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The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Energy giants have questions to answer over zonal pricing
For the Highlands, the proposal ticked boxes. In a region with a colder climate, in which an estimated 33% of households in Highland experience fuel poverty, and have higher costs of living and lower incomes, the possibility of lower energy bills was attractive. Especially given that costs for those in the Highlands and Islands are higher, because of greater dependence on electricity and heating oil than mains gas. Even the unstinting efforts of Changeworks, Home Energy Scotland, the Energy Saving Trust and other advice services can only partially mitigate the difficulties faced by many. But now Energy and Climate Change Minister Ed Miliband has rejected Zonal Pricing, asserting that 'a fair, secure, affordable and efficient electricity system' can only be achieved through a reformed pricing system. Read more: The way to escape from dependence on 'fossil fuel markets controlled by dictators' is through a single national (UK) wholesale price. The dreaded 'Postcode Lottery' had to be avoided. And there was no guarantee Zonal Pricing would bring lower bills for anyone. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray praised the decision, citing a 'predictable climate for investment'. Consumers will, he insisted, 'feel the benefit of Labour's clean energy mission.' Bigger energy players agreed: Centrica have called it 'common-sense' and SSE's Martin Pibworth has said zonal pricing would have slowed the clean power transition, 'making energy bills more expensive.' The Inverness Courier responded with alacrity and condemnation: 'Labour's Ed Miliband has ruled out zonal pricing that could have cut Scotland's soaring energy bills because it would be 'unfair' to areas like the Midlands and South of England that consume the most power … the move could have a significant impact on next year's Holyrood election … over-charging Highland residents for electricity that is generated in the region.' Ed Miliband has come under fire over the decision. (Image: Newsquest) It's also worth noting that the SNP has carefully avoided backing zonal pricing – Kate Forbes and John Swinney, while predictably critical of Miliband, have steered clear, after the mess they made of Scotwind leases for offshore wind rights, underselling by, some say, £60 billion. While co-operation between UK and Scottish Governments is essential, criticism of Ed Miliband's statement is hypocrisy. All the same, UK Labour will need a good wind in its sails if it wishes to persuade voters with its reformed national pricing regime, changes to transmission charging and more planned infrastructure development. For starters, it must reassure the thousands already unconvinced by the bitter contrast between talk of a 'just transition' and the 150-metre-plus wind turbines marching implacably through their glen, trailing substations behind. Except these are not Labour Government developments. Among Mrs Thatcher's many gifts to us was a Wild West Energy marketplace, and the very corpulent corporations currently invading rural Scotland are not bringing power to the glens for the nation, like Tom Johnston, but seeking profit with a greenwashed prospectus. And the UK Government is not the major player here, its partnership with Big Energy looking a bit uneven. Ed Miliband's department is promising eligible households within 500 metres of electricity transmission infrastructure discounts on their bills, with further compensation to come. Read more: Will this be enough? I want to see UK Labour deliver its proposals for 'a transformative Community Energy programme' – community-led renewables and a 20% community share of large-scale projects. I want an end to Constraint payments adding to consumers' bills, when the Grid infrastructure isn't up to the job and turbine sails move uselessly around like Tories canvassing at elections. The challenges of rural living remain, and must be addressed. One of the most authoritative studies is the 2023 report by the Royal Society of Edinburgh, The cost of living: impact on rural communities in Scotland. And the Scottish Human Rights Commission's 2024 report on life in the Highlands and Islands stands in stark judgement on all levels of government. Energy costs loom large in these important documents. But the biggest questions should be asked of those corporate giants of Scottish energy, whose lobbying is ever on behalf of shareholders and profits. Their campaigning and threatening have worked so far, but their cynicism, seeing communities as anonymous cattle to be milked, must now be lessened by more realistic community shares. Zonal pricing, Big Energy claimed, risked hindering investment, diverting time and resources, bringing volatility, market instability and probably plagues of frogs. Well, SSEN (profits £2.4bn.) E-ON (£3bn) EDF (£8.5bn) and Scottish Power (£1.2bn) now have to walk the walk, and deliver on their promises to help consumers and build an age of clean power. Michael Gregson is a Labour councillor for Inverness Central
Scotsman
19-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
English heating firm targets Scottish market growth through digital marketing partnership
