Global Scans · Homes · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: The number of smart homes is expected to grow further and by 2020 it is expected 46.2 million homes in the US and 44.9 million in Europe will be classed as smart homes. By 2022 there could be nearly 500 smart devices that can be connected to a smart home.

• [New] Household bills could rise by more than £100 a year by the end of the decade to maintain and upgrade the UK's electricity and gas networks, in a move that threatens Ed Miliband's pledge to cut the cost of energy. Electricity Info
• [New] The Cleve Hill solar park, situated in Kent in England's south, consists of over 550,000 solar panels and is expected to provide clean electricity equivalent to the needs of 102,000 homes, and is being hailed as a landmark on multiple fronts. Electricity Info
• [New] As daytime temperatures remain above 40 ° C for some weeks already, Saudi Arabia will maximize crude and fuel oil burning for power generation, usually peaking in July when Saudi generators burn a whopping 1.5 million b/d of fuel to keep Saudi homes cool. Aussie Stock Forums
• [New] A Potential Return Of Donald Trump To The White House And His Aggressive Trade Policies could Further Diversify Supply Chains Away From China. archyde
• [New] For residents of Sharjah, the rail project will eventually provide faster and more eco-friendly transportation options, improving commute times between emirates and reducing reliance on personal vehicles. UPPERNEWS: UAE news, Dubai news, technology news
• [New] The White House fiscal year 2026 budget proposal for NASA included a 25% reduction in NASA's funding and plans to phase out the SLS and Orion spacecraft after Artemis III. The Diplomat
• [New] When complete, the North West Sydney growth area will be home to about 250,000 people and it is one of the fastest growing parts of Australia, with new housing, schools and hospitals placing increased demand on the road network. Felix Software
• [New] Bill will provide guidance to clients as California sees a resurgence in development activity, especially in energy and infrastructure, where ambitious climate and housing goals are generating unprecedented demand for legal counsel. Yahoo Finance
• [New] The CRFB said that modelers other than the CEA have projected economic growth in the range of 0.1% to 1.3% per year, producing less of an increase in take-home pay for families. FactCheck.org
• [New] In an unprecedented move, Canada's federal government has introduced a detailed three-year immigration levels plan that, for the first time, includes not only permanent residents but also temporary residents such as international students and foreign workers. Visa And Immigrations
• [New] Home health and hospice providers were weak after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposes a 6.4% reduction cut in 2026 Medicare payments. eOption
• [New] The 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan targets 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, a reduction from 485,000 in 2024, reflecting concerns about housing, healthcare capacity, and economic integration. Immigration News Canada
• [New] The eagerly anticipated Future Homes Standard, set to come into full effect, mandates that most new build homes in England will include solar panels, embrace low-carbon heating systems like heat pumps, and meet far more stringent energy efficiency standards. FocusNews
• [New] Data centers account for around one-tenth of global electricity demand growth to 2030, less than the share from industrial motors, air conditioning in homes and offices, or electric vehicles. IEA
• [New] Over the next 25 years, England's landscapes will need to change to support climate change mitigation and adaptation, economic growth, housing delivery, food production, clean energy, and meeting statutory targets for nature. GOV.UK
• [New] With rooftop solar, households can save money on their bills and take greater control of their energy use; we estimate that a typical UK home could save around £500 a year from installing rooftop solar, based on the current energy price cap. GOV.UK
• [New] Florida's population demographics show significant shifts, driven by migration trends, with an influx of residents from northern states seeking warm climates and job opportunities. EDUINDEX NEWS
• [New] There is hope among families of Israeli hostages that Mr Trump's involvement in securing the recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran might lead to more pressure for a deal in Gaza. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• The $5 million funding from Rio Tinto to the Pilbara Aboriginal Health Alliance will enhance vital Indigenous-led health care for families across the Pilbara and treat patients closer to Country. NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health New
• The Australian dollar advanced as hopes rose for peace in the Middle East and stable inflation at home. AutoRebateForeX
• The proposed Rhode Island law would target owners of luxury second homes valued at $1 million, imposing annual fees that could soar into the six-figures. New York Post
• Restoring affordability could increase the number of households in Canada by 2% by 2035, particularly among younger adults forming new households. blogTO

Last updated: 05 July 2025