npower - providing energy services for Social Housing

npower - providing energy services for Social Housing

Contents Introduction Gas heating installations 4 Electrical installations 6 Repair and maintenance 8 Renewable technology installation and maintenance 10 Housing adaptation services 12 Refit and refurbishment 14 New build 16 Insulation 18 Funding 19 Increasing the energy efficiency of the UK s housing stock has long been a government priority - it is widely accepted that the housing sector accounts for just over a quarter (27%) of the total carbon emissions in the UK *. With a commitment to an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050, the need to improve old, energy inefficient housing is clear. npower Business and Social Housing ( npower ) is a dedicated division within the RWE npower group that specialises in the provision of gas heating installation, electrical installations, repair and maintenance and renewable technologies. Whilst carbon reduction may be an important driver for our customers it is not the only reason we do what we do. Like you, we recognise the difference that a warm home can make to the lives of your tenants. We have years of experience working in occupied properties, with an approach that focuses on minimising disruption to customers. The health benefits of a warm, dry home, particularly for the elderly or vulnerable, are well documented **. The quality of housing also has a recognised impact on a child s learning and development and can even impact on crime rates. At npower we take great pride in the wider social impacts of the work we do in the social housing market. We also recognise that housing is at the very centre of a local community. That s why we are committed to employing local people wherever possible and run continuous training for apprentices and existing staff to ensure that their skills are continually updated. Our engineers are highly skilled in installation and maintenance services and are Gas Safe registered. Additionally we are fully Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited. All our installation work comes with a 12 month warranty and we can also offer a 24-hour emergency call out service. The RWE npower group is one of the UK s major energy providers. We are experts in the increasingly complex legislative landscape in which Social Housing providers must operate. We won t dictate solutions to our customers, but rather prefer to discuss your overall objectives and tailor make a proposal to meet your specific needs. Our solutions will address a wide range of objectives from meeting housing standards, to increasing the asset value of your stock, and lowering carbon emissions. Importantly, the RWE group as an energy supplier, is also often able to aid in accessing funding; not just from its own obligations but also from outside sources, including European funds. To discuss your energy solution needs further please email us at or contact your Business Development Manager *Home Truths: A Low-Carbon Strategy to Reduce UK Housing Emissions by 80% by 2050 - University of Oxford s Environmental Change Institute (Nov 2007) **The Impact of Fuel Poverty on Children - Save the Children (Dec 2008) 2 3

Gas heating installations If a boiler is more than 10 years old the likelihood is that it won t be operating at peak efficiency. From straightforward boiler swaps to installation of full energy efficient central heating systems, we have years of expertise in installing high quality gas boilers. Our Gas Safe registered engineers currently install thousands of energyefficient central heating systems every year for our social housing clients, keeping their tenants warm whilst also helping to reduce their energy bills. A new A-rated energy efficient boiler could save your tenants up to 310 a year on their heating bills. Fuel switching We re also experts in fuel switching, helping your tenants move from expensive and inefficient solid fuel or electric heating to gas central heating. This includes helping to facilitate the connection of your properties to the gas network where a pipeline is available. Replacing an old, inefficient system could reduce your tenants energy bills. For an average 3 bed semi-detached house, fuel switching to a gas heating system could be about 300 cheaper to run than coal or electric each year. In addition through the obligation on the RWE npower groups supply business to offer funding we may also be able to offer part or fully funded fuel switching for your properties to help ease the cost of installation. Case Study - Gas Heating Installations, Castle Vale Community Housing Association In 2012, npower won a 5 year contract to work with Castle Vale Community Housing Association to cover the installation of new Boilers and Heating Controls to their full portfolio of properties. We were selected because of our partnership approach to this contract integrating energy advice and support services alongside the installation work and in addition to the gas installs we are also working in partnership with CVCHA to help change tenant behaviour with regards to energy efficiency. The right products for the job Where we replace an old inefficient boiler with a new A-rated condensing boiler the tenant can also save money on their heating bills. According to the Energy Saving Trust, boilers account for around 55% of what homes spend in a year on heating bills, so an efficient boiler makes a significant difference with A-rated boilers saving up to 310 on heating bills a year compared to homes with a less efficient G-rated boiler. To talk to us about gas heating installations contact us at Source: Energy Saving Trust 2013 - saving 310 based on installing a new A-rated condensing boiler and full set of heating controls in a gas-heated, semi-detached home with three bedrooms. Gas heating system 300 cheaper to run than coal or electric based on a report by Sutherland Tables, October 2009 which provide statistics on the relative cost of using different domestic fuels. 300 saving based on a 3 bed semi in the Northern area of England, switching from either electric with Economy 7 tariff to gas saves 316, switching from coal to gas saves 342. 4 5

