Latest news with #RTS
The National
2 hours ago
- Business
- The National
Rural Scots 'face major energy bills hike after RTS meter switch off'
RTS meters, which use long-wave radio signals to switch between cheaper and more expensive electricity rates remotely, are disproportionately common in off-gas-grid and rural areas. A full deactivation of the system was scheduled for June 30. But just 11 days before that deadline, the UK Government paused the planned blanket switch-off in favour of a phased approach, citing the fact that 314,000 households across the UK – including 105,000 in Scotland – were still using the meters. READ MORE: Dr Ron Mould: RTS switch-off will put vulnerable Scots at risk The Scottish Government had raised concerns that the shutdown could disrupt heating and hot water systems for those still relying on RTS meters, while potentially triggering steep hikes in energy costs. However, Shetland resident John Inkster said he is already feeling the impact after being moved off the RTS system by provider EDF Energy. He described the resulting rise in bills as 'unjust' and said it flies in the face of assurances given by Ofgem, the energy regulator. Ofgem has stated that consumers should be left 'no worse off' as a result of switching away from RTS meters. But Inkster said that for islanders like him – living in areas without access to mains gas – the reality is starkly different. 'I think we spend about £4000 a year heating our house at the moment, before the RTS meter changeover,' he said. 'I imagine that might go to £6000. 'You don't need to be a rocket scientist to work out that people are going to be completely fleeced here.' READ MORE: John Swinney: Labour are ruling out all options to reduce energy bills Before the switch, Inkster had two meters: one charging 27p per unit of electricity for standard use (lights, appliances, sockets), and another offering a reduced 15p tariff for heating and hot water. Since EDF replaced his system, most of his heating, except for storage heaters and a portion of water heating, is charged at the higher rate. Based on his calculations, the change equates to a 74% increase in costs on around half of his heating and hot water use. That could see his annual bill rise from £4000 to around £5500. 'There are a lot of people who don't understand this who have it in their house, to be honest with you,' he said. 'It is a bit complicated. 'But it doesn't take any kind of a genius at all to work out that customers will be much, much worse off.' He went on: 'It's said people are dying in Scotland in the cold because they can't afford to heat their homes. You hear that, don't you? 'Well, how is this going to affect those statistics? Improve them or make them worse?' Inkster said he was aware of other Shetlanders who had already 'torn panel heaters out of their houses' in response to the soaring cost of using them under the new tariffs. He warned that many affected households might only realise the full extent of the change when their winter energy bills arrive. The Shetlander has enlisted the help of his local MP, LibDem Alistair Carmichael, who has written to EDF chief executive Simone Rossi with his concerns. The LibDem MP for Orkney and Shetland, Alistair Carmichael (Image: UK Parliament/PA Wire) 'Ofgem has stated that energy companies should give equivalent tariffs to RTS customers so that no one is left worse off as a result of switching,' the MP said. 'At best, what EDF is doing goes against the spirit of that commitment – at worst, it looks like an active attempt to evade the new rules. Ofgem and the Government must come down hard on this sly behaviour.' EDF did not respond to the Sunday National's request for comment. A spokesperson for Ofgem said: 'We have made clear to suppliers that we expect them to treat customers fairly – not only in terms of shielding households from unnecessary costs but also offering the same or similar tariffs after their RTS meter has been upgraded. 'It is crucial that customers are protected at every stage of the phased shutdown, and we are spelling out to suppliers key requirements that must be met before an area loses its RTS signal. 'While this carefully managed phaseout process should reassure customers, it remains crucial that these meters are replaced urgently so it's vital to engage with your supplier when offered an appointment.'
