Not Enough Funding For Electrically Heated Households, Says Dimplex

Upgrading outdated static electric storage heaters in half a million electrically heated homes could help to close a combined fuel poverty gap of £160 million every year, but they are being excluded from energy efficiency improvement programmes, according to a new report by Glen Dimplex Heating & Ventilation.  More than 3.2 million households in England and Scotland are fuel poor according to official statistics, causing stress, illness and worse for those living in them. Around 15% of these – almost 500,000 households – use electricity to heat their homes and are paying over the odds for their heating because of a legacy of ageing electric storage heaters and incorrect specification. Despite this, government incentive schemes are failing to offer the funding needed to support heating system upgrades in electrically heated homes with modern, smart appliances that can slash heating bills. According to the report, the average annual fuel poverty gap in England – the difference between a household’s typical energy bill and the value that their bill would need to be in order for that household to come out of fuel poverty – is £353. Chris Stammers, head of insight for Glen Dimplex Heating & Ventilation, says, “Thousands of households are still paying over the odds unnecessarily for their heating bills, even though modern appliances could lift them out of fuel poverty by dramatically lowering running costs. “Invariably the issue is the cost of installation – very few homeowners in fuel poverty can afford the upfront cost to install a new heating system, whilst private and social housing tenants have no choice but to use the heating system they have been given. “Those with gas central heating systems have access to a number of funding programmes designed to facilitate heating upgrades to improve the energy efficiency of the property, but there is not currently enough support for electrically heated homes. “For the majority of these properties, switching to gas is not an option. It is either not physically possible or not viable because of the huge costs involved. “Instead, by extending funding support to electrically heated homes, we could facilitate hundreds of thousands of additional electric heating upgrades. We could replace the ageing storage heating systems and address those incorrect specifications which are contributing to a fuel poverty gap of around £160 million. And we could improve daily life for millions of homeowners, private tenants and social housing residents across the UK. “More than that, it would reduce excess winter deaths and improve population health and wellbeing, delivering a significant cost saving for the NHS. “It’s clear to see there is both a societal and financial benefit to extending these funding programmes so that electrically heated households can take advantage.” The report highlights the potential of modern, smart electric heating appliances including direct-acting electric panel heaters and high heat retention heaters, which draw energy during off-peak periods to deliver heat at any time of the day or night. Both can include intelligent controls which react to changes in climatic conditions and occupant behaviour for enhanced efficiency.  Chris Stammers adds, “Of course, there are other factors outside of the heating system that can contribute to a household living in fuel poverty. Insulation, glazing and building fabric, for example, can all play a part, especially in older homes. The fact remains, however, that too many households are living with outdated or ineffective heating systems in electrically heated homes. “In fact, due to their inherent reliability the average storage heater in the UK is more than 20 years old, and around 70% of the UK’s installed storage heaters are of the old, manually-controlled type. “Electric heating is not what it used to be. Modern appliances are intelligent, efficient and incredibly easy to use, with proven cost savings for users. “If we can facilitate more heating upgrades in these homes, we can make significant progress in reducing the fuel poverty gap – but more support must be provided to enable that to happen.”  

Rolec Provides EV Charge Points At Warner Leisure Hotels

An electric vehicle charge point network installed by Rolec EV last summer for Warner Leisure Hotels is proving to be a welcome addition to the services offered by the popular regional hotel chain. The free-to-use Rolec EV charging points, available at all Warner Leisure Hotels throughout the UK, allow guests to charge their electric vehicles during their stay. Mat Finch, marketing director for Warner Leisure Hotels, comments, “We are proud that, collectively, Warner Leisure Hotels is offering modern alternatives – such as charging points for electric vehicles. “It is crucial to be able to step-change our investment to lead sustainable initiatives, whilst still allowing us to be flexible in what we are offering our guests. “The Rolec EV charging points have been very well received as our guests can now charge their vehicle during their stay to help ensure they have a safe journey home.” Rolec EV’s corporate account manager Naomi Nye adds, “We were delighted to have supplied our EV charging points to Warner Leisure Hotels. “EV charge points will become a service that every hotel will have to provide for its guests as EV sales continue to increase. “Our mobile phone operated EV Charge Online network represents the perfect EV charge point solution for hotels – providing them with an immediate revenue stream, while allowing EV drivers to pay-to-charge via mobile phone using secure payment platforms such as PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, etc."