Electrical installations We are one of the largest providers of electrical installation services in the social housing market. We provide electrical inspections, rewires and other electrical installation services to our clients including: New build wiring and rewiring of existing properties Upgrades Electrical testing and inspections Electrical hot water and heating Wiring of other fuel systems Lighting systems Economy 7 and Economy 10 systems Emergency electrical repair call-out service CO alarms and smoke detector installations Isolator switches * As a landlord you have a responsibility to ensure Health and Safety standards are maintained and regulatory requirements met. All of our engineers are fully accredited with the NICEIC and offer a high quality, reliable and dependable service that is compliant with industry requirements. CO and smoke detector installations Even with regular maintenance of gas and electrical appliances it s still prudent to have an audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarm and smoke detector installed in your properties. We can supply and install battery and mains wired CO and smoke detectors to provide peace of mind and added security for your tenants. Metering services Also as part of our electrical capabilities we can provide isolator switch installations as part of an electrical rewire or installation job as well as having the ability to facilitate other metering services through the MeterPlus part of npower where required. Case Study - Electrical Installations, Corby Borough Council Corby Borough Council has a property portfolio of over 4,700 homes. Over 23% of their properties are at least 48 years old with 11% of those built before 1945. As such, it is a continuous challenge for Corby to ensure these homes meet an acceptable standard for electrical safety, whilst providing tenants with facilities to cope with modern electrical requirements. npower was appointed by Corby Borough Council to manage a programme of work to ensure their housing stock is updated to a safe electrical standard for any current tenants and also to prepare void properties for any new tenants moving in. Our solution As part of this contract npower carries out both electrical rewires and Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR s). The EICR is a comprehensive test on the condition of the whole electrical installation, wiring and accessories (switches, lights and sockets) in a property; this test will determine what work, if any, is required. To manage these activities, we adopt a cyclical approach, with Electrical Installation Condition Reports being produced every 5 years, or sooner if appropriate and at the change of tenancy. The npower Project Manager for Corby, Richard Traynor explained We take a partnership approach to our relationship with Corby, ensuring the client s needs are met and ensuring the least possible disruption to the tenant. Where a property is void we are able to respond quickly to ensure the property can be made ready for the next tenant as soon as possible. To talk to us about your electrical installation needs contact us at * Isolator switch installation only available as part of a rewire or other installation works. 6 7