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
RMRC Bhubaneswar develops advanced malaria vaccine, ready for tech transfer
BHUBANESWAR: In a significant breakthrough, a team of researchers led by the Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Bhubaneswar, has developed a novel and advanced malaria vaccine that can prevent Plasmodium falciparum infection in humans and community transmission. The new recombinant, chimeric multi-stage vaccine code-named AdFalciVax has been designed to protect against the deadliest malaria parasite in humans. It is now ready for technology transfer to manufacturers for production, clinical trials and its commercialisation. Currently, two malaria vaccines are available and cost in a range of `250 to `830 per dose. The efficacy rate is between 33 per cent and 67 per cent. Unlike existing WHO-recommended vaccines RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix) and R21/Matrix-M, AdFalciVax offers dual-stage protection and is cost-effective. Scientist-D at RMRC Dr Susheel Singh said the new vaccine can prevent human infection and interrupt transmission in the community. 'AdFalciVax uses a full-length PfCSP, a major protein found in Pf, for broader protection and includes a novel fusion of Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 proteins to produce strong antibodies that stop the transmission,' he said. What makes AdFalciVax stand out among the existing vaccines is its exceptional pharmaceutical stability. The formulation remains potent for over nine months at room temperature, eliminating the need for costly cold chain logistics, which continue to be a major bottleneck in vaccine distribution across remote and resource-limited regions. According to the researchers, the vaccine has been developed with the help of cutting-edge protein engineering using Lactococcus lactis, a safe bacterial host. The pre-clinical validation of the technology has been conducted by RMRC in collaboration with National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR) and National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi. RMRC director Dr Sanghamitra Pati said, 'The vaccine's efficacy was sustained for over four months post-boost, which translates to over a decade of protection in humans.' Meanwhile, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi has invited expressions of interest from the eligible organisations, companies and manufacturers for transfer of technology and commercialisation.
The Advertiser
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'Just not workable': Newcastle Basketball addresses laundry list of concerns about stadium
NEWCASTLE Basketball said it has lodged its response to submissions on the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre after it was asked to address a laundry list of issues, but the Department of Planning, Infrastructure and Housing said the documentation is still being finalised. Hundreds of people objected to the proposed $82 million basketball stadium on Wallarah and Blackley Ovals. Of 667 submissions to the state government, 72.5 per cent were against and 26 per cent were in support. The response to submissions was due June 6. Newcastle Basketball said it lodged the response with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) a week after the due date, in agreement with the department. Newcastle Basketball project coordinator Simon Haire said the project team has made changes to the site layout to "address primary concerns". "By shifting the building further west and adjusting vehicle movements, we've tackled key issues such as flood hazards and traffic flow," he said. DPHI asked Newcastle Basketball to address a spate of issues, including flooding, traffic and parking, noise impacts and inconsistencies across plans and documents, among other things in its response to submissions. Newcastle Basketball said it has drafted a Flood Emergency Response Plan and a Traffic Event Management Plan in response to feedback. "While not typically required at this stage, we've taken extra steps to provide a greater level of detail to alleviate any concerns," Mr Haire said. A DPHI spokesman said Newcastle Basketball was asked to prepare a response to submissions (RTS) report as part of its State Significant Development application. "The department had requested the RTS be submitted in June 2025," he said. "The applicant advised the department it was not able to meet the requested date, as it is continuing to finalise its RTS documentation. "Questions regarding the timing of the applicant's RTS lodgement should be directed to the applicant." The spokesman said that once the RTS has been submitted, the department will assess the development. "Consideration will be given to the comments or issues raised by council, agencies, other organisations and the public," he said. "Given more than 50 objections were received during the Environmental Impact Statement exhibition, the final determination of the State Significant Development will be made by the Independent Planning Commission." While a vast majority of submissions objected to the proposed development, many acknowledged Newcastle's need for a new stadium despite rejecting the location. Common objections commented on the loss of green space, the impact on local schools and sporting clubs that use the fields, traffic concerns, flooding risks for nearby properties and a lack of consultation. The Hunter basketball community threw its support behind the project, as did the National Basketball League (NBL). Save Our Lambton Ovals member Jacqui Rosewood said she was unsure if some of the issues raised could be addressed. "It's a bit of a minefield. The line Newcastle Basketball has held with the media to this point is that there are just a few little things they have to fix up, and we know there are more than a few little things," she said. "We can't see how they can address some of those issues, but they seemingly are still trying. "I just think there are so many issues, the general feeling is that it's just not workable there." Newcastle Basketball was awarded a $25 million grant from the previous state Liberal government for the project in 2019, and if approved, it is expected to take two and a half years to build. Newcastle Basketball general manager Sara Jiear said the project will break down barriers to participation in sports and physical activity. "It will support a range of sports including basketball, volleyball, badminton, netball, futsal and pickleball," she said. "The facility is designed to be fully accessible and