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January Sees a 30% Surge in UK Smart Meter Installations, Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Levels

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The UK’s push for smart meter implementation witnessed a robust 30% increase in January 2024, with energy suppliers completing a notable 221,000 installations.

This leap signifies a 21% rise compared to January of the previous year, reaching heights not observed since January 2020, ElectraLink reports.

This resurgence in new meter installations is recognized as a significant recovery, marking the most substantial January figures post the Covid-19 induced disruptions.

The report also recalls a significant downturn in April 2020, when installations were restricted to 12,000 due to the pandemic-related social distancing guidelines.

Since the initiation of the smart meter program in 2012, ElectraLink records a grand total of 22.48 million installations. The January statistics saw the usual frontrunners in installation numbers, with East England achieving 27,000 installations, southern England at 25,000, and the East Midlands with 21,000.

Halep to return to tennis after ban reduced to nine months by CAS

Former world number one Simona Halep can return to the WTA Tour with immediate effect after her four-year ban for doping was reduced to nine months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Halep was provisionally suspended in October 2022 when Roxadustat was detected in a urine sample at the 2022 US Open while the use of another prohibited substance was also flagged in her biological passport in September 2022.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Haaland says ‘who knows what the future holds’
Haaland: I will continue to miss big chances
Bairstow ready for emotional 100th cap

She was handed a four-year sanction by the International Tennis Federation in September 2023.

Halep, a two-time grand slam champion, took her case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and they today partially upheld her appeal, reducing the sanction and backdating it to October 2022.

CAS agreed with Halep that Roxadustat had entered her body unintentionally. In a statement, it said: “Having carefully considered all the evidence put before it, the CAS Panel determined that Ms. Halep had established, on the balance of probabilities, that the Roxadustat entered her body through the consumption of a contaminated supplement which she had used in the days shortly before 29 August 2022 and that the Roxadustat, as detected in her sample, came from that contaminated product. 

“As a result, the CAS Panel determined that Ms. Halep had also established, on the balance of probabilities, that her anti-doping rule violations were not intentional.”

As for the second charge, relating to the biological passport, CAS added: “Having regard to the evidence as a whole, the CAS Panel was not comfortably satisfied that an anti-doping rule violation under Article 2.2. of the TADP had occurred. It therefore dismissed that charge.”

Halep, 32, will now look to rebuild her career after a long period of inactivity.

Haaland admits ‘who knows what the future brings’ amid Real Madrid links

Erling Haaland reiterated that he is happy at Manchester City but stressed: “You never know what the future brings.”

Haaland has been an overwhelming success at the Etihad following his £51million move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022. In his first season, he scored 52 goals in all competitions as City landed the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup treble.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Guardiola says Champions League has got harder
Haaland: I will continue to miss big chances
Bairstow ready for emotional 100th cap

The 23-year-old is forever linked with Real Madrid with the Spanish giants eager to add him to their expensively assembled squad.

Haaland was eager to stress he is enjoying life in Manchester but left the door ajar for a future move away.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow night’s Champions League clash with FC Copenhagen, he said: “I am really happy, especially with the people that I am surrounded with. The manager, the directors, the board, they are amazing people. 

“I am really happy. If I say this now it will probably be a massive headline, you never know what the future brings but I am happy.”

City would like the Norway international to sign a new contract but Haaland insists there are bigger priorities right now, adding: “I focus on the pitch, as there are a lot of games.

“Two days ago was the Manchester derby, we have the Champions League tomorrow and then Liverpool [on Sunday]. I shouldn’t focus on anything else.”

Had things turned out differently, Haaland could have been turning out for the opposition tomorrow night.

He had a trial at Copenhagen aged 16 but joined Molde instead, before going on to Salzburg and then Dortmund.

“I was on trial in 2016,” he explained, “a couple of guys from the club wanted me then.

“Sad for them, but good for me, I went to Molde which was a good choice. It [FC Copenhagen] is a nice club. I have friends who live in Copenhagen, they stand behind the goal.

“I had a shirt with number nine and Haaland on the back. I still have it at home. It never happened. My destiny was another way and it’s been decent so far.”

