A couple in Braintree, Essex, has successfully reduced their monthly heating expenses to just £40 by participating in a new energy initiative trial. Terrence, 76, and Lesley Bridges, 75, made the switch from a gas boiler to a unique system involving over 500 computer banks stored in their shed. These computer banks generate heat, which is then channeled into their hot water system, significantly cutting down their heating costs from £375 to a range of £40 to £70 per month. The couple, who have resided in their bungalow for three years, had the data center installed in December 2024.
Mr. Bridges, a retired RAF sergeant, expressed relief at no longer having to worry about heating costs and the comfort it brings, especially for his wife who suffers from spinal stenosis. The innovative system, called the HeatHub data center, is a product of Thermify and is part of the UK Power Networks’ SHIELD project aimed at assisting low-income households in transitioning to net zero energy consumption.
Pleased with the scheme, Mr. Bridges highlighted the benefits of having the data center in the shed, avoiding any disruption to their living space. The compact size of the system, similar to a chest freezer, also includes a battery and converter. The couple’s positive experience has led to recommendations to others considering similar solutions to reduce heating expenses and improve home comfort.
Thermify’s CEO, Travis Theune, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing both clean and affordable energy solutions, with the mission to combat fuel poverty in the UK. The successful implementation of the Heat Hub at the Bridges’ residence has demonstrated considerable carbon reductions and cost savings, paving the way for the expansion of the initiative to more households in the future. Eastlight Community Homes’ Daniel Greenwood praised the innovative technology and its positive impact on residents’ lives, endorsing the potential for broader adoption to enhance energy efficiency and affordability.
The collaborative efforts of partners in the SHIELD project, supported by Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund, aim to scale up the deployment of low-carbon technologies to benefit vulnerable and low-income households. With a target to reach 100,000 units annually by 2030, the project aligns with the UK’s green energy transition goals, ensuring equitable access to emerging technologies for a sustainable future.