inclusive, ensuring people of all ages and abilities can be physically and socially active in a community atmosphere." Newcastle Basketball said the department will review the response to submissions before taking the next step in the process. The response to submissions is not yet publicly available. Submissions closed in November last year. NEWCASTLE Basketball said it has lodged its response to submissions on the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre after it was asked to address a laundry list of issues, but the Department of Planning, Infrastructure and Housing said the documentation is still being finalised. Hundreds of people objected to the proposed $82 million basketball stadium on Wallarah and Blackley Ovals. Of 667 submissions to the state government, 72.5 per cent were against and 26 per cent were in support. The response to submissions was due June 6. Newcastle Basketball said it lodged the response with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) a week after the due date, in agreement with the department. Newcastle Basketball project coordinator Simon Haire said the project team has made changes to the site layout to "address primary concerns". "By shifting the building further west and adjusting vehicle movements, we've tackled key issues such as flood hazards and traffic flow," he said. DPHI asked Newcastle Basketball to address a spate of issues, including flooding, traffic and parking, noise impacts and inconsistencies across plans and documents, among other things in its response to submissions. Newcastle Basketball said it has drafted a Flood Emergency Response Plan and a Traffic Event Management Plan in response to feedback. "While not typically required at this stage, we've taken extra steps to provide a greater level of detail to alleviate any concerns," Mr Haire said. A DPHI spokesman said Newcastle Basketball was asked to prepare a response to submissions (RTS) report as part of its State Significant Development application. "The department had requested the RTS be submitted in June 2025," he said. "The applicant advised the department it was not able to meet the requested date, as it is continuing to finalise its RTS documentation. "Questions regarding the timing of the applicant's RTS lodgement should be directed to the applicant." The spokesman said that once the RTS has been submitted, the department will assess the development. "Consideration will be given to the comments or issues raised by council, agencies, other organisations and the public," he said. "Given more than 50 objections were received during the Environmental Impact Statement exhibition, the final determination of the State Significant Development will be made by the Independent Planning Commission." While a vast majority of submissions objected to the proposed development, many acknowledged Newcastle's need for a new stadium despite rejecting the location. Common objections commented on the loss of green space, the impact on local schools and sporting clubs that use the fields, traffic concerns, flooding risks for nearby properties and a lack of consultation. The Hunter basketball community threw its support behind the project, as did the National Basketball League (NBL). Save Our Lambton Ovals member Jacqui Rosewood said she was unsure if some of the issues raised could be addressed. "It's a bit of a minefield. The line Newcastle Basketball has held with the media to this point is that there are just a few little things they have to fix up, and we know there are more than a few little things," she said. "We can't see how they can address some of those issues, but they seemingly are still trying. "I just think there are so many issues, the general feeling is that it's just not workable there." Newcastle Basketball was awarded a $25 million grant from the previous state Liberal government for the project in 2019, and if approved, it is expected to take two and a half years to build. Newcastle Basketball general manager Sara Jiear said the project will break down barriers to participation in sports and physical activity. "It will support a range of sports including basketball, volleyball, badminton, netball, futsal and pickleball," she said. "The facility is designed to be fully accessible and inclusive, ensuring people of all ages and abilities can be physically and socially active in a community atmosphere." Newcastle Basketball said the department will review the response to submissions before taking the next step in the process. The response to submissions is not yet publicly available. Submissions closed in November last year. NEWCASTLE Basketball said it has lodged its response to submissions on the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre after it was asked to address a laundry list of issues, but the Department of Planning, Infrastructure and Housing said the documentation is still being finalised. Hundreds of people objected to the proposed $82 million basketball stadium on Wallarah and Blackley Ovals. Of 667 submissions to the state government, 72.5 per cent were against and 26 per cent were in support. The response to submissions was due June 6. Newcastle Basketball said it lodged the response with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) a week after the due date, in agreement with the department. Newcastle Basketball project coordinator Simon Haire said the project team has made changes to the site layout to "address primary concerns". "By shifting the building further west and adjusting vehicle movements, we've tackled key issues such as flood hazards and traffic flow," he said. DPHI asked Newcastle Basketball to address a spate of issues, including flooding, traffic and parking, noise impacts and inconsistencies across plans and documents, among other things in its response to submissions. Newcastle Basketball said it has drafted a Flood Emergency Response Plan and a Traffic Event Management Plan in response to feedback. "While not typically required at this stage, we've taken extra steps to provide a greater level of detail to alleviate any concerns," Mr Haire said. A DPHI spokesman said Newcastle Basketball was asked to prepare a response to submissions (RTS) report as part of its State Significant Development application. "The department had requested the RTS be submitted in June 2025," he said. "The applicant advised the department it was not able to meet the requested date, as it is continuing to finalise its RTS documentation. "Questions regarding the timing of the applicant's RTS lodgement should be directed to the