Repair and maintenance High quality servicing and maintenance not only helps extend the life of gas heating and electrical equipment, it also ensures compliance with health and safety regulations. Gas safety We ve been servicing and maintaining gas appliances for a number of years helping tenants to maximise the energy efficiency of their homes. We currently service over 34,000 domestic boilers and handle 29,000 emergency and non emergency repair call outs. Gas safety is a vital area for our clients who need to have confidence in our engineers expertise in gas safety and repair work. Our Gas Safe registered engineers provide the quality of service that our clients can depend upon. Electrical safety Our electrical engineers carry out electrical testing on a variety of contracts across the UK. Our clients require electrical safety checks and PAT testing to be routinely carried out on their properties. Our NICEIC qualified engineers ensure compliance is met for the client and peace of mind is given to the tenant. To talk to us about your repair and maintenance needs contact us at 24/7 Service We are also able to offer an out of hours service allowing tenants to contact us 24 hours a day with any urgent issues, giving them the confidence that their emergency will be dealt with as soon as possible. Case Study - Repair and Maintenance, Solihull Community Housing Keeping the gas appliances in a home well maintained is a top priority for social housing landlords. Solihull Community Housing is an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO), managing and maintaining over 10,200 properties on behalf of Solihull Council including legal obligation to ensure that properties meet Gas Safe regulations. The Landlords Gas Safety Record is a quality inspection that enables engineers to do a thorough and detailed audit of the gas appliances in tenants homes. To ensure they meet strict obligation requirements Solihull Community Housing turned to npower. We have several years experience in the repair and maintenance of properties and are able to provide resources such as a back office team and full contract management support to help facilitate this work to the highest standards. Our solution All of our engineers are Gas Safe registered and to ensure they are always of the highest calibre they are re-trained / re-accredited every 5 years. We have also tailored our services to meet the varying needs of Solihull Community Housing tenants including: All emergency cases (gas or major water leaks) dealt with within 24 hours Out of hours service available to respond to emergency/urgent jobs and vulnerable customer calls within the same night We have a strong team dedicated to repair and maintenance with each person playing a crucial part including a team of ten engineers and their supervisor, a dedicated tenant liaison officer and ongoing support from the contract manager. Strong partnership npower and Solihull Community Housing have a strong and long standing relationship. This is an ongoing partnership which means npower makes continuous changes and adjustments to ensure the relationship works well. In 2011 two npower staff moved into Solihull Community Housing s office, guaranteeing that npower staff are always on hand to resolve any issues, and improving communications between the organisations. We also provide support with educating tenants about the benefits of gas safety checks. Volume of jobs based on 2012 figures 8 9

Renewable technology installation and maintenance With the availability of Government funding and incentives to install a variety of green technologies, now is the time to look at investing in renewable energy installations. We have a wealth of experience in designing and installing renewable energy and heating solutions helping you and your tenants enjoy the savings that renewable energy can provide. We specialise in: Solar PV Solar thermal systems Ground source heat pumps Air source heat pumps Biomass boilers. We re also able to provide repair and maintenance services for ground and air source heat pumps and solar thermal technologies. To talk to us about renewable technology installations and maintenance contact us at All our installers are Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited and provide high-quality installations meeting compliance requirements with all industry standards. Installing renewable technologies will allow your tenants to generate their own heat and power, reducing their energy costs and helping you meet carbon reduction targets for your properties. According to the Energy Saving Trust, installing Solar PV could save around 1 tonne of CO 2 a year per property. We can provide a one-stop solution for all your renewable energy needs including: Full system design Grant funding advice Sourcing the best product for the job Installation After sales support. Case Study Ground Source Heat Pumps, Harrogate Borough Council Warm rooms and hot water on tap is something many of us take for granted. Yet many people in the UK living in older properties still use real fires to heat their homes and electricity to power hot water systems. Ground source heating is a form of renewable energy that makes use of Solar heat stored naturally within the earth. Over an eight-week period npower installed ground source heat pumps (GSHP) and heating systems at ten Harrogate Borough Council-owned residential properties. I m 53 years old and I ve lived in my house since 1965. The new heating system has made a massive difference. Now, the house is warm when I need it to be. I no longer have to come in and make a fire to warm the place up. Allan Holmes, resident of Church Lane, Wighill, near Tadcaster. Case Study Solar PV, Wigan and Leigh Housing Association W&LH was set up as a separate, not-for-profit company in 2002 to manage and maintain council homes on behalf of Wigan Council. In mid-2009 they were considering how the Housing Association and their tenants could benefit from the Feed in Tariff [FIT] scheme and entered into discussions with several providers of Solar PV [Photovoltaic] systems. For the pilot scheme, npower fitted Solar PV energy systems to eight two-bed bungalows in Mosley Common, a suburb of Tyldesley at the eastern edge of the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, in Greater Manchester. The properties are a sheltered scheme where older members of the community live. The tenants and Wigan & Leigh Housing are already experiencing the benefits and if we can find a way to pay for it, I certainly would like to see more of our properties fitted with solar PV technology in the near future. Mike Sterlicchi, director of asset management and development at Wigan & Leigh Housing (WLH). Carbon savings: Source, Energy Saving Trust, 2011 10 11