Klein Tools Supports Salvation Army In Greece

Klein Tools has provided tools for the Salvation Army in Greece, to help the charity upgrade its support centre in Athens which offers help to thousands of people seeking asylum in the city. There are an estimated 60,000 refugees in Greece, and thousands more arrive daily from Iran, Afghanistan and Syria. Since March 2016, new refugees arriving in Greece are either granted asylum or deported, and human trafficking is now rife as people try desperately to escape to more economically prosperous countries in Europe. The Salvation Army in Athens works alongside other charitable organisations to protect vulnerable asylum seekers from human traffickers, and provides aid to families who are struggling to find homes, employment and the means to look after themselves and their children. The charity delivers its support services from an old mansion in downtown Athens, which was built in the 1930s. The three-storey listed building had sat empty for many years but attempts had been made more recently to bring it back into use and the top floor was completed renovated. Unfortunately, this renovation was not completed due to the financial crisis, so the ground and first floors had no wiring, other than the original 1930s cables, offering limited functionality and non-compliance with local building code requirements. Due to the state of repair of the building, the owners rent the property to the Salvation Army at an extremely reduced rate, but the lack of proper electrical connections in many parts of the building (and therefore no heat or light provision) make it challenging for the charity to operate in, especially during the winter months. The Salvation Army raised some money to carry out essential upgrades to the building to make it fully functional, including rewiring it and installing a proper data network to allow organisations to better share information about the people they support. A local unemployed electrician volunteered to do the work for free but had no tools of his own, so the Salvation Army approached Klein Tools to see if they could help. Captain Jean-Curtis Plante, regional business and administration officer for Salvation Army Greece/Italy, says, “We approached Klein Tools to see if they could supply a few items that would help us with the support centre refurbishment project – we knew that they produced high quality tools that get things done quickly and efficiently, and this would save us weeks of time on getting the network, heat and light installed in the building. So we were absolutely delighted when they said they could help and now we have the tools to complete the project before the cold of winter arrives.”   (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Smart Technology Controls For Indoor Lighting

Specialist trade supplier ElectricalDirect explores some of the technologies available in the smart lighting control revolution.  Britain’s shift towards ‘Smart Homes’ is growing at a promising rate and there has never been a better time to evolve your skill set to include these new technologies, starting with smart lighting. Currently, the industry is worth just under £1 billion a year, and the projections for the industry reflect a growing demand that is set to continue. Being a new technology, the trade’s knowledge around the products tends to be rather thin, with only 1,250 Smart Home technology installers estimated to be in the UK for what is forecast to be a £120 billion industry by 20201. Smart lighting incorporates different technologies so that both indoor and outdoor lights work automatically. Each system has different features, so it is just as important to investigate the mobile apps that control the systems as well as the hardware of the light switches. Some of the most popular features of these systems include functions to programme lighting plans, turn lights on and off when out of the home, set a geographical distance to automatically turn lights on and off, and for lights to automatically switch on and off when a Wi-Fi connection in the home is enabled and disconnected. Online retailer, ElectricalDirect, offers a range of smart light switches covering all of these features, but with so many to decide on, focusing on what the customer actually wants from their system is the most important place to start. With a large number of these products available in the market it is advised to pick one that you trust, and become an expert in it. Trusted professional brands such as MiHome from Energenie and LightwaveRF offer a range of smart light switches with a reliable mix of modern technology and design, and are available in a variety of options to suit any home or commercial building. One of the main challenges for tradesmen is that it is very difficult to make a standard on/off switch that can be controlled by wireless communication in the UK. This issue will be a lot more prevalent in pre-established lighting systems because of the lack of a neutral wire at the switch location, however new-builds tend to incorporate a neutral wire as standard. Whereas a normal switch interrupts the live wire to cut the power, a wireless smart switch needs a tiny constant current to power its radio communication module. This causes an issue for smart switches; it is as if the live wire is cut without a neutral wire to create a separate circuit, power is lost and the switch loses communication. A dimmer avoids this issue because it always has a tiny amount of current required to power the module. LightwaveRF offers a slightly different approach for non-dimmable solutions by using a relay and wire-free switch. A relay needs to be installed into a lighting circuit wherever there is access to the live and neutral wires. They are designed to fit into small spaces like ceiling voids, so installation is easy, and allows the wireless switch to be used in conjunction with the LightwaveRF 2-way slave dimmer switch. The fully remote controllable switch enables the user to turn several lights on and off at the same time, and set automatic light programmes. The product is specifically designed to work with the LightwaveRF dimmer switch and link router through the mobile app. Non-dimmable and dimmable products in single and two-way switches are available in most brands, with some also offering a scene lighting option in their range, which is typically used in commercial buildings such as hotel lobbies and restaurants. The LightwaveRF mood lighting controller is the perfect wire-free product for this. It allows the grouping of an unlimited number of LightwaveRF fixtures and lamps to be controlled from one switch. To change the mood, users can select from pre-set lighting scenes or save their own at the touch of a button. Other systems, such as MiHome from Energenie, offer the option to add smart appliances once the main hub is installed, giving more flexibility for additions. The Motion Sensor is used with the MiHome gateway and a mobile app to automatically turn lights on when movement is detected, or off after a period of no movement using the 360 degree sensor. The app can also be set to send instant notifications when unauthorised motion is detected, to provide an extra level of security for customers. With so many options available in this expanding market, there has never been a better time to become an early adopter of smart lighting and add it to your range of electrical services.  

