A groundbreaking new trial will see innovative Zero Emission Boilers (ZEBs) installed for free in OVO customers’ homes, as part of UK Power Networks’ project Neat Heat. The project sees OVO, Distribution Network Operator UK Power Networks, and UK clean tech company tepeo come together to provide real-world data on how tepeo’s innovative new solution interacts with the electricity network, allowing OVO Energy to develop new offerings that will reduce costs to customers and UK Power Networks to use its existing infrastructure in a smarter way.
The Zero Emission Boilers are a low carbon alternative to a gas or oil boiler, providing the same heating service, but without the associated emissions. The boiler works like a battery to store heat efficiently, until needed, charging at the cheapest and greenest times of the day to help households cut down their usage and in turn, their energy bills.
During the trial, which will last for 12 months from the point the customer signs up, participants could cut their carbon emissions by up to 40% year-on-year. Customers will also have access to Neat Heat credits, which means they can unlock cheaper than average energy rates when charging their boiler at around 12p per kWh - the current energy price guarantee sees the unit rate for electricity sitting at 34.04p per KWh.
An estimated 40% of UK homes lack the space required for alternative low carbon solutions, so it's hoped Zero Emission Boilers will offer an accessible alternative to those who want to switch to a low carbon model.
Raman Bhatia, CEO of OVO, comments: “We’re thrilled to be offering this exciting and truly innovative new trial to our customers in partnership with tepeo and UK Power Networks. With household heating accounting for 17% of the UK’s carbon emissions, Neat Heat drives forward our commitment to promoting zero carbon living and a sustainable future, whilst helping our customers to lower their energy bills through the provision of smart green tech solutions.”
Johan du Plessis, CEO of tepeo, said: ”We urgently need to deploy solutions for low carbon heating at scale – helping UK customers transition away from fossil fuels as fast as possible. It is fantastic to be working with UK Power Networks and OVO on this project to demonstrate how low cost, low carbon, flexible heating solutions like our Zero Emission Boiler provide an option for millions of homes across the UK to go electric while supporting the UK energy system in the shift to net zero heat.”
Ian Cameron, head of customer services and innovation at UK Power Networks, said: “It’s our role to help make low carbon heating a reality for customers, ensuring no one is left behind in the transition to Net Zero. Taking steps to make pioneering solutions, like these boilers, accessible to customers ultimately saves everyone money and offers new opportunities to make our homes greener. It is key to accelerating the transition, enabling more low carbon technology to connect to the electricity network at lowest cost for everyone involved.”
The Zero Emission Boiler will be installed for free and all participants will be able to keep it once the trial ends. Eligible OVO customers can register their interest in the trial here. tepeo will contact customers directly if they have been accepted with more information.