Housing adaptation services Where housing adaptations are required, it s vital that they re managed in a timely and efficient manner to cause minimal disruption for your tenants. Whether through the Disabled Facility Grant or other funding, we re experienced in carrying out housing adaptation services for a number of Registered Providers and typically undertake the following: The isolation and removal of an old bathroom suite and/or kitchen fittings Structural alterations to doorways, floors and walls for new equipment and wheelchair access Relocation of underground drains and soil pipes Tiling Rewiring for new shower position, cooker, altered light switches, etc. Installation of new equipment Alteration to heating systems Decoration upon completion Maintaining services to residents while work is in progress Disposal of all rubbish to licensed waste sites. To talk to us about your housing adaptation needs contact us at Housing adaptation for disabled or elderly tenants can be a sensitive and stressful process. Our expertise in this area is well established and through our network of approved installers and NICEIC accredited electrical contractors, each adaptation job is carried out as a complete project. From the design and build stage through to electrics, plumbing, decoration, glazed tiling and floor laying, by managing these projects end to end we can reduce the time involved, minimising the impact on your tenant. Case Study Housing Adaptations, Daventry & District Housing Registered Providers have a duty of care for all their tenants including those who may need more support in their homes. The Disabled Facility Grant is one way in which Registered Providers can facilitate any required work on tenants homes where adaptation to a kitchen, bathroom or other area of the home may be needed. In the case of Daventry & District Housing they were able to facilitate some adaptation work through their Major Improvement Programme. Under this programme they approached npower to adapt the bathrooms of two homes so that they were more suitable and practical for the tenants to use. Our solution It was our task to meet the needs of Daventry & District Housing, by providing level access shower room adaptations for these two properties, whilst ensuring that the work was carried out efficiently and with sensitivity to cause the least amount of disruption possible to the tenant. We offer a fully comprehensive housing adaptations service managing this work in a timely and efficient manner to cause minimal disruption to the tenants whilst we are in their home. We help to manage everything as efficiently as possible by providing an end-to-end service including survey, design, pricing and installation. Best products for the job With the tenants needs in mind, we sourced a shower product with built in temperature control. These showers have a valve which prevents the water from getting too hot, therefore preventing a vulnerable tenant from injuring themselves with scalding water. When installing a grab rail and shower seat, we make sure that the tenant is available so that we are able to judge the right height and position for their needs. The level access shower room allows obstacle-free access to bathroom facilities for those who may not have the ability to use a traditional bath or shower. 12 13

Refit and refurbishment Our plumbing installation services play a pivotal role both as a stand-alone service and as part of a package of services that support the Government s Decent Homes programme. Using our expertise in plumbing services, we are able to provide kitchen and bathroom refits and refurbishment in particular to support the Decent Homes programme. The Decent Homes programme aims to improve conditions for social housing tenants. We know it s vital that you continually work towards ensuring your properties meet this standard and we can help you achieve this through refit and refurbishment of kitchens and bathrooms. In conjunction with our other services gas installations, electrical installations and housing adaptations we can provide you with a complete internal refurbishment package that will help you meet the Decent Homes Standard. Bathrooms Stripping out existing suites, associated wastes and pipework Installing new suites, flow wastes and pipework Tiling Wiring Redecoration Floor covering. Kitchens Disconnecting and isolating old sink units for removal Installing the first-fix pipework for kitchen fitters Installing the second-fix pipework, connecting sink top and points for dishwasher/washing machine and gas cooker Wiring Tiling. To find out about our expertise in refit and refurbishment services and how we can help you achieve the Decent Homes Standard contact us at 14 15

