A couple in Braintree, Essex, has successfully reduced their monthly heating costs to just £40 by participating in a new energy scheme trial. Terrence, 76, and Lesley Bridges, 75, decided to replace their gas boiler with a data center containing over 500 computer banks stored in their shed. This innovative system generates heat, which is then channeled into their hot water system.

Previously, the Bridges were spending £375 per month to heat their two-bedroom bungalow. Since installing the data center in December 2024, their bills have dropped significantly to a range of £40 to £70 per month. Mr. Bridges expressed his relief at no longer worrying about heating costs, especially given his wife’s health 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. The Bridges also had solar panels installed on their roof, further contributing to their energy efficiency.

The innovative solution has garnered praise for its effectiveness in providing clean and affordable power. The CEO of Thermify, Travis Theune, highlighted the company’s mission to combat fuel poverty in the UK by utilizing existing electricity to heat homes.

Eastlight Community Homes’ Head of Asset Management & Investment, Daniel Greenwood, commended the collaboration with SHIELD partners to implement the heat hub technology. The successful trial at the Bridges’ home demonstrated significant carbon reductions and cost savings, with plans to extend the initiative to 50 more homes in the next phase.

UK Power Networks’ innovation program manager, Jack McKellar, emphasized the importance of SHIELD in enabling vulnerable households to benefit from low-carbon technologies. Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund supports the scaling of the project to reach 100,000 units annually by 2030, aligning with the UK’s green energy transition goals.