A Braintree couple, Terrence, 76, and Lesley Bridges, 75, have achieved significant savings on their heating bills by participating in a new energy program trial. They replaced their gas boiler with a unique system consisting of over 500 computer banks housed in their shed. This system generates heat, which is then utilized to warm their hot water supply.
Previously spending £375 per month to heat their two-bedroom bungalow, the Bridges now report reduced bills ranging between £40 and £70 monthly. The installation of the data center took place in December 2024, providing them with a cost-effective and efficient heating solution.
Terrence Bridges, a retired RAF sergeant, expressed his relief at no longer having to worry about heating costs impacting their comfort. The innovative HeatHub data center, developed by Thermify and part of UK Power Networks’ SHIELD project, aims to assist low-income households in transitioning to more sustainable energy options.
Praising the scheme, Mr. Bridges highlighted the positive impact on their home’s heating efficiency and overall comfort. The compact size of the system, equivalent to a chest freezer, along with additional solar panels, has proven successful in maintaining a consistently warm environment throughout their bungalow.
Thermify’s CEO, Travis Theune, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing clean and affordable energy solutions to combat fuel poverty in the UK. The successful trial at the Bridges’ residence has demonstrated substantial carbon reductions and lower heating costs, paving the way for further expansion to benefit more households.
With the goal of scaling up to 100,000 units annually by 2030, the SHIELD project, supported by Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund, aims to ensure that vulnerable and low-income households can access and benefit from cutting-edge low-carbon technologies. The initiative aligns with the UK’s transition towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.