News
Itron reports doubling in heat meter failures
New research from Itron finds that 72 percent
of heating engineers are being called back
to address problems with heat meters, in a
marked increase from the 29 percent recorded
this time last year.
With the figures coinciding with the first
anniversary since the launch of the domestic
RHI, Itron is calling for extra guidance for
installers in order to protect the credibility of
the industry.
Although not currently mandatory for
the domestic RHI, unlike its commercial
counterpart, Itron attributes many of the
problems to the significant growth of the
industry experienced since last April.
“There are a few factors contributing
to the rise in call backs. The introduction of
the domestic RHI is largely responsible, plus
DECC has only recently made training in
this area a priority,” said Bernard McWeeney,
Itron’s water and heat manager.
“This is a relatively new industry to the
UK and installers have only been installing
heat meters in anger for the last three to four
years, so it will take time for installers to get
used to installing new kit.
“At Itron’s Heat University we are taking
positive steps to address this issue, which
sadly is not going away.”
According to McWeeney, the skills
shortage is only part of the problem with
the survey also revealing a lack of clarity on
RHI standards. For instance, 79 percent of
installers find elements of installations which
require inhibitors confusing.
He added: “What is definitely showing is
the lack of clarity around regulation itself. In
this year’s survey we added a new question
and a large number of people seem to find RHI
regulations confusing.
New trade show comes to Midlands
Installer2015 is a new national trade
show – designed to let renewables
installers, heating engineers and plumbers
get hands-on with the latest products
from over 70 exhibitors, reports Installer
magazine’s publisher Eoin McManus.
Created for installers by Installer
magazine, the trade show will be running
for three days (12-14 May) at the Ricoh
Arena in Coventry – bringing a national
event back to the Midlands again.
Featuring a wide range of exhibitors,
products and services, Installer2015 aims
to be a truly interactive event where
visitors will be able to get hands-on with
new products as well as gain valuable
insight into how the latest technologies
and services can have a positive impact on
their businesses.
As well as providing the chance to get
a first look at some brand new products,
Installer2015 will feature demonstrations
from leading manufacturers, business
insight from key industry organisations
and even the option of test driving some of
the latest vans.
As a trade show that aims to rewards
its visitors and make attending worthwhile,
there will also be special show-only offers,
6 | www.renewableenergyinstaller.co.uk
on-stand giveaways and plenty of free-to-
enter competitions.
Installer2015 will focus on hard facts
rather than hard sell, and all exhibitors
will give heating engineers, plumbers
and renewables installers the perfect
opportunity to get to grips with the latest
developments – alongside technical
experts who can answer any questions.
With ample free parking and easy
access from many of the UK’s major
motorways, the Ricoh Arena is an ideal
venue for installers from the Midlands and
beyond.
REI will be exhibiting on stand P250.
For more information, free tickets and a
registration gift, visit
www.installer2015.com
Bad press: Itron’s heat meter survey has found
a worryingly large number of devices installed
with errors, for a second consecutive year
“Clarity must come from DECC on
all aspects of domestic and non-domestic
installations and concise information is
urgently needed.”
REI partners with
Intersolar Europe
Renewable Energy Installer is delighted
to announce that it has secured a media
partnership with Intersolar Europe, taking
place in Munich from June 10-12.
REI joins a select group of the world’s
most well-respected trade titles as a Bronze
Partner, for the first time.
Editor Paul Stephen said: “Having
for many years enjoyed ongoing media
partnerships with the industry’s largest
domestic exhibitions such as SEUK and
Ecobuild, it’s wonderful to secure this added
presence on the continent.
“Not only does this benefit the brand and
our advertisers via increased circulation in the
international arena, but we will be bringing
the key news and product developments from
this tradeshow direct to our valued readers.”
For advertising opportunities and to
benefit from REI’s bonus distribution at
Intersolar, please call Jonathan Hibbert on
01565 626 760.