applicant." The spokesman said that once the RTS has been submitted, the department will assess the development. "Consideration will be given to the comments or issues raised by council, agencies, other organisations and the public," he said. "Given more than 50 objections were received during the Environmental Impact Statement exhibition, the final determination of the State Significant Development will be made by the Independent Planning Commission." While a vast majority of submissions objected to the proposed development, many acknowledged Newcastle's need for a new stadium despite rejecting the location. Common objections commented on the loss of green space, the impact on local schools and sporting clubs that use the fields, traffic concerns, flooding risks for nearby properties and a lack of consultation. The Hunter basketball community threw its support behind the project, as did the National Basketball League (NBL). Save Our Lambton Ovals member Jacqui Rosewood said she was unsure if some of the issues raised could be addressed. "It's a bit of a minefield. The line Newcastle Basketball has held with the media to this point is that there are just a few little things they have to fix up, and we know there are more than a few little things," she said. "We can't see how they can address some of those issues, but they seemingly are still trying. "I just think there are so many issues, the general feeling is that it's just not workable there." Newcastle Basketball was awarded a $25 million grant from the previous state Liberal government for the project in 2019, and if approved, it is expected to take two and a half years to build. Newcastle Basketball general manager Sara Jiear said the project will break down barriers to participation in sports and physical activity. "It will support a range of sports including basketball, volleyball, badminton, netball, futsal and pickleball," she said. "The facility is designed to be fully accessible and inclusive, ensuring people of all ages and abilities can be physically and socially active in a community atmosphere." Newcastle Basketball said the department will review the response to submissions before taking the next step in the process. The response to submissions is not yet publicly available. Submissions closed in November last year. NEWCASTLE Basketball said it has lodged its response to submissions on the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre after it was asked to address a laundry list of issues, but the Department of Planning, Infrastructure and Housing said the documentation is still being finalised. Hundreds of people objected to the proposed $82 million basketball stadium on Wallarah and Blackley Ovals. Of 667 submissions to the state government, 72.5 per cent were against and 26 per cent were in support. The response to submissions was due June 6. Newcastle Basketball said it lodged the response with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) a week after the due date, in agreement with the department. Newcastle Basketball project coordinator Simon Haire said the project team has made changes to the site layout to "address primary concerns". "By shifting the building further west and adjusting vehicle movements, we've tackled key issues such as flood hazards and traffic flow," he said. DPHI asked Newcastle Basketball to address a spate of issues, including flooding, traffic and parking, noise impacts and inconsistencies across plans and documents, among other things in its response to submissions. Newcastle Basketball said it has drafted a Flood Emergency Response Plan and a Traffic Event Management Plan in response to feedback. "While not typically required at this stage, we've taken extra steps to provide a greater level of detail to alleviate any concerns," Mr Haire said. A DPHI spokesman said Newcastle Basketball was asked to prepare a response to submissions (RTS) report as part of its State Significant Development application. "The department had requested the RTS be submitted in June 2025," he said. "The applicant advised the department it was not able to meet the requested date, as it is continuing to finalise its RTS documentation. "Questions regarding the timing of the applicant's RTS lodgement should be directed to the applicant." The spokesman said that once the RTS has been submitted, the department will assess the development. "Consideration will be given to the comments or issues raised by council, agencies, other organisations and the public," he said. "Given more than 50 objections were received during the Environmental Impact Statement exhibition, the final determination of the State Significant Development will be made by the Independent Planning Commission." While a vast majority of submissions objected to the proposed development, many acknowledged Newcastle's need for a new stadium despite rejecting the location. Common objections commented on the loss of green space, the impact on local schools and sporting clubs that use the fields, traffic concerns, flooding risks for nearby properties and a lack of consultation. The Hunter basketball community threw its support behind the project, as did the National Basketball League (NBL). Save Our Lambton Ovals member Jacqui Rosewood said she was unsure if some of the issues raised could be addressed. "It's a bit of a minefield. The line Newcastle Basketball has held with the media to this point is that there are just a few little things they have to fix up, and we know there are more than a few little things," she said. "We can't see how they can address some of those issues, but they seemingly are still trying. "I just think there are so many issues, the general feeling is that it's just not workable there." Newcastle Basketball was awarded a $25 million grant from the previous state Liberal government for the project in 2019, and if approved, it is expected to take two and a half years to build. Newcastle Basketball general manager Sara Jiear said the project will break down barriers to participation in sports and physical activity. "It will support a range of sports including basketball, volleyball, badminton, netball, futsal and pickleball," she said. "The facility is designed to be fully accessible and inclusive, ensuring people of all ages and abilities can be physically and socially active in a community atmosphere." Newcastle Basketball said the department will review the response to submissions before taking the next step in the process. The response to submissions is not yet publicly available. Submissions closed in November last year.
