Latest news with #EnergySavingTrust
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Call for recruitment to support solar panel drive
A solar panel company has called for a recruitment drive to support a government announcement for mandatory panels on the the majority of new-build homes from 2027. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the move was "just common sense" and solar panels would save the typical household £500 a year on energy bills. The regulations will require developers to add panels unless the buildings fall under certain exemptions such as being covered by shade. Terry Hayward, managing director of Solar Select in Droitwich, said the move could lead to issues with getting skilled labour in place. He said: "In 2027 companies will gear up for it and start their own in-house training, but obviously it helps if it's government-backed for apprenticeship schemes." He also said it was important the buildings had a "sensible amount" of panels fitted. "I'm sure the industry will welcome this move," he said. "What we'd like to also see is a sensible amount of panels put on there." Solar panels, or photovoltaics, capture the sun's energy and convert it into electricity to use in your home. According to the Energy Saving Trust, domestic solar panels are generally about 3.5kWp (kilowatt peak) - meaning they typically generate that much power at peak conditions. The government said the new rules would be included in the Future Homes Standard published in the autumn but there would be a transitional period for developers to adjust to the regulation changes. North Herefordshire's Green Party MP Ellie Chowns said she was glad the "government had seen sense" on making solar panels mandatory but was also cautious. "We should be making sure they're properly insulated, we should be making sure they're flood resilient, and [that they're] prevented from overheating," she added. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Most new build homes must have solar panels - Miliband Energy Saving Trust
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Call for recruitment to support solar panel drive
A solar panel company has called for a recruitment drive to support a government announcement for mandatory panels on the the majority of new-build homes from 2027. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the move was "just common sense" and solar panels would save the typical household £500 a year on energy bills. The regulations will require developers to add panels unless the buildings fall under certain exemptions such as being covered by shade. Terry Hayward, managing director of Solar Select in Droitwich, said the move could lead to issues with getting skilled labour in place. He said: "In 2027 companies will gear up for it and start their own in-house training, but obviously it helps if it's government-backed for apprenticeship schemes." He also said it was important the buildings had a "sensible amount" of panels fitted. "I'm sure the industry will welcome this move," he said. "What we'd like to also see is a sensible amount of panels put on there." Solar panels, or photovoltaics, capture the sun's energy and convert it into electricity to use in your home. According to the Energy Saving Trust, domestic solar panels are generally about 3.5kWp (kilowatt peak) - meaning they typically generate that much power at peak conditions. The government said the new rules would be included in the Future Homes Standard published in the autumn but there would be a transitional period for developers to adjust to the regulation changes. North Herefordshire's Green Party MP Ellie Chowns said she was glad the "government had seen sense" on making solar panels mandatory but was also cautious. "We should be making sure they're properly insulated, we should be making sure they're flood resilient, and [that they're] prevented from overheating," she added. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Most new build homes must have solar panels - Miliband Energy Saving Trust
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Four tips to keep the cost of popular appliances down in the summertime
Scroll down to save £83 on a skincare set SUN SAVERS Four tips to keep the cost of popular appliances down in the summertime WARMER temperatures and lighter days mean energy bills typically dip over the summer months. But some popular seasonal appliances can be pricey to run if you're not careful. Advertisement Here's how to make sure costs stay in check at this time of year . . . HOT TUB: More people are buying inflatable hot tubs to enjoy in their back garden. But these luxury items can have a big cost, burning up to £700 in energy a year. If you have one, it's important to invest in good insulation. Advertisement Bringing down the water temperature slightly can also help keep a lid on your outlay. AIR CON: Soaring temperatures can make your home sticky and uncomfortable. Portable air-conditioning units offer relief but are expensive to run. These appliances are 20 times dearer to run than a typical freestanding fan, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Advertisement Evaporative air coolers use far less energy than air-con units if you want to invest in a gadget. Or try closing your curtains on hot sunny days to stop the sun creating a greenhouse effect. Expert's warning over common barbecue myths that pose 'dangerous health risk' as Brits' grilling blunders revealed You could also place a bowl of ice in front of a fan to help cool down a room. And open windows a crack at night to let in a cooling breeze. Advertisement BBQ: If you're a grilling enthusiast, and frequently firing up the barbecue you might want to invest in a gas or electric model. It's generally cheaper to run an electric barbecue than a gas model, says Currys, because the electric version uses less energy to warm up the grill and at full heat. PATIO HEATER: Summer evenings can get cool and you might think a patio heater is the solution. But these appliances are energy-hungry, adding extra pounds to your power bills. Advertisement Instead, load up on blankets and consider lighting a portable fire-pit on chillier evenings. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. 7 We have four tips to make sure your energy bills stay down in the summertime Credit: Getty Deal of the day 7 This Fresh Faced Favourites skincare set is £29.99, from Boots Credit: supplied SECURE glowing skin with this Fresh Faced Favourites skincare set, £29.99, from Boots. Advertisement The bundle – worth £112.99 – features SPF essentials, cleansers and serums from brands including The Inkey List and Pixi. SAVE: £83 Cheap treat 7 This Emmi caffe latte is £1.85 from Tesco Credit: supplied GET a sweet caffeine hit on the go with this Emmi caffe latte, £1.85, from Tesco. Advertisement What's new? TGI Fridays has launched a breakfast menu, available now at 22 locations, with dishes starting at £5. Top swap 7 This Skims T-shirt will set you back £46 Credit: supplied 7 This similar one is just £12.99 at Next Credit: supplied THIS Skims' T-shirt is a staple from the shapewear brand. It's £46 from Selfridges. Advertisement Or you could try H&M's fitted microfibre T-shirt £12.99. SAVE: £33.01 Little helper STAY on top of your to-do list with these pink sticky memos, £1.50 from Flying Tiger. Shop & save 7 These ballet pumps are now £16 at Office Credit: supplied THESE ballet pumps are a versatile addition for any wardrobe and are down from £29.99 to £16 at Office. Advertisement SAVE: £13.99 Hot right now NAB the perfect Father's Day gift with Calvin Klein Obsession EDT. It has an RRP of £68 but is £20 online only at PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle Advertisement JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Four tips to keep the cost of popular appliances down in the summertime
WARMER temperatures and lighter days mean energy bills typically dip over the summer months. But some popular seasonal appliances can be pricey to run if you're not careful. Here's how to make sure costs stay in check at this time of year . . . HOT TUB: More people are buying inflatable hot tubs to enjoy in their back garden. But these luxury items can have a big cost, burning up to £700 in energy a year. If you have one, it's important to invest in good insulation. Bringing down the water temperature slightly can also help keep a lid on your outlay. AIR CON: Soaring temperatures can make your home sticky and uncomfortable. Portable air-conditioning units offer relief but are expensive to run. These appliances are 20 times dearer to run than a typical freestanding fan, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Evaporative air coolers use far less energy than air-con units if you want to invest in a gadget. Or try closing your curtains on hot sunny days to stop the sun creating a greenhouse effect. Expert's warning over common barbecue myths that pose 'dangerous health risk' as Brits' grilling blunders revealed You could also place a bowl of ice in front of a fan to help cool down a room. And open windows a crack at night to let in a cooling breeze. BBQ: If you're a grilling enthusiast, and frequently firing up the barbecue you might want to invest in a gas or electric model. It's generally cheaper to run an electric barbecue than a gas model, says Currys, because the electric version uses less energy to warm up the grill and at full heat. PATIO HEATER: Summer evenings can get cool and you might think a patio heater is the solution. But these appliances are energy-hungry, adding extra pounds to your power bills. Instead, load up on blankets and consider lighting a portable fire-pit on chillier evenings. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. 7 Deal of the day 7 SECURE glowing skin with this Fresh Faced Favourites skincare set, £29.99, from Boots. The bundle – worth £112.99 – features SPF essentials, cleansers and serums from brands including The Inkey List and Pixi. SAVE: £83 Cheap treat GET a sweet caffeine hit on the go with this Emmi caffe latte, £1.85, from Tesco. Top swap THIS Skims ' T-shirt is a staple from the shapewear brand. It's £46 from Selfridges. Or you could try H&M's fitted microfibre T-shirt £12.99. Shop & save THESE ballet pumps are a versatile addition for any wardrobe and are down from £29.99 to £16 at Office. SAVE: £13.99 Hot right now NAB the perfect Father's Day gift with Calvin Klein Obsession EDT. It has an RRP of £68 but is £20 online only at PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
Scottish Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
10 summer energy bill checks that you need to do NOW to save hundreds
Scroll to find out how one check could save hundreds of pounds CHECK IT OUT 10 summer energy bill checks that you need to do NOW to save hundreds HOUSEHOLDS can make the most of warmer temperatures and longer days to slash the cost of energy bills. There are a host of tricks to cut costs over summer months and some won't cost you a penny. Advertisement 1 Some quick and simple checks could save you hundreds of pounds on your energy bill Credit: PA From keeping curtains closed to switching to LED light bulbs and reducing your shower times, you could save a bundle. Here are 10 checks to make now to save you money over the summer - combined, they could help you claw back £308. Close your curtains - £27 Closing your curtains on hotter days will keep your home cool and means you won't have to use an electrical fan. Fan running costs vary but can range between 1p and 3p per hour. Advertisement It might not seem like a lot, but if you are running a fan for 10 hours a day across June, July and August (92 days), you're looking at spending around £27.60. Meanwhile, closing your curtains costs nothing and can be done in a matter of seconds. Open windows and internal doors to let natural ventilation flow through your home and keep temperatures down too. If you can, make sure to open them on opposite sides of the home as well as this will encourage better air flow. Advertisement From TV to energy... tips to save you money on 7 bills that are going up in April Switch off lights and swap to LED - £7.50 Switching off lights after leaving any room is a quick and easy way of cutting energy bills over the summer. Not just that, but the type of light bulbs you use can have a big impact on how much you pay overall. The Energy Saving Trust says you can save up to £3 per year for every traditional halogen bulb you switch to an LED bulb. Swap out 10 lightbulbs in your home and that's £30 a year, or £7.50 over three months. Advertisement You'll have to front up the cost of the new bulbs first, but will end up making major savings over time. Invest in solar lights outside and you can also make the most of all the sunlight over the warmer months and trim down your electric bill. They don't have to cost a bomb either. At the time of writing, Home Bargains offers solar lights starting from £1.49. Advertisement Outdoor LED lights that run off mains don't cost much to run, but the running costs for solar lights are nil so you're saving at least something. Defrost your freezer - £37 Ice building up in your freezer means the appliance has to work harder to keep temperatures down, in turn driving up your energy bill. So, check yours to see if it needs defrosting. Not only will it keep your costs down, you'll have more space to fit extra bits of food in there too. Advertisement If you don't defrost your freezer regularly, experts previously estimated it can cost you as much as £150 extra a year - £37.50 over three months. Most experts say you should defrost your freezer once or twice a year, so for the sake of a few minutes' work, the savings are well worth it. Dry smart - £46 How you dry your clothes can have a massive impact on your energy bills. You'll definitely want to swerve using a tumble dryer as these cost 97p per hour to run, according to Uswitch. Advertisement Instead, hang your bits on a clothes line or airer outside and let the sun do all the work. Based on two two-hour washes a week over 12 weeks in the summer, that makes for a hefty saving of £46.56. Even if you don't have an outside area, you can still use an airer inside and put it near the window to catch any rays. Slash your shower time - £15 One quick way to pay less on your water and energy bills is to slash your shower time. Advertisement The Energy Saving Trust estimates keeping your shower time to just four minutes can save you £60 a year on your energy bills - or £15 across June, July and August. Steer clear of baths too as these cost more than having a quick shower. Lower your washing machine temperature - £6 Washing your clothes at the right temperature ensures any pesky stains and smells are removed, but you don't have to crank up the heat. Washing clothes on a 30°C cycle will do the job just fine and could save you up to £24 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust - £6 over the summer. Advertisement Try reducing your washing machine use by one run per week by combining loads too. Turn off 'vampire' devices - £29 So-called "vampire" devices churn through energy when left in standby mode so are worth switching off to cut costs. Some are worse than others but TV boxes, smart TVs and Wi-Fi routers are the worst culprits. It might seem like a tiny thing to do, but the savings can add up fast. Advertisement Switching off all your vampire appliances can save you around £118 a year - or £29.50 in the three months between June and August. Put your boiler into 'summer mode' - £80 Most boilers have a summer setting which means you can turn off the central heating and still get hot water on demand. The button to trigger the summer mode should be easy to spot - sometimes it's a sun symbol. Activating summer mode could save you around 10% on your annual bill in the three months over the summer as well, Nicolas and James Auckland from Trade Radiators previously told The Sun. Advertisement Uswitch says the average gas bill in the UK is around £800, meaning a saving of around £80 just by flicking a switch. Get your boiler serviced - £60 Spring might just be the best time to get your boiler serviced - and it could save you money in the long run. Checkatrade says the average cost of getting a boiler serviced is around £100. However, having it checked over will ensure everything is running smoothly and you won't have to call out for an emergency plumber. Advertisement Checkatrade says the average cost of calling out an emergency plumber is around £110 with their hourly rate £50. That means getting a boiler service in could save you £60. What energy bill help is available? There's a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by. If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter. This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period. If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don't think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal. Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills. But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances. For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000. British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund. You don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund. EDF, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too. Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR). The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill. Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you're struggling. Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
