Thorpe Park

Last weekend, Save Energy UK’s Sales and Technical Assistant George traded in his usual weekend of shows and solar chats for something a little more hair-raising, a trip to Thorpe Park’s famous Fright Nights. Joined by four of his mates, George dove headfirst into a weekend packed with scares, laughter, and plenty of adrenaline.

Known for his enthusiasm and positive energy on the job, George brought the same spirit to the park, tackling Thorpe Park’s infamous horror mazes one by one. Each maze delivered its fair share of jump scares and hilarity. There is nothing quite like seeing your friends scream and sprint their way through fog-filled rooms and zombie encounters.

But the highlight of the day was Hyperia, the park’s brand new record-breaking roller coaster. Towering over the park’s skyline, Hyperia lived up to every bit of the hype. With its heart-stopping drops and smooth, high-speed turns, it quickly became a group favourite. In fact, they loved it so much that one go simply wasn’t enough, so they joined the queue again for round two.

Between rides, George and his friends soaked up the spooky atmosphere that makes Fright Nights such a standout autumn event. From eerie lighting and costumed actors roaming the park to themed snacks and chilling soundtracks, every corner of Thorpe Park offered a dose of Halloween magic.

After a full day of thrills, laughs, and maybe a few screams, George finally made it home on Saturday night absolutely shattered but buzzing from the fun. Most people would have called it a weekend well spent and left it there, but not George. True to form, he was up bright and early the next morning for a 7am padel match, proving that when it comes to energy and enthusiasm, he is always switched on.

The weekend perfectly captured what makes the Save Energy UK team so special, a great mix of passion, positivity, and personality. Whether they are helping customers make the switch to solar or tackling the UK’s tallest roller coaster, they bring their A game every time.

Here’s to more weekends of fun, laughter, and stories worth sharing both in and out of the office.

About the Event

Save Energy UK will be attending The Big Sustainability Expo & Awards 2025 on 9th October 2025 at the Hilton Southampton Utilita Bowl, from 10.00 am to 3.30 pm. The Expo is one of the South’s most established sustainability events, bringing together businesses, organisations, and individuals who are passionate about building a more sustainable future.

What to Expect

The event offers free entry and parking, making it easy for anyone to attend. With up to 100 exhibitors, the Expo will showcase a wide variety of sustainability products, technologies, and services designed to make both homes and businesses greener and more efficient. Visitors can also enjoy a packed programme in the speaker theatre, where industry experts will discuss key environmental topics, present the latest innovations, and share practical advice.

Why It Matters

The Big Sustainability Expo is more than a trade show – it is a place where ideas, people, and solutions come together. It attracts professionals from across different sectors, as well as community groups, educators, and householders who are interested in sustainability. The mix of exhibitors and speakers creates a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, discover practical solutions, and explore what the future of sustainability looks like.

Come and Visit Us

We are pleased to be part of this year’s event and look forward to meeting attendees, exploring new ideas, and contributing to the conversations that will help shape a cleaner, greener future. If you are planning to attend, make sure to come and find us on the day – we would be delighted to meet you, share our insights, and be part of the discussions that make the Expo such an important date in the calendar.

We are stand 13A and George Wesley as well as David Gussman will be attending on behalf of Save Energy UK.

Powering (and Cooling) Your Home Together

We’re excited to announce a new partnership between Save Energy UK and Gold BoilerCare Ltd bringing award-winning heating expertise and leading solar and air-conditioning solutions under one roof. If you’re looking for a trusted local team to cut your energy bills, boost comfort, and reduce your carbon footprint, this is it.

Why this partnership?

Gold BoilerCare are your local boiler specialists handling boiler installations, repairs and servicing and they’re not just experienced, they’re fully qualified:

• Worcester Accredited Installers

• LPG Accredited

• G3 Unvented Hot Water Qualified

They’ve also just taken home Business Awards UK Heating Engineer of the Year 2025, with national coverage on Yahoo Finance. Huge congratulations to the team! That kind of recognition only happens with consistent quality and first-class customer care across Bournemouth, Poole & Christchurch.