Energy efficiency specialist seeks to capitalize on Scotland's £33 billion clean heat transition opportunity Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... An English heating systems provider has partnered with a digital marketing agency to enhance its online presence, as companies across the energy efficiency sector seek to capitalize on Scotland's accelerating transition toward renewable heating solutions. FlexiHeat UK recently announced its collaboration with web design and SEO company Digitaleer to strengthen its digital footprint and better showcase its range of high-efficiency heating products to potential Scottish customers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The partnership comes as Scotland requires an estimated £33 billion investment by 2045 to transition away from carbon-intensive heating, with the Scottish Government targeting significant reductions in heating-related emissions that currently account for 51% of the country's energy demand. A technician installs modern heating technology in Scotland, representing the £33 billion clean heat transition opportunity that English firms like FlexiHeat UK are targeting through digital marketing partnerships as Scotland accelerates its move toward renewable heating solutions. Scotland's Clean Heat Opportunity Scotland's renewable heating market presents substantial opportunities for energy efficiency providers, with 2.14GW of renewable heat capacity operational by 2020 and growing demand for alternatives to traditional fossil fuel heating systems. "Scotland represents one of the most significant growth markets for energy efficiency solutions in the UK," explains Dr. James Ferguson, energy transition researcher at University of Strathclyde. "With our ambitious net-zero targets and supportive government programs, there's enormous potential for companies offering alternatives to traditional heating systems." Scottish Enterprise has identified clean heat as a key sector opportunity, with programs like Home Energy Scotland offering grants up to £7,500 for energy efficiency improvements, while the Warmer Homes Scotland programme provides support worth up to £10,000 for eligible households. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad FlexiHeat's range includes waste oil heaters, electric heating systems, and condensing oil boilers technologies that align with Scotland's focus on energy efficiency and reduced operational costs for both residential and commercial applications. Digital Marketing Strategy The partnership with Digitaleer and FlexiHeat UK reflects broader trends in the energy sector, where specialist companies are increasingly investing in digital marketing to reach Scottish customers seeking sustainable heating solutions. "Energy companies are recognizing that Scottish businesses and homeowners increasingly research heating solutions online before making purchasing decisions," notes Sarah MacPherson from Glasgow-based energy consultancy Green Heat Scotland. "Effective digital presence has become essential for reaching this market successfully." Scottish digital marketing agencies have seen growing demand from energy sector clients, with companies like Heat Pumps Scotland working with specialist digital agencies to compete in the expanding renewable heating market. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The collaboration aims to highlight FlexiHeat's product applications, which include systems designed for warehouses, outdoor events, and domestic use markets that have shown growth in Scotland's diverse economic landscape from Highland estates to Central Belt industrial facilities. Market Development Opportunities The timing aligns with accelerating investment in Scotland's energy transition, where the renewable heating sector is experiencing substantial growth supported by government initiatives and grants. Home Energy Scotland reports increased uptake of heat pumps and other renewable technologies, while Scottish businesses are increasingly seeking heating solutions that reduce both costs and carbon emissions under pressure from climate targets and rising energy prices. For commercial applications, Scottish companies from distilleries in Speyside to manufacturing facilities in the Central Belt are evaluating heating system upgrades that can deliver both immediate cost savings and longer-term compliance with environmental regulations. Regional Focus Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Organizations like Scottish Renewables and the Renewable Technology Collective actively promote clean heat technologies, while Scottish Enterprise supports businesses seeking to capitalize on the energy transition through its Clean Heat program. The digital marketing partnership reflects the competitive nature of Scotland's heating sector, where companies must effectively communicate technical benefits and efficiency credentials to potential customers ranging from Highland hotels to Edinburgh office developments. FlexiHeat's approach of combining proven heating technologies with enhanced digital marketing mirrors strategies adopted by successful Scottish energy companies seeking to expand their market reach. With Scotland's continued focus on renewable heating and the £33 billion investment requirement for the clean heat transition, digital marketing partnerships like this demonstrate how specialist providers are adapting their approaches to reach Scottish customers seeking sustainable heating solutions.