08-07-2025
- Climate
Storms and fires hit Balkan countries following a period of extreme summer heat
BELGRADE, Serbia -- A severe hail storm ripped trees and roofs in Croatia on Tuesday while hundreds of fires raged in neighboring Serbia following a period of extremely hot weather in parts of the Balkan region. A brief but powerful storm hit Croatia's Adriatic Sea port of Split during the morning on Tuesday. High winds and hail damaged the roof of the city's soccer stadium and caused a ferry to slip its moorings at the port which then hit two other vessels, one of which sank. At least three people were injured in the storm, and material damage across the city was huge. Photos carried by Croatian media showed downed trees and flooded streets. The Index news portal said that offices and the pitch itself at Split's Poljud stadium were damaged as well as the roof. The report quoted the Split meteorological service as saying that 'such storms are usual after a long period of heat with extremely hot days.' Previously, Croatia and the rest of the Balkans experienced a heat wave with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) and more. Meteorologists said the storms prefigured cooler days ahead with temperatures set to drop to around 20 degrees Celsius (68 Fahrenheit) in some areas. The weather service in neighboring Slovenia said on Tuesday that snow fell at high altitudes in the Alps while the rest of the country has been pounded with heavy rain and hail. In Serbia, firefighters battled more than 600 wild fires on Monday that injured six people. Serbia has been hit by a severe drought this summer that has endangered crops and led to restrictions in supplies of drinking water throughout the country. Serbian police late on Monday urged residents to be very cautious as dry and hot weather increases chances of wild fires. At least three municipalities in southern parts of the country declared emergency measures due to the fires. 'Many villages were jeopardized. We have a number of burnt and damaged properties but we have managed to save many too,' senior emergency official Nedeljko Gagic told state-run RTS television. Serbia's meteorological institute has also warned on low water levels on the two biggest rivers in the country, the Danube and the Sava, as well as smaller ones.
Hamilton Spectator
08-07-2025
- Climate
- Hamilton Spectator
Storms and fires hit Balkan countries following a period of extreme summer heat
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — A severe hail storm ripped trees and roofs in Croatia on Tuesday while hundreds of fires raged in neighboring Serbia following a period of extremely hot weather in parts of the Balkan region. A brief but powerful storm hit Croatia's Adriatic Sea port of Split during the morning on Tuesday. High winds and hail damaged the roof of the city's soccer stadium and caused a ferry to slip its moorings at the port which then hit two other vessels, one of which sank. At least three people were injured in the storm, and material damage across the city was huge. Photos carried by Croatian media showed downed trees and flooded streets. The Index news portal said that offices and the pitch itself at Split's Poljud stadium were damaged as well as the roof. The report quoted the Split meteorological service as saying that 'such storms are usual after a long period of heat with extremely hot days.' Previously, Croatia and the rest of the Balkans experienced a heat wave with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) and more. Meteorologists said the storms prefigured cooler days ahead with temperatures set to drop to around 20 degrees Celsius (68 Fahrenheit) in some areas. The weather service in neighboring Slovenia said on Tuesday that snow fell at high altitudes in the Alps while the rest of the country has been pounded with heavy rain and hail. In Serbia, firefighters battled more than 600 wild fires on Monday that injured six people. Serbia has been hit by a severe drought this summer that has endangered crops and led to restrictions in supplies of drinking water throughout the country. Serbian police late on Monday urged residents to be very cautious as dry and hot weather increases chances of wild fires. At least three municipalities in southern parts of the country declared emergency measures due to the fires. 'Many villages were jeopardized. We have a number of burnt and damaged properties but we have managed to save many too,' senior emergency official Nedeljko Gagic told state-run RTS television. Serbia's meteorological institute has also warned on low water levels on the two biggest rivers in the country, the Danube and the Sava, as well as smaller ones. Experts say that extreme weather conditions can be linked to climate change. Extremely hot weather and wild fires were reported throughout Europe in early July.
