Are you "Shining Light" on greener living?

So that explains the random parcel that just got delivered to me then? XD

I’m not going to reveal what it is however, since that would spoil the surprise. But I did get a chuckle at the note that was included! 

And the winner is…

We’ve got our first winner of the Shining Light Award, which aims to acknowledge exceptional contributions that shine a light on complex topics around green technology:

@Blastoise186 

Blastoise is already a top ranked community member, a ‘Plan Zero Hero’. At the time of writing this they’ve provided 59 ‘best answer’ solutions in the 12 months or so that they’ve been a member, and created 80 topics, many of them being informative guides and blogs. 

Over the last few weeks, Blastoise has stepped up their game in content creation: their two recent guides are well written, well researched, and offer a member-based perspective that’s easy to follow and understand:

This is a hot topic at the moment (see OVO’s FAQs on high energy costs here), and it’s really good to get the perspective of an energy customer rather then an energy supplier. It’s super detailed and covers so many related questions, which is now online and easy to find for anyone searching for advice. 

This guide aims to shed light on a new third party app that gives smart meter households a new way to view their usage. It’s something that’s separate from OVO or any other supplier, so it’s really handy to hear from an energy customer on the good and bad bits of this integration and how to set it up! Knowing your usage helps to make reductions that lower your bills, and your carbon footprint. This is a great example of how knowledge sharing can lead to win win scenarios for everyone. 

To acknowledge the great contributions @Blastoise186 has made over the last month, we’re sending out one of OVO’s branded jumpers, intended for it’s employees to keep warm whilst allowing them to turn the thermostat down a degree (and cut their carbon).

Here’s @Jess_OVO with the new jumper, standing in front of one of our OVO bikes (currently being ridden in  Glasgow, Cardiff, and the Vale of Glamorgan) and behind that is OVO’s original ‘Kitchen table’ from where the company was founded:

Keep up the great knowledge sharing, @Blastoise186 - keep being that Shining Light!

Very well deserved new badge for our Shining Light, @Blastoise186!

Are we gonna see you modelling ya new jumper then? 

We’ll have to wait and see. XD

For some weird reason, any photos of me that get posted to the internet always seem to get a bit... Messed up somehow… From being too dark and underexposed, to way too bright and massively overexposed or even just some random object that happens to photobomb at exactly the wrong moment… They never turn out that great!

congratulations @Blastoise186  and @Jess_OVO  - well deserved! 

Thanks!

That jumper is really comfy and great to wear. I just feel bad for Christian in the Support Team. I was chatting to him the other day and he apparently missed out on getting one because he was out on the day these jumpers were being given out. I kinda joked with him that I pinched his instead. XD

It is hoped however, that other forum members might earn Shining Light in the future. The physical prize you get might not always be the same (trust me, even I don’t know what else TIm and Jess are cooking up as rewards!) but it will always be something. Please don’t expect money off your energy bills or a cash reward though, as I’m afraid that’s not allowed and would never be possible. Too many headaches about anti-bribery rules, gambling rules and “employment” issues that you really don’t want to have to deal with as volunteers can’t be paid (other than being reimbursed for expenses). But a small gift as a thank you is definitely cool.

There was also a note included with my jumper. I won’t reveal it here as it’s a bit too personal but I will say this. Tim’s handwriting is nowhere near as awful as mine! At least you can actually read Tim’s writing! :D

Another day, another Shining Light

I’m happy to announce our second winner of the Shining Light Award, which aims to acknowledge exceptional contributions that shine a light on complex topics around green technology and greener living:

@hydrosam 

Hydrosam is a trialist in one of the heat pump trials that OVO are involved in. They had a heat pump fitted in 2021, and through all the ups and downs, they’re now a self confessed amateur heat pump enthusiast!

We have a private discussion area on this forum, for members of trials like the one Hydrosam is on. It’s full of information sharing based on personal experience, and knowledge picked up through research. Hydrosam is one of the top contributors in this area, as they pass on learnings that were often acquired out of necessary, to others in need.

They’re shining a light on complex questions around heat pump installation best practice, pipe and radiator changes, performance and optimisation.  Here’s some examples of heat pump threads that Hydrosam has participated in that have made it onto the public forum:

Want to learn more about heat pumps? Hydrosam is one of three guest speakers at our next online event on the 2nd of March:

Yes, Hydrosam will be shining a light on heatpumps LIVE, and you can join for free. Have a question for Hydrosam or any of the other guest speakers, post your question here:

Keep an eye on your email inbox next week, @hydrosam - you’ll be getting a prize to go alongside this forum badge to acknowledge the number of people you’ve helped!

Yay! Congrats Sam! If you keep this up, it won’t be long before another reward comes your way. Tim won’t let me share exactly what that is just yet though...

A big well done to our latest ‘Shining Light’, @hydrosam!

Here’s to hoping that we’ve managed to get that notification bug sorted in time for you to spot this topic. 

Thanks for the award @Tim_OVO & @Jess_OVO 

Its nice to receive the feedback and a badge. I’m just keen that people know that heat pumps can work but they must be operated in the best way to make the most of them, and share some of my experiences and lessons learnt in the process. 

@Jess_OVO bug resolved again 😀, hopefully permanently this time.