Daily Record
15-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Army veteran's 'heat pump hell' after firm fitted faulty system then set debt collectors on him
Dave Mundy and wife Mira spent months with no hot water before the firm admitted its heat pump wasn't compatible with his home set-up. An army veteran has told of his year of 'heat pump hell' after he says a firm installed a system that didn't work – then called in debt collectors when he refused to pay up. Dave Mundy and wife Mira spent months with no hot water after they say engineers took £7500 of government grant cash to rip out their boiler and fit a greener alternative air source heat pump at their home. However, the firm, which trades as Heat Pumps Scotland Ltd, later admitted it wasn't compatible with his existing set-up despite initial promises. Dave, 55, then commissioned an independent report which found issues including the heat pump installed was too big, a component fitted the wrong way round and problems with outside pipework. But after Dave refused to pay the outstanding £4520, he said he was contacted by debt collectors who threatened to seize assets if he did not pay up. Dave, who spent 11 years in the Army and nine in the police, faces a civil hearing at Airdrie Sheriff Court next month. Dave said: 'I started getting calls from private debt collectors saying, 'We're bailiffs, we're coming tomorrow to your house to list your vehicles, we're going to be seizing assets'. 'I said, 'If you're not sheriff officers or messengers-at-arms, you can't make these threats. The debt is under dispute'. 'It's not about the money, it is about the style and nature of business in what should be a wholesome sector.' Eco-conscious Dave had already had a working solar-powered heat pump installed at his home in Gartcosh, Lanarkshire, to top up hot water. In November 2023, Heat Pump Scotland Ltd visited and advised a HISA Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) could be integrated. As soon as the installation was carried out last June, taking out his gas boiler in the process, faults began with the solar-powered water tank breaking down and his ceiling flooded. In July, the firm installed a secondary pump in the couple's attic to fix the issues but Dave claims the 'inefficient' workaround is costing hundreds extra in energy bills from heat loss. By September, emails seen by the Sunday Mail show the firm admit the heat pump had not been 'suitable' for the hot water tank. Dave brought in a second firm which confirmed the pump wasn't suitable and quoted £7000 to replace his water tank with a compatible one. The SNP government's Home Energy Scotland scheme offers grants of £7500 to install heat pumps. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Installation typically costs £10,000-£12,000. Consumer Scotland last week warned of rising complaints over a lack of expertise and 'substandard workmanship' by some traders. Heat Pumps Scotland Ltd said it originally recommended Dave upgrade his solar-powered tank but he wanted to keep it, adding it warned of 'limitations' by integrating the two systems. Following the faults, it said it had found workarounds at its own cost and called in debt collectors only as a 'last resort'. The firm said Dave's version 'ignores critical facts', adding: 'We've gone far beyond what most companies would do.' It went on: 'He owes us £4520 for work completed. Small businesses can't survive if customers simply refuse to pay.'
Daily Record
09-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Simple ways for your family to save water, energy and the planet
The amount of water we use each and every day isn't something we often stop to consider. But the reality is that we use more than we realise, and crucially, this tends to be more than we actually need. From brushing our teeth in the morning to making that all-important first cup of tea of the day, or from running a shower to washing the family car, the average person in Scotland will have used almost 180 litres of water by the end of today - enough to fill a whole bathtub. With Scotland currently experiencing higher levels of water scarcity, due to the driest start to the year in more than six decades, it's more important than ever for us all to use water responsibly, keeping a close eye on the amount we use each day. Sean Batty, meteorologist and TV presenter for STV Weather, commented on the recent weather: "Springs in the UK are generally becoming wetter - but when we experience a drier-than-usual spring, like this one, those higher temperatures can actually make the situation worse. "One striking aspect of this spring has been the weather pattern reversal between the UK and the Mediterranean. Spain has seen unusually wet conditions, with Malaga on the Costa del Sol recording over 250mm of rain since March 1, whereas some parts of East Lothian have had just 25mm." And though we've seen some rain lately, the problem is far from over, as Sean emphasised: "Although the recent dry streak has finally broken, in parts of eastern Scotland, the rainfall deficit dates back to June last year, with each month since then bringing either average or below-average rainfall. "River levels are exceptionally low in many areas, which will be concerning for many as we head into the summer months, and while reservoirs have more resilience thanks to their large capacity, sustained dry periods and increased water demand could still create problems if we don't watch our water usage closely." How you can help conserve water The good news is that there are lots of simple switches that can be made, making a huge difference in reducing the amount of water we consume - not only better for the planet, but our pockets too. According to a recent study by Home Energy Scotland*, taking just two minutes off your shower could save you at least £50 on your annual energy bill. Reducing your dishwasher use by one cycle per week can save up to 480 litres of water and around £14 per year - and ensuring your washing machine is full and running it at 30 degrees, rather than 40, can cut your water and energy consumption by a huge 57 per cent. Studies have shown that a family of four typically flushes the loo more than 10,000 times every year - equating to about 60,000 litres of clear, fresh water down the drain - so, maybe we don't need to flush every time. Another great way to help conserve Scotland's water supply, widely considered 'world-class' by Scottish residents, is by using a water butt at home. A small Scottish roof collects more than 45,000 litres of water each year, and a large roof can collect more than 90,000 litres per year - which is plenty to help your garden grow. Using a watering can in the garden rather than a hosepipe, a sponge for washing your car, and only boiling the water you actually need when you use the kettle are instant ways to start saving. Turning the tap off whilst brushing your teeth and fixing dripping taps and leaky loos are other easy wins. There are many things we can do to save water all year round, which is good for both the planet and your pocket.