Phil Foden the Premier League’s best player, says former City star Micah Richards

Phil Foden is currently the best player in the Premier League, believes former Manchester City defender Micah Richards.

Foden has enjoyed a stunning run of form in recent weeks, culminating in a crucial brace in City’s 3-1 derby win over Manchester United on Sunday, a result which kept them within one point of Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Foden has six goals and one assist in his last seven league games, including a hat-trick against Brentford and the only goal in a nervy 1-0 win over Bournemouth.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Guardiola says Champions League has got harder as City face Copenhagen test
Guardiola says Foden will be a legend at Man City after derby double
India v England: Bairstow primed for ’emotional’ 100th Test cap

The England international has been tipped to compete for the Premier League’s Player of the Season award after taking up a talismanic role in Pep Guardiola’s team, and Richards believes that honour would be deserved.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club, Richards said the way in which Foden has continued to star despite Kevin De Bruyne’s return from injury has helped his case.

“The way Foden has been able to drag his team through important moments recently has been down to his maturity,” Richards said.

“The biggest compliment I can give to Foden is that De Bruyne was out for a while and everyone said City would not be the same without him. Foden has stepped up and played amazingly well.

“The question was about how he would respond when De Bruyne came back.

“De Bruyne is number one, the best midfielder in the world, and it always seemed to me that Foden was playing within himself when De Bruyne was in the team.

“But, as soon as De Bruyne has been back, Foden has not dropped his standard. He has said: ‘I’m the main man in this team.’

“He has had a run of games and he is delivering. He’s playing the best in the Premier League right now.”

Foden has 18 total goal involvements in 27 Premier League games this term (11 goals, seven assists), a tally only bettered by Ollie Watkins (26), Mohamed Salah (24), Erling Haaland (23), Bukayo Saka (21) and Son Heung-min (19).

Haaland shows strength of mind but admits ‘I will keep missing chances’

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland concedes he will miss “big chances” in the future but insists it won’t affect his self-belief.

Haaland was guilty of spurning a gilt-edged opportunity in Sunday’s Manchester derby, volleying over from a yard out, but put it behind him to fire home City’s third in a convincing 3-1 win.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Guardiola says Champions League has got harder
Formula One: FIA president Ben Sulayem faces interference probe
Bairstow ready for emotional 100th cap

Asked about his form, and how he mentally copes with missing a chance like that, he said: “Last year I got 36 goals and I was the top scorer. This season’s top scorer has 18 goals so you can think about it two ways if it has been a good season or not for me. I think we are doing pretty good as a team, that is my main focus of course.

“I have missed a lot of chances and I will still keep missing chances but I will still score goals.

“I’ll probably miss a big chance in the future and people will criticise me. Should I think about that? No, I should try to score goals and help the team.”

Haaland admitted he hasn’t always found it that straightforward.

“It’s been a challenge for me,” he added. “When I was young I would start crying if we lost and I missed a lot of chances so I have been working on it a lot. I demand a lot from myself and I know my team-mates and manager demand a lot from me. It is something to work on.

“It’s a mental thing, I don’t have any exercises, it’s something I have been working naturally on. 

“If you overthink something it’s not good. If you stress on something it’s not good. My life is mainly about football so that’s my focus. I have one career and my focus is to be the best version of myself.”

Haaland accepted there are things he can work on to improve his game further. 

“There are a lot of things I can get better at, people say I am good at scoring goals but I missed the biggest chance ever two days ago so I can become better at that.”

Manchester City: Guardiola believes Champions League has got harder ahead of Copenhagen test

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes it is harder to win the Champions League now than when he started out as a manager at Barcelona in 2008.

City claimed the trophy for the first time last season and are on the brink of qualification to the quarter-finals this term, heading into tomorrow night’s round of 16 second leg at home to FC Copenhagen with a 3-1 advantage.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Constitution Hill ruled out of Cheltenham Festival
Formula One: FIA president Ben Sulayem faces interference probe
Bairstow ready for emotional 100th cap

Guardiola first won the Champions League as a coach with Barca in 2009, winning it again in 2011.

He believes the competition has evolved over the past 15 years.

