A Braintree couple, Terrence and Lesley Bridges, have significantly reduced their monthly heating costs to just £40 by participating in a new energy scheme trial. They replaced their gas boiler with a data center consisting of over 500 computer banks stored in their shed. This innovative system generates heat, which is captured and transferred into their hot water system.
Previously, the couple was spending £375 per month to heat their two-bedroom bungalow. Since installing the data center in December 2024, their heating bills have decreased to a range of £40 to £70 per month. Terrence Bridges, a retired RAF sergeant, expressed 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 energy solutions. The Bridges also had solar panels installed on their roof as part of the initiative.
Terrence Bridges praised the scheme, highlighting the effectiveness of the data center located in their shed. He emphasized the system’s efficient heating capabilities, eliminating cold spots in their bungalow and providing instant warmth when needed. The couple’s positive experience has led them to recommend the technology to others.
Thermify’s CEO, Travis Theune, highlighted the company’s mission to address fuel poverty in the UK through affordable and clean energy solutions. Similarly, Daniel Greenwood from Eastlight Community Homes commended the project’s success in reducing carbon emissions and heating costs, with plans to extend the initiative to more households.
UK Power Networks’ innovation program manager, Jack McKellar, emphasized the importance of enabling vulnerable households to access low-carbon technologies for a greener future. The SHIELD project aims to scale up its impact, targeting 100,000 units annually by 2030 to ensure wider adoption of sustainable heating solutions.