Gas-News has now kick-started the Clean up Corgi campaign, developed with a view to mainstream print media advertising. The objective to rally support for an all-out attack on what is seen as an abuse of the Corgi name and exploitation of Installers by vested interests. More via the link opposite.

HSE REVIEW 2006 – 05.03.2006

There has already been some discussion on the 2006 Review of Consumer Gas Safety. To assist visitors we have compiled some notes and links on the subject.

This does not prevent anyone taking a direct approach to whoever they consider appropriate, as Gas-News is doing. That is in addition to addressing Lord Hunt and the HSE appointed contractors more

EVENTS 2006 – 05.03.2006

A huge line-up of events this year to compete with the world cup and other annoying distractions. Starting next week we have DHPTE at Blackburn, followed by Water, Sewerage and Waste, fittingly in Manchester.

Next month Interbuild [NEC] returns with a depressingly reduced cast from our industry. Your editor will be at the NEC but wearing three different hats - There are concurrent shows on other subjects: See Events

CORGI REVIEW – 05.02.2006

A tempting headline in H&V News [page 3 Feb 4] suggests more than the standard review of CORGI activities every five years. We’ll have to wait and see.

The report adds that independent consultants have yet to be appointed. We will of course be producing our own report and lobbying all MPs who might have an interest in the subject. In our view gas safety is not at the cutting edge of CORGI’s strategy as it should be.

BG STRIKE DEAL – 23.01.2006

The same whopping majority of British Gas operatives who voted to deliver a short, sharp, shock in defence of their rights, have now voted for a deal.

Fortunately the message delivered was sufficiently potent to keep industrial action to a minimum and the GMB were able to negotiate from a more equitable platform.

CONSUMER COUNCIL (NI) BLASTS PHOENIX – 22.01.2006

An intrepid General Consumer Council of Northern Ireland has launched a scathing attack on natural gas supplier PHOENIX, for a recent price hike. The increase leaves Northern Ireland customers paying two thirds more than gas customers in Great Britain - more

WARM FRONT EXTENDED – 17.01.2006

Guardian Unlimited reports on the latest expansion to warm front in favour of pensioners, and presumably boiler manufacturers. Free insulation is also on offer to boost energy saving - more

DRAIN FREE CONDENSING BOILER – 15.01.2006

Atmos Heating Systems have developed the first ever drain free condensing gas boiler – Product Focus 9 takes a look

BOILER SALES PLUNGE – 15.01.2006

First announced by Gas-News some time ago, overall boiler sales have plunged.

We had plenty of evidence from those trying – unnecessarily – to convince us that condensing boiler sales were healthy, but they tried to conceal the truth about overall boiler sales. Our own sources had already confirmed both.

Proof now exists, if proof were needed, in PHAM News this week. Our own sources tell us overall boiler sales are much worse than the 7% plunge mentioned in PHAM News. Their Editor states that the shortfall is bad for merchants [which is patently obvious] and also states it is bad for Installers. We doubt the latter.

The front page article quoting Roger Webb tells us sales of parts have increased for boilers more difficult to replace with condensing boilers. We can agree on the sales but not the reasons. With the plethora of options for condensing boilers, no boiler is too difficult to replace.

The real problem is the cost of compliance with Part L [2002].

Given the correspondence received by Gas-News from the public, Installers are clearly happy to quote Part L 2002 to boost their income. A suspicious population contacts us and no doubt others for proof. But many people do not have the money. It is as simple as that; When is the Government going to wake up to the real world ?

Which introduces our old chestnut. Why not insist on Part L compliance with all old homes sold as they do with new homes. Short-term interest free loans supervised by the new breed of [HIP] Home Inspectors could boost the cause of Kyoto.

Boiler sales will then rocket. Time to put their short-term loan money where their currently naïve ambitions are. Nothing less will ever work.