He said: “It’s getting better, getting tougher. In the first years at Barca, we used to arrive in the semis, now it’s more difficult. The teams are better, the managers are better, everything is more difficult. But the better teams always go through.”

Asked if winning it last season with City was a better achievement than with Barca, he added: “No, I don’t want to diminish anything.  

“Every moment is every moment. At Barca, at Bayern, every trophy you win is difficult, it is not for granted. You have to be good at the right moment, lucky at the right moment.”

City remain on course to repeat last season’s remarkable treble triumph of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup but Guardiola insists he is focusing on one game at a time.

“The only target is try to qualify tomorrow for the quarter-final,” he said. We are far far away talking about these things. 

“Okay, we won the final against Inter Milan but we are in the beginnings of March. Tomorrow we play Copenhagen. I am focused since yesterday afternoon, this morning and today on that.

“It’s better to be here having already won the Champions League but like I said it [the treble season] is over.”

City are overwhelming favourites to progress given their current form but Guardiola was typically reluctant to take anything for granted.

He said: “I have a lot of respect for Copenhagen.

“They are really well organised. Always I am aware of all of the opposition players, especially for our players and what they have to do. We struggled last season to win there.

“We play a really good team when you consider what happened for them against Manchester United and Galatasaray. How difficult it was for Bayern Munich in Copenhagen. I know perfectly their strengths and qualities because they have two years in a row with the same manager. They have pace in the transition but especially what I like a lot is the way they defend and are compact.”

India v England: Bairstow primed for ’emotional’ 100th Test cap

Jonny Bairstow is expecting an emotional occasion when he steps out for his 100th Test cap at this week’s fifth contest between India and England in Himachal Pradesh.

Bairstow will become England’s 16th red-ball centurion when the final leg of England’s five-match tour begins on Thursday, with Ben Stokes’ team simply looking to salvage some pride at 3-1 down.

Stokes achieved the feat himself in the third Test in Rajkot, though Bairstow has navigated a more challenging route to the top than many of his team-mates.

Having endured spells out of the England team as well as fighting back from a horrific leg break suffered on the golf course in 2022, Bairstow is determined to relish his milestone appearance.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Constitution Hill ruled out of Cheltenham Festival
Formula One: FIA president Ben Sulayem faces interference probe
Formula One: Alpine make organisational changes after poor showing in Bahrain

“It means a hell of a lot,” Bairstow said. “Every young kid that sets out on a journey playing professional cricket wants to try to play 100 Test matches.

“You look back to 2012 when I made my debut at Lord’s, if 12 years later you said I’d be playing 100 Test matches, you’d snap your hand off for one but also pinch yourself as well.

“It will be an emotional week. I’m proud, you know what I’m like, I’m an emotional guy so get the tissues ready.”

England have suffered their first series defeat under captain Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, with Bairstow’s average of 21.25 throughout the tour well down on his career figure of 36.42, but the wicketkeeper believes he has just been on the wrong side of some fine margins.

“I’ve been pleased with how I’ve played throughout the series,” he said.

“I’ve had a couple of good balls, a couple of umpire’s calls and I’ve made a couple of bad decisions, that happens when you play against India in India.

“You just have to be content in that. I’ve been striking the ball well. I’m full of confidence coming into this week.”

The ultimate gifts for Mother’s Day

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It’s nearly Mother’s Day – time to say a big thank you to the main ladies in our lives, who do all the jobs that we probably should appreciate a bit more.

They are finders of lost items, makers of dinners, removers of stains, organisers of life – and so much more. If you’re looking for something extra for your mum, aunty or gran this Sunday, we’ve got a few super suggestions lined up.

Chill mum – Cali by Snoop rose wine

cali wine Snooooooooooooooooo-oop! It’s the new ‘Cali’ wine range from the Dogg himself.

His new super fruity wine bringing the chill vibe of California, tastes of sweet strawberries and cherries, with delicate florals and rose petal aromas thrown in for good measure. This is really clean and fresh –  it’s the perfect taste – Zinfandel with a splash of Grenache and Pinot Noir.