Save Energy UK brings 21+ years of trading, a family-run approach, a showroom in Poole, and thousands of successful solar PV and air-conditioning installations. Together, we’re making it easier than ever for local homeowners and businesses to go greener, get comfortable, and save money.

Exclusive partnership offers

We’re celebrating with limited-time promos you won’t find anywhere else:

1) Solar: Up to £1,000 OFF your installation

• Lower energy bills from day one

• Increase property value with a fast payback

• Reduce your carbon footprint

• Save up to £1,500 annually (system-dependent)
  Call: 01202 944416 (Gold BoilerCare line for this offer)

You’ll also see a ‘SAVEENERGY’ promo for £500 OFF a solar system across our joint materials. Don’t worry we’ll always apply the best eligible discount at the time you book.

2) Air Conditioning: Supplied & fitted from £1,200

• Improved comfort and better air quality all year

• Cheaper, efficient heating in winter with modern heat-pump AC

• Smarter energy use when paired with solar
  Call: 01202 986262 (Save Energy UK)

(And yes free cooling in summer and Wi-Fi control for total convenience are standard on many of our systems.)

What you get with Save Energy UK × Gold BoilerCare

One expert team, end-to-end

From boiler replacement and servicing to solar PV, battery storage, and air-conditioning, you get a joined-up plan for your home’s energy no hand-offs, no guesswork.

Local, accredited and proven

• Family-run values with big-project capability

• Fully accredited engineers and installers

• Thousands of installs completed across Dorset & the South Coast

• Poole showroom see tech in action, ask questions, get tailored advice

Real-world benefits

• Save up to £1,500 per year on energy (system-dependent)

• Energy independence with solar + battery

• Fast payback and improved property value

• Ideal for homes & businesses

What we install & service

Boilers (Gold BoilerCare)

• New boiler installations, smart controls, upgrades

• Repairs & servicing for efficiency and reliability

• Unvented hot water systems (G3 qualified)

• LPG systems and Worcester-approved work
  Call Gold BoilerCare: 01202 944416
  Email: info@goldboilercare.co.uk
  Web: www.goldboilercare.co.uk

Solar & Storage (Save Energy UK)

• Solar PV systems designed for your roof and usage

• Battery storage for day-to-night savings and backup resilience

• Monitoring apps to track production and savings in real time
  Call Save Energy UK: 01202 986262
  Email: info@saveenergyuk.co.uk
  Web: www.saveenergyuk.co.uk

Air Conditioning / Heat-Pump AC (Save Energy UK)

• Cooling in summer, efficient heating in winter

• Wi-Fi control and zoning for room-by-room comfort

• Works brilliantly with solar to lower running costs
  From £1,200 supplied & fitted

How the offers work (quick guide)

• £1,000 OFF Solar: Exclusive partnership promotion. Call 01202 944416 to check eligibility and book your survey.

• £500 OFF with code ‘SAVEENERGY’: Where shown on our joint flyers, we’ll apply the highest valid discount so you’ll always get the better deal available on the day you confirm.

• Air Con from £1,200: Entry price for typical single-split installs; multi-room and premium options available. Call 01202 986262.

Proudly award-winning

Gold BoilerCare’s Heating Engineer of the Year 2025 win (Business Awards UK) reflects the same service standards you’ll experience with this partnership: expert advice, tidy installs, and helpful aftercare. We’re thrilled to team up with an award-winning local company and we can’t wait to go on this journey together.

Ready to lower bills and raise comfort?

• Solar discounts: 01202 944416 (quote the Save Energy UK × Gold BoilerCare partnership)

• Air conditioning & showroom visits: 01202 986262

• Email us: info@saveenergyuk.co.uk | info@goldboilercare.co.uk

• Web: www.saveenergyuk.co.uk | www.goldboilercare.co.uk

Book your free quote today and let’s power (and cool) your home the smarter way.

Our Time at the South Coast Wine Festival 2025

From 8th–10th August 2025, wine lovers and foodies flocked to the stunning Highcliffe Castle for the South Coast Wine Festival. Following the success of previous years, this year’s event was bigger than ever,and we were thrilled to be part of it.