McCann Commits To ‘Earn And Learn’ By Joining The 5% Club

Nottingham-based civil and electrical engineering firm McCann has joined The 5% Club, an industry led initiative focussed on driving momentum into the recruitment of apprentices, graduates and sponsored students. The 5% Club is a movement of more than 250 employers providing ‘earn and learn’ opportunities to develop the skills and talents people need to become more employable and create meaningful careers. Companies joining The 5% Club commit to raising the number of apprentices, sponsored students and graduates on formal programmes to 5% of their total workforce within five years. Members are also asked to publicly report their progress in their Annual Report. Existing members range from SMEs to FTSEs and cover a number of diverse industries, from engineering through to the legal sector. McCann has joined The 5% Club to highlight its commitment to offering apprenticeships within the civil and electrical engineering industry. The business currently employs 195 full-time members of staff – eight of which are studying for an apprenticeship at varying levels. Another apprentice will be joining the company in mid-November taking the total tally up to nine. “McCann is firmly committed to the betterment of our country through the improvement of young workers” says John McCann, managing director at McCann. “We believe that the 5% Club wholly embodies our own corporate beliefs and responsibilities towards reducing youth unemployment and skill shortages.”

EIC Offers Support For Employees And Their Families

The Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) has launched the Employee and Family Support Programme which aims to help employees and their families with challenging life situations in their time of need. According to the charity, many people are struggling with a wide range of issues in the electrical sector. This could be due to caring for a loved one, going through a relationship breakdown, having financial problems or dealing with mental health issues. Few of these people feel comfortable sharing their problems, however, and therefore continue to suffer on their own in silence, says the charity. The Electrical Industries Charity has launched the Employee and Family Support Programme to help people in the electrical and energy sectors to look forward to the future. The charity’s programme offers employees and their families support through its services, including a confidential helpline and free telephone counselling sessions, debt solutions, financial assistance and grants, legal advice and career advice. “In our industry, there are many people who are struggling with a wide range of challenging situations which are restricting them from having the fulfilling life they deserve,” says managing director, Tessa Ogle. “This is why we have launched our Employee and Family Support Programme to provide support and assist them in each step of the way towards creating a better future for themselves.”

JIB Initiative To Deliver Step-Change In Occupational Health

A new initiative from the Joint Industry Board (JIB) is to be launched to help ensure the health of 12,000 operatives across the electrical industry. From January 2018, JIB members can receive Occupational Health Assessment (OHA) funding for all employees covered by the JIB Benefits Scheme. Each eligible operative can receive a funded OHA every three years. To carry out the assessments, the JIB has partnered with four leading occupational health specialists – Clarity Healthcare, Express Medicals, RPS Group and Sarsen Health – to allow JIB members to select the most convenient provider and location. The assessments will cover 10 fitness for work and health aspects, such as respiratory function, hearing and blood pressure. For the employer, the assessment helps to provide an indication of what steps need to be taken on site to improve the health and wellbeing of employees. For an individual, the assessment provides an early indicator of potential ill health so that corrective action can be taken. “The introduction of Occupational Health Assessment funding into the JIB Benefits Scheme is a major step for the industry. It will not only support JIB members in meeting their employment obligations, but also help them to protect the health and wellbeing of their staff – their most valuable resource,” said Steve Brawley, JIB chief executive. To find out more visit the JIB website.

Screwfix Winner Sees Business Boom

Lluis Dalmau has seen his business boom after winning Screwfix Britain’s Top Tradesperson competition. The contest, organised by Screwfix, saw thousands of candidates enter. Lluis, owner of LCD Heating and Gas Services, who took the crown to be named Britain’s best earlier this year. Lluis also won a new Toyota Hilux to help support his business and expand his clientele. “It is an absolute dream come true being crowned Britain’s Top Tradesperson by Screwfix. I was so shocked when they told me I had won,” says Lluis. “My business has always been my pride and joy, so to have been awarded this title means so much to me. Not only was it a dream come true, but since the competition, my customer base has grown more than I could ever imagine, thanks to Screwfix. The award has not only given me the recognition, but also the confidence to take my business to the next level. “I am so excited to receive this prize – not only will the vehicle be more reliable, but it will provide a professional impression when I arrive at a job.”