£10 at Amazon.co.uk

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Mum on the move ~ Amp Wellbeing yoga mat 

7AECCF93 9F85 47E7 A3AC 71EBCD43F635 We love this soft and luxurious vegan suede yoga mat, providing the ultimate comfort, support and style while mum works her way through a fitness routine.

The top layer wicks away sweat and absorbs moisture to offer a slip-free surface, which is super useful for hot yoga. The 4mm thickness provides cushion comfort, providing support and protection for bones and joints. This mat can be used on carpet, hard floor or grass. And let’s not forget about the fab leopard skin design!

£65 from ampwellbeing.co.uk

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I’d pick you, Mum ~ A beautiful bouquet

2f5b8cf7b854d7facf4642de35245c98 1 This beautiful bunch of mixed tulips would brighten up anyone’s day. In the true spirit of Spring, this radiant offering is a captivating colour cascade of handpicked flowers in pinks, yellows, reds and whites.

Expertly arranged by Haute Florist, this bouquet is available in a range of sizes, with a free message to mum and more gorgeous add-ons available at the checkout.

From £35 at Haute Florist

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Matchy matchy ~ Mummy & Me lemon socks

Mummy Me Lemon Socks 2 How cute are these lemon socks? If mum and toddler love wearing the same outfits, they’ll love adore these fabulously options for feet.

The striped white and baby blue cotton serves as the perfect backdrop, while the pink accents on the heel, toes, and rim add a playful touch. In UK size 4-8 for mum and age 2-4 for kids.

 £13.50 at prezzybox.com

 

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Maker mum ~ Disney Stitch love cake tins

disney stitch love cake tins .jpg Who doesn’t love Disney’s favourite blue alien – especially in a French outfit?  From George at Asda, how about this fabulous set of two tin-plated steel cake tins for the mum who loves to bake?

Why go to the trouble of baking a delicious bake and then leaving it on the side to go hard, when she can add this striking storage option to her kitchen – keeping those sweet treats fresher for longer?

£8.50 from direct.asda.com/george

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Mother plucker ~ Rubis Tweezers

tweezer classic 1K102 Our mums deserve only the best, so give her the gift of quality time to show her brows some love.

From brow beginners to arch aficionados, get the perfect pluck with these slanted tweezers. Celebrity brow artist, Kristie Streicher tends to the arches of the likes of Adelea and Gwyneth Paltrow using the iconic tool, championing as “the best cosmetic tweezers on the market”. 

£21.50 at cultbeauty.co.uk 

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Annnnd relax… ~ Fitflop Relieff sandals 

Untitled For the lady who never stops, she will love to wear these Relieff sandals from Fitflop after a big gym session. This transformative sandal has an upper and midsole crafted in EVA foam, for super softness, flexibility and cushion.

Created with energy-efficient ergonomics throughout, her feet won’t work harder than they have to! Available in a range of fresh colours and sizes.

£65 at Fitflop.com

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Pamper princess ~ XL Luxury Hair Wrap

Mothers Day 1 e1709622036706Hours are precious so cut her hair drying time in half with this fabulous offering from Manchester’s Hair Made Easi. The XL Luxury Hair Wrap is 100% bigger than other hair towels on the market – suitable for all hair types and lengths, and even suitable for extensions.

Its anti-frizz and gentle microfiber material prevents damage. Available in a range of colours, there’s a great choice here for her.

£17.95 from Hairmadeeasi.com

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Munchies mum ~ Orchard Biscuit Barrel

Orchard Biscuit Barrel 19.95 annabljames.co .uk If she loves a good book and a cup of tea, this gorgeous biscuit barrel from Annabel James is the perfect gift.

Designed by Sara Miller, this generously sized, with secure airtight closure, biscuit tin is beautifully illustrated with hummingbird and lemon design, scattered with bees and ladybirds and topped with a mint green finial. An amazing addition to any kitchen.

£19.95 at Annabeljames.co.uk

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Shopaholic ~ I need Mum tote bag

image002 2 Let’s admit it. We’ve all asked our mums to find something after hours of searching ourselves, and then ping! She’s made it appear in seconds, as if by magic.

We love the slogan – and this is the perfect tote bag for mum who appreciates all things arty.