With perfect summer weather, a picturesque coastal setting, and an unbeatable lineup of wines, masterclasses, and live music, the festival was a celebration of flavour, community, and craftsmanship. But for us at Save Energy UK, it was also the perfect chance to show how the sun can be enjoyed in more ways than one.

The Festival Experience

The event brought together:

• World-class wines – From local vineyards to international producers, there was something for every palate.

• Expert-led masterclasses – Guests learned about grape varieties, food pairings, and wine production from industry experts.

• Live music & entertainment – Performers kept the atmosphere buzzing all weekend long.

• The stunning backdrop of Highcliffe Castle – The perfect coastal location to relax, explore, and enjoy.

Our Save Energy UK Stand – Sharing Solar with Festival-Goers

We set up our Save Energy UK tent in the heart of the festival grounds, and over the three days, hundreds of visitors stopped by to learn more about solar power. While many came for the wine, they left with fresh knowledge about how the sun can power their homes, businesses, and even events like the festival itself.

At our stand, we:

• Showcased a working solar display – Complete with live demonstrations showing how sunlight is converted into clean, renewable energy.

• Answered questions from curious visitors – From installation costs and potential savings to battery storage options and payback times.

• Powered parts of our display with solar energy – Giving a real-time example of solar’s effectiveness, even on the UK coast.

We were delighted by the number of conversations we had, and by how many visitors left feeling inspired to make their homes more energy-efficient.

A Perfect Match – Wine, Community & Sustainability

For us, attending the South Coast Wine Festival wasn’t just about exhibiting,it was about connecting. Just as wine-making celebrates nature and tradition, solar power embraces innovation and sustainability. We loved being able to show that these worlds complement each other beautifully.

Looking Back on a Fantastic Weekend

The South Coast Wine Festival 2025 was a huge success, both for the organisers and for us at Save Energy UK. We met wonderful people, enjoyed incredible wines, and had the opportunity to spread the word about clean, renewable energy in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

If you missed it this year, we highly recommend keeping an eye on the South Coast Wine Festival for next year’s dates. We might just see you there!

Save Energy UK Marks a Major Milestone

2025 is shaping up to be a record-breaking year for Save Energy UK, and what better way to celebrate than with a 20-year anniversary event that brought together friends, clients, colleagues, and partners across three incredible venues.

From our headquarters to the vibrant atmosphere of The Cow in Ashley Cross, the celebrations were a fitting tribute to two decades of dedication, growth, and community impact.

Two Decades of Innovation and Service

Since our founding in 2005, Save Energy UK has been on a mission to make energy-efficient living accessible, affordable, and high quality for homeowners and businesses alike. Over the years, we’ve grown from a small local operation to one of the South’s most trusted names in home energy solutions.

And 2025 is already shaping up to be our most exciting year yet, with record-breaking installations and a steadily growing reputation for quality, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.

A Night to Remember

The celebration kicked off at our very own building, where guests were welcomed with drinks, a look back at our journey, and the chance to meet the faces behind the brand. From there, we moved on to The Cow in Ashley Cross, where the evening took on a more relaxed and festive tone.

The atmosphere was buzzing as old friends reconnected, new relationships were formed, and everyone raised a glass to the successes of the past, and the opportunities of the future.

Trusted, Reviewed, and Recommended

We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built over the past 21+ years. Our success isn’t just about numbers, it’s about people. And the proof is in the feedback:

• Over 600 excellent reviews

• An outstanding 9.98/10 average rating on Checkatrade

We don’t take this lightly. Every install, every consultation, every interaction matters, and we’re committed to delivering the same high-quality service our customers have come to expect.

Looking Forward

While this event was a time to reflect and celebrate, it was also a launchpad for what’s next. We’re continuing to innovate, expand our services, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in energy-efficient living.

Here’s to the next 21+ years!

Renewable Energy Achieves Historic Milestone in the UK, Accounting for Over 40% of Electricity Generation

According to a report, renewable energy initiatives have contributed to over 40% of the United Kingdom’s electricity supply, achieving the lowest carbon emissions for a quarter on record, with only 143 grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour.