New build The Code for Sustainable Homes is the national standard for the design and construction of new homes which aims to reduce carbon emissions and create homes that are more sustainable. We know that energy efficient and sustainable homes are important for the well-being of your tenants. Our dedicated and specialist workforce have all the expertise and qualifications required to not only meet all current building regulations but also to help you promote even higher standards of sustainable design by meeting the Code for Sustainable Homes. In addition to our wide range of refurbishment and maintenance services, we also undertake a variety of new build projects including significant mechanical and electrical work. Our expert team will work with you to implement specific and appropriate energy efficient solutions through the bid and construction stage with services including: Specialist design team Part L and Part P compliance CSCS qualified staff Total electrical, mechanical and plumbing installation packages Specialist housing adaptation available Sole management and partnering projects Implementation of Code for Sustainable Homes To find out about our expertise in New Build services and how we can help you meet the Code for Sustainable Homes contact us at 16 17

Insulation Funding Without proper insulation, more than half of a home s heat can escape through the roof and walls. Home insulation will not only keep a house warmer in the winter but will also keep it cooler in the summer. We can offer a variety of insulation solutions for both standard and hard to treat properties; those that aren t suitable for cavity wall and / or loft insulation. In these cases, solid wall insulation (SWI) is an alternative that offers significant savings once installed. The wider RWE npower group has well established expertise in this area and through a network of approved installers has delivered over 550,000 loft and 400,000 cavity wall insulation measures since March 2008. In addition we can insulate hard to treat properties using internal or external solid wall insulation. Through RWE npower Group s obligatory funding commitments we may also be able to offer part or fully funded insulation installations for your properties. Since 1994 the Government has introduced a number of mechanisms to encourage carbon reductions for domestic house holders and commercial businesses. Until December 2012 this was managed through the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) and Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP) obligations but most recently this is being achieved through Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and the Green Deal. Some of these mechanisms are specifically designed as an obligation placed on energy suppliers tasking them to fund the installation of prescribed energy saving measures to achieve an agreed volume of carbon savings. As an energy supplier, the RWE npower Group is able to provide funding to support any schemes that form part of the current obligations including insulation and microgeneration technologies. In addition as a Green Deal installer we can support those Social Housing providers that have decided to become a Green Deal provider in delivering a number of measures to their housing stock. Cavity wall and loft insulation are amongst the most effective ways to reduce heat loss from a home, thus helping your tenants reduce their energy bills. Measure Annual saving CO 2 saving per year Loft insulation 140 560kg Cavity wall insulation 180 730kg Solid wall insulation (internal) 460 1,800kg Solid wall insulation (external) 490 1,900kg To talk to us about improving the energy efficiency of your properties and lowering your tenants energy bills contact us at To talk to us about your funding requirements contact us at Annual savings from installing loft insulation: These are estimates based on insulating a gas-heated, semi-detached home with three bedrooms, showing savings when you insulate an uninsulated loft. Energy Saving Trust, May 2013. Annual savings from installing cavity wall insulation: These are estimated figures based on insulating a gas-heated, semi-detached home with three bedrooms. Energy Saving Trust, May 2013. Annual savings from installing solid wall insulation based on insulating a gas-heated, semi-detached home with three bedrooms. Energy Saving Trust, May 2013. 18 19

Here is an overview of what we do within Business and Social Housing and the wider npower group. BaSH Services 1 Gas heating installations 2 Electrical installations, testing & certification 3 CO & Smoke detector installations 4 Gas & electricity repait & maintenance - including 24/7 emergency call out 5 Renewable technology installation & maintenance -including Solar PV, solar Thermal, Ground & Air Source heat pumps & Biomass 6 Housing adaptation services - including ramps & walk in showers 7 Refit & refurbishment - including kitchen and bathroom 8 New build -including fit, mechanical 9 & electrical services Electrical vehicle charging points supply - installation & maintenance npower Services 10 Gas & electricity supply 11 Loft, cavity & solid wall insulation installations 12 Isolator switch installation & other metering services Funding - including Energy Company Obligation (ECO) 5 11 3 2 6 8 7 1 7 9 10 12 4 For more information on what we do: Call 0800 197 7400 Visit npower.com/socialhousing Email or contact your Business Development Manager npower is a registered trademark. Npower Business and Social Housing Limited (registered in England & Wales No 00893718) whose registered office is at Windmill Hill Business Park, Whitehill Way, Swindon, SN5 6PB is a member of the RWE Npower group. npm10119/rf12488/01.14