I go sticking my hands anywhere near anything. "A cut-out or even a board - if there is suspicion, I use my KT1700 contact voltage tester before I go and touch anything.” The bottom line Phenolic breakdown is a silent threat in ageing electrical systems. Combining training, sharp eyes, and smart tools like the KT1700 helps you stay safe, compliant, and ahead of the curve. Remember: 'Test Before You Touch', because what you can’t see can hurt you! For more information or electrical safety tips, visit Kewtech's website. For more from Kewtech, click here.

Kidde introduces fire and CO alarm control switch

Kidde Safety Europe, a UK manufacturer of smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms, has introduced a new Fire and CO Alarm Control Switch that enables remote testing and silencing of interconnected Kidde FIREX hardwired alarms, providing a practical solution for properties where alarms are installed in locations that are difficult to access or require regular inspection. The Fire and CO Alarm Control Switch makes the process easy with a convenient Test/Hush button that eliminates the need for physical access to the alarms. This is particularly valuable for elderly or disabled individuals and in properties with high ceilings. It also enhances safety and compliance where alarms are installed in non-occupied areas, such as lofts with photovoltaic (solar) equipment. The solution aligns with BS 5839-6:2019, the British Standard for domestic fire detection systems, which highlights the importance of providing remote testing capability for alarms installed in inaccessible locations. The new control unit features separate visual indicators for fire and carbon monoxide detection to provide a quick and clear identification of the hazard. For simplicity, it also has a single multifunction button. To test the system, users simply press the button and all the alarms will sound. In the event of an activation, pressing the Test/Hush button will silence all alarms in the system except the initiating device, allowing for easy and convenient alarm source indication. The Fire and CO Alarm Control Switch can be connected into any part of a new or existing Kidde FIREX hardwired alarm installation and can support up to 24 interconnected devices. The switch, which fits into a standard wall back box or standard surface mounted electrical box, should be mounted to a wall in an easily accessible, central location, such as a hallway or landing space. It is supplied with a 10-year warranty for long-term reliability. Keeping alarms working Brad Taylor, General Manager at Kidde and a 20-year veteran firefighter, explains, “The safety of residents depends on fire and carbon monoxide alarms being in full working order, and it is imperative that they are tested regularly. “Landlords have a duty to ensure their properties remain compliant, and our new alarm control switch simplifies this process across all Kidde FIREX hardwired alarms, supporting more effective management of life safety devices.” For more information about the RTHL Fire and CO Alarm Control Switch and Kidde’s full range of fire safety solutions, visit the company's website. For more from Kidde, click here.

Ideal Heating reinstates One More MAX incentive

Ideal Heating, a UK manufacturer of boilers and heat pumps, has confirmed the return of its One More MAX installer incentive at the start of 2026, offering up to £1,000 in rewards through its Connect programme. The scheme runs from 1 January to 30 April 2026 and applies to installers who register more Logic MAX or Vogue MAX boilers during that period than they did between 1 January and 30 April 2025. Installers who exceed their previous total by one registered boiler will receive £300 in Connect points. A further £700 is available for those who register four additional MAX boilers beyond that threshold, taking the total potential reward to £1,000, alongside the standard points awarded for each registration. How the incentive is structured The benchmark for the incentive is an installer’s total number of MAX boiler registrations during the equivalent period in 2025. To qualify in 2026, the requirement is to register one additional boiler during the same timeframe. For example, an installer who registered six MAX boilers between 1 January and 30 April 2025 would need to register seven during the same period in 2026 to receive the £300 reward. Registering 11 in total would trigger the full £1,000 allocation. Ideal Heating has also indicated that a further announcement relating to its MAX boiler range will be made on 12 January 2026. The company says the initiative is intended to build on its existing commitments to installers and homeowners. Commenting on the return of the promotion, Luke Pykett, Head of Marketing at Ideal Heating, says, “One More MAX is a firm favourite with installers and it’s back at exactly the right time to kick start 2026. “But it also tees up something even bigger: Next week, we’ll be unveiling a new promise for the MAX range, and one that shows just how far we’re prepared to go to support installers and their customers.” For more from Ideal Heating, click here.