The latest Drax Electric Insights report reveals that renewable energy has reached a significant milestone in the UK, representing more than 40% of the nation’s electricity generation. This remarkable growth has led to a record low carbon intensity of just 143 grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour.

The report also points to a 5% decrease in electricity demand compared to the previous year, attributed in part to favourable weather conditions and persistently high energy prices.

Furthermore, the findings emphasise a surge in solar panel sales, with projections indicating that the capacity installed in 2023 will surpass the combined capacity of the past six years.

Additionally, the report discusses the declining use of fossil fuels, particularly in natural gas power production, which has seen a 33% decrease compared to the same period last year. Coal’s contribution has dwindled to less than 1%, marking its lowest point in over a century.

 

UK residents brace for a surge in energy bills in 2024

The forecast for the upcoming year suggests UK households will encounter increased energy costs, with a report indicating that electricity rates will continue to hover significantly over the rates seen before the energy crisis.

UK families are set to face rising energy costs with Cornwall Insight’s top analysts predicting a climb in electricity market rates for 2024 onwards.

Forecasts suggest that the average wholesale power prices in the UK will jump from £96.64 per megawatt-hour currently to £129/MWh in the next year.

The anticipated increase in energy costs is largely due to the hike in gas prices, a situation that arose from the conflict in Ukraine.

The assessment, grounded in the end-of-September commodity futures markets data, predates the latest market shifts. These shifts were influenced by tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, which pose potential risks to global oil and gas supply chains.

UK households to brace for increased energy bills in the coming year

Anticipated surge in electricity market prices by 2024 with sustained rates significantly higher than pre-crisis figures throughout the decade

Energy expenses for UK households are poised to escalate in the subsequent year. A prominent forecasting agency has indicated that electricity market rates are expected to climb in 2024 and will continue to exceed levels seen before the energy crisis for the remaining years of the decade.

Cornwall Insight, an analytical firm, has projected that the average wholesale power costs in Britain, which stood at £96.64 per megawatt-hour for the current year, are likely to increase to £129/MWh in the following year. This rise is primarily attributed to inflated gas prices, a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The forecast is based on data from commodity futures markets as of the end of September. However, since that assessment, the cost of gas and electricity has experienced further increases amidst concerns that the conflict between Israel and Hamas might disrupt oil and gas supplies.

Electricity rates are predicted to remain significantly high until the decade’s end, sustaining a level that is at least 60% above the 2021 figures, which were before the post-Covid-19 economic rebound drove market prices up.

Experts foresee that the incorporation of more renewable energy sources into the power grid, diminishing the dependence on gas-powered stations, will eventually lead to a decrease in market prices. Yet, these prices are expected to remain over £80/MWh, which is still considerably higher than before the energy crisis erupted.

Tom Edwards, a senior modeller with Cornwall Insight, commented that any delay in the UK’s progression toward renewable energy could prolong elevated energy bills. Cornwall’s recent analysis suggests that the UK is on track to fall short of its ambition to quintuple offshore wind capacity to 50GW by 2030 due to escalating supply chain costs.

“Any retreat from our net zero goals and a slower transition from fossil fuels may result in expensive setbacks. This will not only impede our decarbonization efforts but also mean sustained high energy costs for consumers,” Edwards remarked.

He further pointed out that without staunch dedication to a greener, more sustainable future, the dual objectives of achieving net zero emissions and reverting to pre-crisis energy prices become increasingly difficult to attain.

According to Cornwall’s projections, by the year 2030, offshore wind is expected to constitute 26% of the UK’s electrical capacity, a rise from the current figure of about 13%. In contrast, the proportion of gas-fired power capacity is anticipated to halve from 27% to 13% within the same timeframe.

Edwards noted, “The UK is on the right trajectory towards an electricity system powered by renewables. Nevertheless, our projections indicate that the pace is too slow to meet the government’s set targets.”

The wholesale costs of gas and electricity account for just over half of the average domestic energy bill. The remaining costs are for grid enhancements to integrate new renewable energy sources and for funding government initiatives that support low-carbon energy ventures.

Edwards emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging the government to re-evaluate its commitment to hastening the transition to renewable energy. This entails adopting more flexible strategies, particularly in auction settings, to achieve the country’s offshore wind objectives.