£15.99 at Frankcanvas.com

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Guardian ~ Angels Dare cocktails

ADC Giftbox 2023 Photo e1709628661121The ideal gift for a mum who likes a tipple – this versatile gift box contains each of Angels Dare iconic cocktails (Cheeky Wee Kiss, Maverick Martini, Secret Orchard and Non-Alcoholic La Bonnie Vita). Each delicious cocktail comes ready to drink in a can yet perfectly bringing a unique, fresh taste. 

£25 at Angelsdarecocktails.co.uk

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Brighten her day ~ Luma Skin Glow Me Oil 

lumaskin From start-up company Luma Skin, mum deserves skin treats derived of seven organic Amazonian oils! The Luma Skin Glow Me Oil seeps into the skin’s layers, working to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, restoring a youthful, nourishing and radiant glow.

The ingredients effectively promote enhanced cell metabolism with their powerful, soothing properties, which help reduce inflammatory skin processes.

£20 at wearelumaskin.com

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And she’s off ~ Racing Club shares

shutterstock 2337962039 For something a bit different, how about gifting a share in a racehorse? Come together with a group of like-minded people and share her passion for horses, racing, and ownership at Racing Club. Offering a horse syndicate service, anyone who wishes can buy a share in any of the four horses currently under the RC Syndicate ownership, including gifting a share. There is Wendigo (£45), Dunstan (£75), Greycee Bell (£92), Farceur du Large (£1000), and LetMeLiveMyLife (£5000). She can enjoy the races from a different perspective as a racehorse owner, and if her horse wins, the prize money will be distributed in the shares purchased by the group.

From £45 at Racingclub.com

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Music to her ears ~ Canyon True Wireless headset

image002 3 For the ultimate in clear, surround sound, she’ll love these wireless comfy headphones, designed for those constantly on the move.  The latest version of Bluetooth 5.3 ensures stable pairing both with the audio source and between the right and left earbuds. The headset allows her to receive phone calls and use voice assistant without touching her smartphone, plus it comes with a handy charge box.

£24.99 at Game

Grants to Replace Storage Heaters UK 2024: How to Apply for Free Funding Now

Did you know that you can replace your current storage heaters for free thanks to the ECO Scheme? This government initiative is giving out grants to replace storage heaters for new and modern units that are more efficient, resulting in lower energy bills and less carbon emissions.

The grants to replace storage heaters are available for eligible low income and vulnerable households in England, Scotland and Wales, and the application process is 100% free and fast, allowing you to upgrade your home heating system without upfront costs.

If you’d like more information on how to apply to claim these exclusive grants, find our tutorial below.

How to Apply to Claim Grants to Replace Storage Heaters

If you are ready to apply for a grant to replace your current storage heaters, here’s how you can do it in simple steps:

1. Visit FreeBoilerGrantsUK.com

This is the platform where you can apply for the storage heater replacement grant, and it’s 100% free to use. They will receive and process your application to let you know if you’re eligible for replacing your storage heaters for free via the ECO Scheme.

2. Fill out the Application Form

After landing on FreeBoilerGrantsUK.com, you need to fill out the application form with all the requested information such as names, email address, household income, zip code, etc. Make sure all the information you enter is precise and real.

3. Send the Application and Wait for Approval

After filling out the application form with all the requested information, simply click on “Submit” to send your application form and then wait for approval. The team of FreeBoilerGrantsUK.com will contact you in 24 hours or less.

The application process is 100% free and you can fill out the application form in 5 minutes or less. Click the link below to apply now.

What to Do After Approval?

After getting approved, you only have to follow these steps to enjoy the benefits of the new storage heaters:

  1. You need to schedule a date for the property survey, a mandatory process where a team of specialists will visit your home to inspect it and determine how many new storage heaters you need, as well as additional upgrades
  2. After the team of specialists conduct the inspection, they will let you know on what date they will visit your property again to install the new storage heaters and the additional upgrades
  3. Finally, the team will visit your property on the agreed date to install all the upgrades, so you can enjoy the benefits of your new storage heaters and home heating system.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

The ECO4 grants to replace storage heaters are only available for eligible households – here you have the eligibility criteria and requirements.

