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YouGen Blog
The energy to sustain Blockchain - where does it come from?
Posted by Shea Karssing on 14 March 2018 at 12:15 pm
Bitcoin electricity concerns are growing. Even though the value of the cryptocurrency has stumbled in recent months, the demand for energy-intensive mines remains. What is Bitcoin? Bitcoin is a new currency that was created in 2009. Much of the hype around bitcoin relates to the trading o…
Mis-selling of solar PV equipment - how to spot the signs
Posted by Aleksandra Klassen (STA) on 2 March 2018 at 12:30 pm
Here at YouGen we’re producing a blog series which look at some examples of ‘mis-selling’, used by a small number of rogue traders in the renewables and energy efficiency industry. Although mis-selling is a trend which appears to be on the increase, there are also rising numbers…
How the Feed-in-Tariff ending in April 2019 could affect you
Posted by Sam Tonge on 27 February 2018 at 11:35 am
Update: You can view the consultation here which confirms closing of both the Generation and Export Tariff to new applicants from 1st April 2019. The Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) is a Government scheme designed to promote the uptake of small-scale renewable and low-carbon electricit…
Switching energy suppliers - busting the myths which cost us dearly
Posted by Alison Vickers on 21 February 2018 at 3:15 pm
When it comes to the necessary evil that is a fuel bill, are you happy to pay it without giving so much as a second thought? Or perhaps you’ve considered whether you might be paying over the odds for your energy but feel daunted by the process of switching suppliers. Figures from Energy UK …
How important reforms to the Renewable Heat Incentive will affect homeowners
Posted by Sam Tonge on 13 February 2018 at 11:10 am
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a scheme designed to pay microgenerators for heat produced from their renewable sources of energy. Open to home and business owners (known retrospectively as the domestic and non-domestic RHI), the switch to greener heating systems via the scheme is designed …
Energy performance of private rented homes - why a £2500 cost cap is too low
Posted by Alison Vickers on 7 February 2018 at 3:06 pm
As you may already know, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required whenever a property is built, sold or rented under the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012. An EPC illustrates a property’s energy use and costs, as well as providing recommendation…
'Add-on' equipment for solar PV: an opportunity but beware of possible pitfalls
Posted by Lorraine Haskell (RECC) on 30 January 2018 at 10:44 am
Here at YouGen we’re producing a blog series which look at some examples of ‘mis-selling’, used by a small number of rogue traders in the renewables and energy efficiency industry. Although mis-selling is a trend which appears to be on the increase, there are also rising numbers…
Air Source Heat Pump: Is it right for your home?
Posted by Faisal Hussain (HIES Scheme) on 24 January 2018 at 9:30 am
Much of the UK has been feeling the cold during these past few months which means many of us are now leaving our heating on for longer periods of time, which of course is going to hit our pockets. So, the question is how can we keep our homes warm without significantly increasing our energy bills…
Meet the solar project powering the local community in more ways than one
Posted by Alison Vickers on 17 January 2018 at 10:16 am
Here at YouGen we love to hear about your inspiring success stories when it comes to setting up grassroots energy projects within local communities. We would take this opportunity to tell you the story of a community energy project in Buckinghamshire coordinated by our parent charity, The Nationa…
Five green New Year's Resolutions to kick start 2018
Posted by Sam Tonge on 10 January 2018 at 10:20 am
A New Year represents a fresh start for many, with our desire for self-improvement often characterised through the New Year’s Resolutions we set ourselves. Figures suggest roughly 50% of us set these resolutions each January, with the three most common goals typically being to exercise more…
Marks & Spencer Energy Fund powers communities in more ways than one in 2017
Posted by Sam Tonge on 3 January 2018 at 9:16 am
2017 was another outstanding year for community schemes that have benefited from the Marks and Spencer Energy Fund. Last year the fund allocated £300,000 worth of grant money to local energy projects across the UK. With over 130,000 votes taking place, the winners last year included com…
5 green energy milestones reached in 2017
Posted by Sam Tonge on 28 December 2017 at 9:30 am
As this year draws to a close, we can safely say that it’s been a year of highs and lows in terms of our steps towards shaping a clean energy future. It goes without saying that using our resources sustainably and reducing our carbon footprint are ever more pressing issues. However it seems…
Which type of Christmas tree is best for the environment?
Posted by Sam Tonge on 18 December 2017 at 9:30 am
The YouGen Team are getting into the festive spirit here at the National Energy Foundation as we count down the days until we can put our feet up (and recharge our own personal energy levels) over the holiday period! In the seasonal tradition of giving and receiving, we would like to share with y…
5 questions you must ask before installing a ground source heat pump
Posted by Sam Tonge on 14 December 2017 at 4:15 pm
Following the recent waves of snow and ice seen across much of the UK, you might consider the ground as a rather cold surface emitting no warmth whatsoever! In contrast, the ground actually provides a naturally-occurring source of heat which can be used to provide central heating and hot water fo…
10 popular ways to save energy - truth or myth?
Posted by Sam Tonge on 6 December 2017 at 9:20 am
Here are 10 popular tips to save energy - or perhaps they're urban energy myths and misleading advice that could end up costing the earth! How good is your knowledge? 1. It uses less energy if you leave fluorescent lights switched on. Myth or Truth? MYTH. This one has been around almo…
Wood fuel in your home: 10 need-to-knows
Posted by Sandra Hayes on 29 November 2017 at 9:15 am
1. Fuel quality matters To produce a clean, safe and efficient burn, quality of the wood is key. This is determined by size, moisture content, tree species and presence of any contaminants. Installing and maintaining a solid fuel appliance such as a wood stove is a big step so it only m…
London buses will soon be powered by coffee
Posted by Sam Tonge on 22 November 2017 at 4:50 pm
Turns out that it’s not just electric vehicles making the headlines this year, as Transport for London (TFL) announces a biofuel extracted from waste coffee grounds will be used to power some of the city’s buses from next Monday. The tech firm Bio-bean has so far produced enough f…
New attitudes survey shows international support for renewables
Posted by Sam Tonge on 15 November 2017 at 2:10 pm
Results from a pioneering international survey known as the Green Energy Barometer, show us that the vast majority of the public in countries sampled support a worldwide transition from fossil fuels to green energy. The largest ever survey undertaken to gauge attitudes towards sustainable energy …
Can I make a claim for problems with my cavity wall insulation?
Posted by Jordan Willis on 8 November 2017 at 10:20 am
An article in The Telegraph on the topic of claiming on faulty cavity wall insulation (CWI) described the issue as a scandal that could “rival PPI”. Though we certainly haven’t had our televisions and radios bleat on about no-win-no-fee cavity wall insulation claims over the pas…
Getting the most out of a wood-burning stove.
Posted by Andrew McGowan on 31 October 2017 at 9:20 am
Andrew McGowan has 15 years of wood-burning experience and experimentation with Morso and Stovax stoves. As our guest blogger this week, Andrew shares with us his tips on efficient wood burning techniques in the home. Use well-seasoned (dry) wood with mo…