 

You’d be forgiven for thinking the energy market had at last turned a corner.

Ofgem’s price cap dropped at the beginning of the month, wholesale prices have begun to stabilise somewhat, and we’ve seen a quiet comeback of the fixed price tariff.

This might seem reminiscent of a more ‘usual’ market, but it’s one that has undergone fundamental change and is very much shaped by the energy crisis.

After so many suppliers went under two years ago, the big traditional providers have regained dominance, and focus has shifted to what they’re genuinely offering to customers.

Whilst wholesale prices have trended downwards, they remain significantly higher than pre-crisis and pre-pandemic levels, and this isn’t expected to change in the near future.

This means suppliers are now navigating uncharted waters: price isn’t the sole deciding factor anymore, and customers are expecting more from their providers.

Moreover, the previously fledgeling Octopus Energy has made a significant impact on the market, and the recent acquisition of Shell Energy customers could further disrupt the market as it contends for the leading position.

We explore why customers might find it challenging to secure affordable deals on both variable and fixed tariffs, where suppliers may seek to compete next, and the possibility of Octopus securing the top position.

 

How the Big 6 Regained Their Hold on the Energy Market

Two years back, Britain boasted 44 active domestic energy suppliers, a decrease from the 70-strong peak in 2018. Today, that number stands at merely 20.

An influx of smaller suppliers once meant consumers enjoyed reduced rates as they sought out the best deals, sidestepping the elevated costs that regular non-switchers faced.

However, the surge in wholesale energy prices in 2021 caught many off guard. Among them was Bulb Energy, with its sizeable clientele of 1.5 million. Sadly, their success became their undoing.

Martin Young, a utilities equity analyst at Investec, remarked, “There was a distinct push, both politically and by Ofgem, to view competition as the hallmark of success. It seemed to be about competition for the sake of it. The rates some were offering were clearly untenable.”

He further added, “You don’t need more than 70 suppliers to foster a competitive market, a fact made evident by the numerous collapses.”

A reduction in suppliers typically dampens competition. Now, with their hands tied due to elevated wholesale prices, the competitive deals of yesteryears are nowhere in sight.

Furthermore, many customers, previously aligned with smaller providers that folded, found themselves moved to Ofgem’s ‘supplier of last resort’ scheme, inadvertently expanding the customer base of the larger suppliers.

This widespread collapse prompted Ofgem to re-evaluate and strengthen the financial prerequisites for energy suppliers, thereby raising the entry and ongoing operational thresholds. According to Young, this is a prime factor behind the scarcity of competitive deals today.

The industry’s reshuffling left in its wake a cluster of ‘pragmatic’ suppliers, less likely to venture into the realm of unviable pricing.

 

Why Aren’t Fixed Price Tariffs More Competitive?

Following the decline in the October price cap, suppliers have discreetly rolled out fixed tariffs for their clientele. However, a glance at these offerings reveals that few are competitively positioned against the price cap, though they mark a step forward.

The majority of these tariffs hover slightly below or above the cap, making them redundant for those who aren’t seeking payment predictability in the coming months.

No Shift in Standing Tariffs

Standing charges – a consistent fee regardless of energy consumption – are anticipated to rise in the forthcoming months, drawing increased attention.

To truly foster competition, suppliers need to challenge the pricing of major players in the sector, opines Angharad Carrick. Yet, experts are sceptical about such a shift, noting the current trend seems to favour suppliers.

Ofgem has hinted at a provisional £17 bill hike to ‘safeguard the energy sector’. Reducing standing charges would impact suppliers’ profit margins, which might be questionable to consumers, especially in light of some suppliers’ impressive recent profits.

With wholesale prices descending as these tariffs came into play, why don’t they offer better value?

If you concur with Cornwall Insight’s energy specialists, who predict a price surge in January, these tariffs might be appealing. Their perceived non-competitiveness stems from market fluctuations, supplier strategies, and the energy price cap’s computation process.

