British Gas, one of the UK's largest energy retailers (part of Centrica plc) has announced it's soon to be approaching home energy customers to offer 'Net Zero' technologies in a bid to support them on their decarbonisation journey. And it's is leading the pitch with solar and storage installations.
The energy business provides electricity and gas supply, technology and services to 7 million homes and businesses in the UK. It's an active player in the commercial and utility solar market having recently announced solar projects with the Ministry of Defence and the enablement of Corporate PPAs with telecoms business Vodafone.
The company is adding several technologies to it's toolbox in the 'home' services arena by creating the 'Net Zero Homes' division, which aims to provide solar and storage installations, insulation and EV chargers under a consultative approach to homeowners through a 'Free Home Health Check' service. This visit will aim to identify solutions for each customer, supporting their home to become more energy-efficient.
"We are on a mission to help consumers lower their household energy bills, whilst at the same time reducing their carbon emissions." - Andrew Middleton, Managing Director of Net Zero at British Gas
According to the British Gas Net Zero Homes Index, the British public are strongly supportive of continuing this transition. 87% of the public said they supported building more solar power.
Tailored to customers’ energy usage and their home, a survey will give estimated costs, savings and installation options without any commitment. The installations will be completed 2-4 days after the work starts and will be able to save customers up to 90% on electricity costs. From today, customers will be able to register their interest in Solar PV on the British Gas website to arrange a site visit.
Andrew Middleton, Managing Director of Net Zero at British Gas says:
“We are on a mission to help consumers lower their household energy bills, whilst at the same time reducing their carbon emissions. We recognise that many households are being cautious with their spending currently but want to make sure the right products are there for those who can make these changes - and we want to do all we can to make greener home solutions more affordable and accessible so that no one is left behind.
“With the UK’s largest network of energy experts, we are uniquely placed to guide customers and equip them with actionable insights on how to manage energy consumption. Our trusted engineers are already giving our customers energy efficiency advice at every appointment and have installed over 8,000 electric car charging points and over 2,300 heat pumps. Our expert teams have helped improve the insulation of millions of properties and support solar panel installations around the country each day.”
British Gas has joined several high-profile energy businesses that are reachng deeper into customer homes through solar. Recent entrants include Octopus Energy, OVO Energy, SO Energy and Good Energy, joining long-term participant E.ON in enabling their huge customer bases to purchase a solar system for their home.
Notably, this is not the first time that British Gas has provided access to solar at home - for those in the industry for a long time will likely remember. During the UK feed-in tariff peaks (2011-2015) it offered solar to homes across the country. It's latest entry feels somewhat different because the technology and market has matured - and it feels perhaps 'bouyed' by record-profits at Centrica plc - it's investing in the UK solar industry once more.
More on the British Gas website or [link] Register your interest in solar panels and a home battery - British Gas
Photo credit: Centrica