Property Location and Ownership

The grants are only available for homeowners and private tenants in England, Scotland and Wales. This is the first requirement you must meet to qualify for this government initiative via the ECO Scheme.

Income and Benefits

This grant is only available for households with an income lower than £31,000 per year. However, it’s still possible to qualify if you or someone in your property receives one or more of the following benefits:

  • Warm Homes Discount Scheme
  • Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
  • Working Tax Credit (WTC)
  • Child Tax Credits (CTC)
  • Income Support (IS)
  • Income based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
  • Pension Credit Savings Credit
  • Child Benefits
  • Housing Benefit
  • Universal Credit (UC)

This is because the ECO4 Scheme has placed a greater focus on helping low-income families, and hence it’s a requirement you must meet.

Health Conditions

For households with an income higher than £31,000, it’s still possible to qualify if you or someone in your property suffers from a health condition or long-term illness such as:

  • Asthma
  • Limited mobility
  • Arthritis
  • Cardiovascular conditions
  • Immunosuppression
  • Diabetes

It’s also worth noting that any of these qualifying health conditions must be verified one of the following entities or professionals:

  • General medical practitioner
  • Health Board 
  • NHS Trust
  • Local Health Board
  • NHS Foundation Trust

EPC Rating

The goal of the UK government is to assist low-income families who live in inefficient buildings, and the best factor to determine it is the EPC rating. Therefore, you can only qualify if your property has an EPC rating of D, E, F or G, because it means it’s energy inefficient and hence it will benefit from replacing storage heaters and installing additional upgrades.

To understand why it’s an important eligibility factor, here you have the full list of EPC ratings with their respective efficiency rate:

  • EPC A: 92%+
  • EPC B: 81-91%
  • EPC C: 69-80%
  • EPC D: 55-68%
  • EPC E: 39-54%
  • EPC F: 21-38%
  • EPC G: 1-20%

As you can easily see, the difference between the top EPC ratings and the bottom EPC ratings is large, and hence it’s important to fix it as soon as possible to improve energy efficiency and make it possible to save money on energy bills, combat fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions.

If you are ready to apply and claim this grant to replace your current storage heaters, click the link below to start the application process:

What Are Grants to Replace Storage Heaters?

The grants to replace storage heaters are free incentives from the government via the ECO Scheme, which places an obligation on energy companies in England, Scotland and Wales to bring energy saving solutions to low income and vulnerable households to make them more efficient and reduce carbon emissions.

The grants bring free funding to eligible homeowners and private tenants to replace their old storage heaters with new electric storage heaters (ESH), which are compatible with Economy 7 and Economy 10 tariffs, offer higher heat retention and more energy efficiency, making them the ideal option for reducing fuel poverty and carbon emissions.

The free funding allows homeowners to replace their storage heaters without cost, in addition to other upgrades such as heat pumps, insulation solar panels and heating controls.

The storage heater replacement grants are expected to end by March, 2026, because it is only one of the several measures that the UK government is taking to reach its goal of reaching zero net carbon emissions by 2050.

Therefore, the best time to claim this grant is now to upgrade your storage heaters and heating system for free.

What Storage Heater Can You Get Thanks to ECO4 Grants?

The ECO4 grants will make it possible for you to equip your home with cutting-edge storage heaters that will reduce carbon emissions, save money on energy bills and make your house a better place to live in.

However, it’s important to know exactly what storage heaters you’ll get, and here you will find all the information about them.

The Electric Storage Heater (ESH) from the ECO4 Scheme

The ESH from the ECO4 scheme are supplied by Dimplex and Elnur, and they offer the following features and advantages:

  • 100% electric
  • High heat retention
  • Cooling fan assistance to protect the storage heater
  • Integrated storage for superior performance
  • Compatible with Economy 7 and Economy 10 tariffs
  • Slim and modern panel design
  • High tech temperature control
  • Built to last

During the inspection, the team will let you know what storage heaters they will install, and they can gladly explain you all the features and benefits.

What Additional Upgrades Can You Claim with Storage Heater Grants?