With the price cap updated quarterly instead of biannually, Young believes it’s now more reflective of the prevailing market. “During the wholesale price surge, the cap was the most affordable option. Hence, many chose the cap at the end of their fixed deals,” he explained. “Due to the regular cap revisions, we’re unlikely to see huge deviations in fixed tariffs from the cap.”

Given the sustained elevated wholesale prices post-crisis, suppliers’ pricing flexibility is limited. Moreover, with a reduced number of emerging suppliers challenging the market, a significant departure from the price cap is improbable.

Energy specialist Gareth Kloet, associated with GoCompare, conveyed: “We don’t dictate that pricing. If energy’s future gets murkier, prices might soar. The regulator holds the cap, but their actions reflect market dynamics.”

 

Is Octopus Poised to Be Britain’s Premier Supplier?

While pricing competition may be stifled, suppliers aren’t about to halt their ambitions to expand their customer base.

Notably, Octopus Energy’s recent purchase of Shell Energy, following its acquisition of Bulb Energy, has made waves in the industry. With the Shell Energy deal and its 1.5 million customers, Octopus is close on the heels of British Gas for the title of the UK’s leading energy provider.

Gareth Kloet, energy expert at GoCompare, remarked, “Octopus has truly emerged as a formidable contender. If they manage to woo half a million British Gas customers, the market competition, especially between these giants, will intensify.”

According to Kloet, if he helmed British Gas, he’d be strategizing to retain their leadership. “Currently, British Gas’s strategy seems limited to reflecting the price cap. While Octopus might be preoccupied with customer transitions from Shell in the short term, there’s no doubt they have their sights set on the top spot.”

Considering the limitations on price adjustments due to the energy price cap and elevated wholesale prices, suppliers might differentiate themselves through customer service and diverse tariff options.

Young believes the rise of electric vehicles and solar panel setups presents an opportunity. Suppliers could focus on crafting innovative tariffs tailored to these sectors. “With the surge in EVs comes the demand for charging stations. Consumers with home chargers would prefer innovative tariff plans to benefit from cost-effective charging times,” Young stated.

Kloet adds that the provision of bundled services, like boiler coverage, might emerge as a way for suppliers to offer value beyond just energy, enhancing customer loyalty.

Recent Ofgem data indicates that, despite soaring prices, consumers are actively switching providers. In July 2023, switches increased by 18% from the previous month, marking a staggering 96% rise from July 2022. Although this is still 62% below figures from two years prior, the onset of colder months and the reintroduction of fixed-price tariffs might nudge more individuals to reconsider their choices.

Young opined, “A combination of pioneering tariffs and top-tier customer service will instigate change. The audience for this is expanding, and competition will thrive, albeit in a manner distinct from the traditional price-based rivalry.”

While consumers might not see a flurry of discounted deals this winter, the energy market’s temperature is undoubtedly rising.

In Europe, the third quarter saw a historic surge in renewable energy production, with wind and solar energy leading the charge, as revealed in a recent report.

European Renewable Energy Achieves Record High in Q3, EnAppSys Report Reveals

Europe’s renewable energy generation soared to an all-time high in the third quarter, as indicated by a detailed analysis from energy data specialist, EnAppSys.

The study, which focused on the European electricity market trends from July 1 to September 30, showed that renewable energy output during this timeframe rose by 12% in comparison to Q3 2022. A remarkable surge in wind power, reaching 95TWh,up from 84TWh in the same period the prior year,was a key contributor.

Interestingly, the report underscored a consistent dip in wholesale prices. This was predominantly influenced by a combination of reduced gas costs, abundant wind energy, and a decrease in electricity consumption. There were instances of negative pricing, particularly earlier in the quarter.

While electricity prices maintained relative stability from July onward, there was a noticeable price hike towards the end of August. This was attributed to a spike in gas prices due to a strike announcement by Australian LNG workers.

Another point of note was the continuing downtrend in Europe’s total power consumption since Q1 2023, which was 7% lower in Q3 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.

Gas-powered generation experienced a significant drop, plummeting 27% to 103TWh, marking its most subdued performance in recent times. Nuclear power saw a modest uptick from Q3 2022, whereas coal and lignite generation took a substantial hit, dropping roughly 38% relative to the same timeframe.