A Braintree couple, Terrence, 76, and Lesley Bridges, 75, have successfully reduced their monthly heating costs to just £40 by participating in a novel energy initiative. They replaced their gas boiler with a data center containing over 500 computer banks in their shed. This setup generates heat that is channeled into their hot water system, significantly cutting down their heating bills from £375 to £40-70 per month.
Terrence Bridges, a retired RAF sergeant, expressed relief at the newfound affordability of heating their home. The couple’s innovative heating system, named the HeatHub, is a creation of Thermify and is part of the UK Power Networks’ SHIELD project, aiming to help low-income households transition to net zero energy consumption. The Bridges also had solar panels installed on their roof as part of the program.
The couple’s positive experience has garnered attention, with Mr. Bridges advocating for the system’s effectiveness in providing consistent warmth throughout their bungalow. Travis Theune, CEO of Thermify, highlighted the company’s mission to combat fuel poverty in the UK by offering clean and cost-effective energy solutions.
Daniel Greenwood from Eastlight Community Homes commended the collaborative efforts to improve residents’ living conditions through sustainable technologies like the Thermify Heat Hub. The successful trial at the Bridges’ home has shown significant carbon reductions and reduced heating costs, leading to plans to expand the initiative to 50 more homes in the next phase.
Jack McKellar, the UK Power Networks innovation program manager, emphasized the importance of initiatives like SHIELD in enabling vulnerable households to benefit from eco-friendly technologies. The project aims to scale up to benefit 100,000 units annually by 2030, ensuring no one is left behind in the transition to a greener future.