During the property survey, the team of specialists might determine that your property needs additional upgrades to make it more efficient and reduce carbon emissions. Here you have the full list of improvements you can claim thanks to the ECO4 Scheme. Read more Here on the Storage Heater Grants

Heat Pumps

If during the property survey the team of specialists determines that your boiler needs replacement, then you can also claim an air source or ground source heat pump via the ECO4 Scheme. Because they work without combustion, they offer superior energy efficiency while reducing carbon emissions, making them the ideal replacement for oil, gas and electric boilers.

Wall and Loft Insulation

Proper wall and loft insulation can make your home up to X% more efficient, allowing you to take full advantage of your new storage heaters. Thanks to the ECO4 scheme, you can also claim this upgrade when applying for the storage heater replacement grant.

Solar Panels

Solar panels will allow you to take advantage of the cleanest and cheapest source of energy for your home, and hence the ECO4 Scheme can also include the purchase and installation of this additional upgrade when claiming a storage heater replacement grant.

Heating Controls

The ECO4 Scheme also includes the installation of heating controls that will help you to control all the settings of your home heating systems and solutions. From customising the climatisation of your home to preventing wasting energy, the installers can also provide you with modern, efficient and safe heating controls.  

Radiators

In some cases, the inspectors might determine that your home also needs radiators for certain areas. Therefore, if it’s the case during the property survey, then you will have the chance to claim new and eco-friendly radiators for free thanks to the free funding from the ECO4 Scheme. 

Benefits of Replacing Storage Heaters via the ECO Scheme

There are plenty of reasons why you should opt for replacing your current storage heaters with this government-backed grant, and here you have all the benefits that will motivate you to apply for it right now.

Reduce your energy bills

In a nutshell, new storage heaters from the ECO4 Scheme are more efficient than traditional storage heaters, and it’s because they are Electric Storage Heaters (ESH) from the best brands in the market: Dimplex and Elnur.

Therefore, they charge heat faster and only during off-time electricity times, allowing you to save more money. And because they offer higher heat retention, you’ll be able to make the most out of every charge to keep your home warm and comfortable.

Keep your home warm throughout the winter

Because new storage heaters from the UK government ECO scheme are more efficient in terms of energy and heat retention, they’re capable of keeping your home warm throughout the winter at all times. 

Get access to additional home heating upgrades for free

Claiming the storage heater replacement grant is only the first step towards upgrading your entire home heating system. If you qualify, you can also claim premium upgrades for free such as heat pumps, insulation, solar panels, radiators and heating controls, allowing you to upgrade your property all at once.

Improve your lifestyle quality immediately

Upgrading the home heating system of your property will immediately improve your lifestyle quality because you will be able to sleep well at night in a properly climatised home and wake up full of energy. And if you suffer from health conditions such as asthma or arthritis, then such upgrades might bring you relief.

Contribute to saving the planet

The new electric storage heaters from the ECO4 Scheme reduce carbon emissions, hence you will be contributing towards saving the planet by upgrading your current storage heaters. The goal of the UK government is to reach zero net carbon emissions by 2050, and with this action you will be playing your part in accomplishing it.

Important Facts about the Storage Heater Replacement Grants

To make sure you take full advantage of these special grants, we have noted down the four most important facts about them. Below, you will find all the information you need.

Several factors will determine how much funding you can claim

How much free funding you get for replacing your storage heaters and additional upgrades will depend on the following factors:

  • Type of wall
  • Number of storage heaters needed
  • Type of property
  • Type of heating you need
  • Additional upgrades your property needs

Insulation is the most frequent free additional upgrade for storage heater grants

The ECO4 Scheme offers a series of free upgrades for improving the energy efficiency of your home, and hence you can frequently claim free insulation along with new storage heaters. Because insulation can increase energy efficiency by up to 50%, you can take advantage of this upgrade thanks to ECO4 free funding.

Grants and installation of new storage heaters are in high demand

Grants and installers for new storage heaters and upgrades from the ECO4 Scheme are in high demand, especially during the winter. It means the best time to send your application to claim this grant is now, to get your request at the top of the queue and get the new storage heaters and other upgrades installed in your home as soon as possible.