Directors Fined For Misuse Of NICEIC Logo

Two directors of a Welsh company that falsely claimed to be NICEIC registered have been fined more than £12,000. Jason Roberts and Carl Jenkins of Abertillery had used the NICEIC logo without permission. Both men had been directors of A Grace Electrics Ltd when they breached the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 Act. They pleaded guilty to using the logo on a vehicle and an advertisement following a joint investigation by NICEIC and the Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen trading standards team. The firm had originally been members of NICEIC but had their registration cancelled after ignoring a consumer complaint. Jenkins also pleaded guilty to not using reasonable care or skill during their work, and for not issuing cancellation rights to their customers. The company directors were ordered to pay £2,625, as well as £960.99 council costs, and £170 victim surcharge – totalling £3,755.99. Roberts, was ordered to pay £1,500 and a £170 victim surcharge, while Mr Jenkins was ordered to pay £2,600 and victim surcharge of £170. The court also heard that Jenkins went on to set up another company in Abertillery, C Jenkins Electrics Ltd, and continued to lie of his affiliation with the NICEIC between November 8 2016 and August 1, 2017. The logo was used while the firm responded to potential contracts on Mybuilder.com. Jenkins had also stated on the site that the company had been trading for three years when it had been set up in September 2016. He pleaded guilty to using the logo without authorisation and falsely stating that the company had been trading for three years. The company was ordered to pay £2,250 costs, council costs of £771.03, and a victim surcharge of £170 – a grand sum of £3,191.03. Mr Jenkins was also ordered to pay £1,500. Cllr Fiona Cross, the executive member with responsibility for public protection at Torfaen council, says, “Trade associations such as the NICEIC offer peace of mind to customers so it is absolutely right that businesses that fraudulently claim membership of these organisations are investigated and prosecuted. “In this case the directors of these companies not only fraudulently claimed membership but also treated their customers illegally too, so this is a fantastic result. Anyone who is suspicious of a contractor falsely claiming to be NICEIC registered should check the NICEIC website at www.niceic.com which contains a full list of all those contractors registered with NICEIC. “These latest prosecutions show how seriously we take misuse of our logo,” comments NICEIC CEO Emma Clancy. “It also sends out the message that anyone thinking about misusing our logo will be caught and dealt with appropriately by the courts. “The NICEIC name is associated with quality and we will work with the appropriate authorities to protect those contractors who are legitimately registered with us and have the quality of their work assessed on a regular basis.” Contractors caught falsely claiming to be members will be named on the NICEIC website and their details passed to Trading Standards.

Goodlight LED Lighting Delivers Energy Savings To Logistics Company

LED lighting specialist, Goodlight, has announced that Hi-Speed Services, an independent transport and logistics company in Surrey, has refurbished its offices and warehouse with high-performance, energy efficient LED lighting to improve the ambience, saving costs and reducing environmental impact. Hi-Speed is committed to lowering its carbon footprint and already provides a green courier service, using vehicles that emit less carbon and save on fuel. As part of its continuous drive to reduce carbon emissions and lower energy consumption further, Hi-Speed embarked on a programme to replace the lighting in its 26,000 sq ft depot in Surrey and its 22,000 sq ft double warehouse in Rugby with a more energy efficient technology. In selecting Goodlight Eco LED ceiling panels and IP65 G5 LED battens, the company was able to downsize the number of light fixtures needed due to the increased light output. Hi-Speed now gets brighter illumination with fewer lights, which not only lowers energy consumption and maintenance costs but is in keeping with the company’s sustainability objectives. “We chose Goodlight based on recommendation and the service they have provided from start to finish has been outstanding," says, Ian Dawkins, managing director at Hi-Speed. "The lights were only installed in April and cost reductions on monthly energy bills are currently predicted at 18%. We are delighted with the results and the savings we’ve already started to see. The most obvious impact, however, is in the light quality and the vast improvement in colour temperature. Our employees are enjoying the cleaner, brighter, whiter light with no visible flickering. Also, the LED lights generate much less heat which is hugely beneficial to us as we hold some heat sensitive stock. “The Goodlight LED lights were very easy to install and we were able to use the existing fittings which achieved a higher cost saving. Their long life and virtually maintenance-free operation made it an easy choice for us. We have been very impressed with the Goodlight team and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them in the future,” he adds. Hi-Speed selected 1200 x 600mm Goodlight Eco LED ceiling panels for its offices that have been designed to slot into an existing ceiling grid with ease and are the thinnest, most light weight panel on the market, according to the lighting specialist. Goodlight also specified 5ft G5 LED battens for the warehouse which deliver very high levels of light output, offering up to 110 lumens per watt. The G5s are rated to IP65 and provide further protection from dust, ice, heat and corrosion ingress. Both products are guaranteed for five years and rated at 50,000 hours.