In focus this Big Energy Saving Week: how green technology is helping customers in Failsworth save energy and money

Homes that are more environmentally friendly and economical to run are among the benefits that state-of-the art, green technology is bringing to customers at our new-build apartments on Albert Street West and Woodhall Street in Failsworth.

Each property at the highly sustainable, energy performance certificate (EPC) A rated development is equipped with a sophisticated electrical heating and hot water system designed to help minimise its carbon footprint and help residents save money on energy bills.

The homes, completed in 2020 with our partner John Southworth Builders, are among 100 across the UK, Ireland, Belgium and France participating in the pioneering Interreg NWE funded Rethink Electricity Distribution without Load Following (RED WoLF) pilot project and using its smart technology.

How does the RED WoLF technology work?

Solar panels on the apartment buildings generate renewable energy, which is stored in batteries along with other low carbon energy drawn from the national grid at times when there is low demand for electricity.

When a customer wants to use energy in their home, the energy monitoring system decides whether to take electricity from the grid or one of the storage devices, taking into account the availability and cost of green energy from the grid.

In use the smart system helps to limit each home’s carbon emissions and keep customers’ energy costs down.

What our customers say

Dennis and Teresa Flynn are among the FCHO customers who are benefitting from the eco-friendly system.

Speaking last year about the difference that it is making to him and his wife, Dennis said: “Since the monitoring technology was installed, our bills are quite a lot cheaper than they were and the place is warm – we don’t have to alter radiators or the water temperature.”

Teresa adds: “It’s so easy to use. You don’t really have to do anything with the system, it just works by itself.”

The future

This exciting pilot project has enabled us to test the potential of the low-carbon technology and how it can help us achieve our ambitious sustainability targets, while driving significant benefits for our customers.

Looking ahead, our Development team will be using learning from the RED WoLF project and incorporating more sustainable technologies into our new build homes to make them better for the environment and provide high quality, sustainable, great homes that meet housing need today and are fit for the future.

Watch this video to find out more about how the RED WoLF system is making a difference to our customers.