The grants to replace storage heaters will not last forever

The grants to replace storage heaters are expected to end by March 2026, hence they won’t last forever and you might lose your chance to claim this free grant to upgrade your home heating system without cost.

It’s also important to mention that the government plans to reach zero net carbon emissions by 2050, and this is why they are planning to ban oil and gas powered home heating systems in the next few years. Therefore, the best moment to upgrade your storage heaters is now.

F.A.Q

Below, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about grants to replace storage heaters and the ECO4 Scheme.

Can you claim grants to replace storage heaters in Scotland?

Yes, you can claim a grant to replace current storage heaters in Scotland because the ECO Scheme has placed an obligation on medium and large energy companies in Scotland to bring qualifying households energy-saving solutions.

Can you claim grants to replace storage heaters in Wales?

Yes, the grants to replace storage heaters are available in Wales because the ECO Scheme has also placed an obligation on medium and large energy suppliers in Wales. As a result, you can claim free funding for replacing and upgrading your current storage heaters.

Are grants to replace storage heaters free?

Yes, it’s free to apply for grants to replace storage heaters, and for qualifying households, you can expect to get the new storage heaters for free without any additional contribution.

Can I claim a grant to replace storage heaters if I’m not on benefits?

Yes, you can claim a grant to replace storage heaters if you are not on benefits if your household income is lower than £31,000 per year, or if someone in your property suffers from a qualifying health condition such as asthma, arthritis or cardiovascular conditions.

What type of storage heaters can I get with the ECO grants?

The ECO grants will allow you to claim Electric Storage Heaters (ESH) for free from high quality brands such as Elnur and Dimplex, thus offering higher heat retention and higher energy efficiency than traditional storage heaters.

Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club Welcomes Vera Clinic as a Sponsor

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Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club has announced a new sponsorship deal with Vera Clinic, a leading hair transplant provider in Turkey. This partnership is set to highlight the mutual dedication to innovation and excellence shared by both entities.

Vera Clinic, renowned for its exceptional hair transplant services in Turkey, has entered into a strategic alliance with Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club. This collaboration places Vera Clinic among elite sponsors such as American Express, Nike, and Snickers UK for the current and upcoming seasons, emphasising a joint pursuit of excellence and innovation.

Kazım Sipahi, Chairman of Vera Clinic, remarked, “We are thrilled to join forces with Brighton & Hove Albion, a club that embodies our core values of teamwork, excellence, and dedication. Together, we aim to make a significant impact, boosting confidence, happiness, and satisfaction among fans and those considering aesthetic surgery.”

A Commitment to Cutting-edge Healthcare

Vera Clinic is acclaimed globally for its pioneering approaches and technological advancements in hair transplantation and skin treatments, ensuring outstanding outcomes for individuals seeking cosmetic improvements. The clinic’s reputation as a leader in healthcare innovation is bolstered by accolades such as the ‘Best Hair Transplant Clinic in Europe’, alongside high satisfaction ratings from an international clientele.

Offering state-of-the-art treatments like Sapphire FUE, Stem Cell therapy, OxyCure treatment, and DHI methods, Vera Clinic demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the forefront of hair and skin care innovation. Moreover, the clinic prioritises extensive aftercare support to guarantee patients the best possible recovery and results following their procedures.

Enhanced Experiences for Brighton & Hove Albion Fans

Supporters of Brighton & Hove Albion will enjoy privileged access to Vera Clinic’s advanced healthcare solutions, enriching their affiliation with the club by broadening health and wellness benefits.

Russ Wood, Head of Commercial at Brighton & Hove Albion, shared his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “Partnering with Vera Clinic, a globally recognised brand, for this and the next season is a source of great pride. We look forward to the positive outcomes this partnership will bring to our club and its supporters.”

Celebrated as the ‘Best Hair Transplant Clinic in Europe’ at the European Awards in Medicine in 2021, Vera Clinic’s team of over 150 professionals has made a significant impact on more than 30,000 patients from 84 countries over the past decade. The clinic also provides complimentary online consultations, available at https://www.veraclinic.net.