A Braintree couple, Terrence and Lesley Bridges, have successfully reduced their monthly heating bills to £40 by participating in a new energy trial. They replaced their gas boiler with a setup of over 500 computer banks housed in their shed, generating heat that is transferred to their hot water system.
Previously spending £375 a month to heat their bungalow, the Bridges now enjoy significantly lower bills ranging from £40 to £70. This change was implemented in December 2024, providing them with consistent and affordable heating. Terrence Bridges, a retired RAF sergeant, expressed his relief at no longer worrying about heating costs, especially crucial for his wife’s spinal stenosis condition.
The HeatHub data center, developed by Thermify as part of UK Power Networks’ SHIELD project, aims to help low-income households transition to net-zero energy. The Bridges also had solar panels installed on their roof, further enhancing their energy efficiency. The couple opted to place the system in their shed, avoiding disruption to their living space.
Thermify’s CEO, Travis Theune, highlighted the dual benefits of clean and affordable energy achieved through this solution, aligning with the company’s mission to combat fuel poverty in the UK. Daniel Greenwood from Eastlight Community Homes praised the initiative for making homes warmer, greener, and more cost-effective for residents.
The success of the trial at the Bridges’ home, showcasing carbon reductions and reduced heating costs, sets the stage for expanding the project to 50 more homes in the next phase. UK Power Networks plans to scale up such initiatives to 100,000 units annually by 2030, ensuring wider access to low-carbon technologies for all households.