Utility Week

UTILITY WEEK | 23RD - 29TH MARCH 2018 | 5 ELECTRICITY Networks 'well- placed' for EVs Energy networks say they are well-placed for increased uptake of electric vehicles, following MPs' calls to phase out petrol and diesel cars earlier than 2040. An unprecedented joint report published this week by four Commons committees (environ- ment, health, transport and envi- ronmental audit) demanded faster progress on a clean air strategy and a "clean air fund" financed by the motor industry to tackle the UK's "poisonous air". Randolph Brazier, head of innovation at the Energy Networks Association, said: "Our energy networks are well placed to man- age an uptake of electric vehicles as part of their commitment to building a smarter, cleaner energy system… that includes enabling the uptake of new energy technologies, like EVs, in communities across the country." "We are confident we have a good, robust process and we will get through it as quickly as we can" Rob Salter-Church, acting senior partner for consumers and competition at Ofgem, says the delivery of the energy price cap is the regulator's "absolute number one priority". Northern Ireland Water welcomed children from the Gracehill and Galgorm Community playgroup, along with councillor Audrey Wales, to its wastewater pumping station site in the village, as work on the £1.2 million upgrade progresses. The children helped to plant out two large containers – made by NI Water's contractor Graham Construction – to enhance the exterior of the site. The upgrade is scheduled to be finished in June. 50MWh Public Power Solutions, owned by Swindon Borough Council, has received planning permission to build one of the UK's largest battery storage facilities. Water Saving Week Lawn: Leave grass cuttings on the lawn to help conserve moisture levels. Rain garden: helps reduce runoff from the property and soaks up rain so plants can thrive without watering them. Rain: Approximately 21,000 litres of water falls onto a typical roof in any one year, that's enough to fill 105 water butts. Watering: Use a watering can to irrigate. Green / Living roofs: A green roof absorbs rainwater reducing runoff from properties. It can also reduce the urban heat island effect in cities. Large planters: Cut down on the number of pots; instead go for one or two larger containers which don't dry out as much. Drought resistant planting Permeable pavement and drive Water butt: harvest runoff from roof. Provides a water source for gardening or washing bikes and cars. Mulch: Reduced evaporation from the soil and the amount of watering needed. Helps keep snails off plants and weeds down. A Water Wise Garden Last week was dubbed "Water Saving Week" by water efficiency group Waterwise. To mark the occasion, the organisation pub- lished an infographic depicting a "water wise garden" – including, among other things, a water butt to collect rainwater, a permeable pavement and drive to help filter out pollutants, a "rain garden" to help reduce run-off, and a "living roof" to absorb rainwater, help reduce run-off and reduce the "urban heat island" effect in cities. Waterwise started Water Saving Week in 2015 to get the nation talking about saving water, and most importantly to get people to take action to save water. This year it ran from 19-23 March. Waterwise top tips for households • A toilet leaking clean water from the cistern to the pan can waste up to 400 litres of water a day. • A four minute shower is plenty long enough. • Fill your washing machine to the brim. Clothes washing accounts for 15 per cent of water use in homes. • Use the dual flush properly. Only use the bigger flush when you need to. • Put a large bottle of tap water in the fridge for chilled drinking water. Wait- ing for the tap to run cold can waste more than 10 litres of tap water a day.

• Cover