Scotsman
23-05-2025
- General
- Scotsman
How to make your home greener this summer: Top tips for an energy-efficient house to save money and the planet
Supplied Save money when the colder months arrive by getting ahead of the game and making these changes now, to create a more energy-efficient home. Find out how. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... We all want a warm, cosy home that's free from damp and easy to heat. According to Home Energy Scotland, heating and hot water can account for half of our energy bills – which is why it's so important to have a system that meets your needs. Clean energy systems like air source heat pumps and Solar PV can be a good option if you want to keep your bills down and cut your carbon emissions. Plus installing a renewable heating system such as an air source heat pump is more affordable than ever, as there's funding available to Scottish residents to help you make the switch. If you're looking to replace your old boiler, a Home Energy Scotland grant of up to £7,500 is available now to help you make the switch – and the summer is the ideal time to do it! There is also an additional £7,500 available as an interest free loan. Supplied Helping bring green energy into your home - Aira's top tips Here are some easy steps to take now to make your home warmer, more sustainable and cheaper to run. Around a fifth of the UK's carbon emissions come from our homes – and three-quarters of that comes from heating and hot water. Air source heat pumps provide an energy-efficient, low-carbon alternative to gas and oil boilers and are suitable for nearly every type of home. Air source heat pumps work by taking heat from the air outside your home and turns it into energy to heat your home and hot water – and for every unit of electricity it uses, it produces four units of heat which 'makes them a very efficient alternative to a gas or oil boiler for heating your home', according to the Energy Saving Trust. This means that air source heat pumps are four times more energy efficient than gas or oil boilers, making them a great choice for your pocket and for the environment. As well as being good news for the planet, air source heat pumps are also cheaper to run than your traditional gas boiler or electric heaters so you could save hundreds of pounds on your annual heating bills. Good for your pocket and the planet, and you will never pay a gas heating bill again! You can even combine them with other renewable technologies like solar panels, which can generate the electricity needed to power a heat pump, cutting your energy bills (and carbon emissions) even further. Supplied Keep the heat in Proper insulation and draught-proofing can dramatically cut heat loss, making your home feel warmer and more comfortable. It's also an effective way to reduce your energy bills and shrink your carbon emissions too. Options include: Loft and roof insulation Insulating your loft is crucial because hot air rises; uninsulated lofts can lose up to a quarter of your home's heat. Provided they're easy to access, most lofts are quick and easy to insulate, which will rapidly reduce your heating bill when it gets colder. Invest in the latest tech Heat pumps help to keep heating bills down and are kinder to the planet - a real win-win, and with grants and funding available, there's never been a better time to explore your options. Cavity wall insulation In an uninsulated home, about a third of the heat generated can escape through the walls. Houses built from the 1990s onwards have wall insulation to keep the heat in, but homes built between the 1920s and the 1990s generally have 'cavity walls' made up of two walls with a gap in between. These can be insulated by injecting insulation material into the hollow from outside. Solid wall insulation Older homes built before the 1920s usually have solid walls, but these can still benefit from insulation (which is installed either on the inside or the outside) which can lower heating costs and make your home more comfortable. Deal with damp and condensation Issues with black mould and damp in homes regularly make the headlines and for good reason – it can affect our health as well as damaging property. It's also crucial to properly manage condensation at home. Easy steps to take include: ● Move furniture away from walls so air can circulate ● Cut the amount of moisture produced inside your house: keep lids on pans when cooking and dry your clothes outside whenever you can ● Ventilate properly so that any humid air created can leave the house – this means using the extractor fan when you're cooking, showering or bathing, and making sure vents in windows stay open. Why summer is the ideal time to transform your home Summer might seem like a strange time to think about heating systems – but it's actually the best time to embrace clean energy in your home. The warmer months are perfect for installing an air source heat pump because you don't have to live without heating for a few days, plus it'll be all up and running as the colder weather begins again. And with grant funding of up to £7,500 available from Home Energy Scotland, as well as an additional £7,500 interest-free loan on offer, there are plenty of reasons why you should make the switch this summer. To find out how to make your home more energy-efficient, call Aira today to book a free home energy assessment with their Clean Energy Experts on 0330 828 1111 – lines are open from Mon–Fri: 8am–8pm, Sat–Sun: 9am–6pm. For more information, visit
