New protections introduced for homes and businesses on heat networks
Today represents a significant milestone, with the Government introducing regulations for heat networks for the first time. With these regulations heat networks are well placed to play their role in delivering clean heat, underpinned by robust consumer protection that will help build confidence and trust.
These regulations will protect customers, in homes and businesses connected to heat networks, from poor treatment and inadequate levels of service as heat networks will now be obliged to meet the standards and expectations set out in Ofgem’s authorisation conditions. Ofgem will have powers to act where these standards are not met and will also have the powers to act against unfair price hikes and poor customer service. Heat network consumers will also now have grounds to hold their service providers to account through a clear and transparent complaints process, including routes to redress through the independent Ombudsman where things go wrong.
Vulnerable consumers will receive tailored protections, including the provision of a priority services register and protection from disconnection and forced pre-payment meter installation. For information on if and how the regulations may apply to you, please visit the Ofgem website.
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Speaking during a visit yesterday to the Queens Quay heat network in Clydebank, Scotland, Minister McCluskey (pictured right) said:
“For too long, customers on heat networks have been unprotected, being hit with unfair price rises and having to manage with hugely inconvenient service outages.”
“It’s simply not good enough - and that is why from today, we’re giving Ofgem new powers to act and hold heat network suppliers operating a poor-quality service to account.
“Support is already available through the Energy Ombudsman, and I would encourage anyone with an ongoing issue with their heat network to get in touch with them and take advantage of these new consumer rights."
Listen to what the Minister had to say at Queens Quay (YouTube)
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Green Heat Network Fund helps new low carbon projects
Projects in London, Salford and Sunderland are beneficiaries of funding awards totalling over £47m. The four projects are:
- The Sunderland Central Heat Network aims to provide heat from a new data centre to buildings across the city. It is expected to unlock a £67m investment opportunity for the city, creating almost 300 jobs as well as apprenticeships.
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Waterloo Heat Network aims to provide heat from the Thames to 12 buildings in central London including the Southbank Centre, National Theatre, BFI Southbank and King’s College London. The project is anticipated to generate almost 200 jobs, alongside apprenticeships, scholarships and trainee opportunities.
- The expansion of the Media City heat network in Salford (pictured above), taking heat from the Manchester Ship Canal and supplying it to buildings in the MediaCity creative hub.
- The Hounslow Heat Network, which aims to take waste heat from a local sewage treatment plant to supply some 30 buildings including a local NHS Trust, libraries, commercial buildings and other amenities.
You can find out more about these projects from this press release.
Image credit: Talan
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Heat networks made simple: New video series for operators, managers and students
The heat networks sector is growing. As is does, we’re making sure we’re supporting those in the operation and maintenance sector to continue to build the knowledge and skills to meet the needs of a growing market.
We’ve produced a 13-part video series designed for current and future staff working for heat network service providers, as well as those who own or manage buildings supplied by district heat networks or communal heating systems.
The content is suitable for those with limited or no technical knowledge, can double as an educational resource for students learning about the heat network sector and even includes a consumer‑focused video to help engage and inform end users.
The aim is to improve performance and reliability, support market readiness for future standards, stimulate training provision, signpost funded training routes and promote careers in a growing sector as heat networks expand towards supplying around 20 per cent of UK heat by 2050.
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Supporting best practice: HIU guide for a growing sector
There is a new handy reference guide for trained installers of HIUs to use in the field and for their continued learning. Published by The Manufacturers of Equipment for Heat Networks Association (MEHNA) it includes practical steps to support consistent, high-quality installations and servicing of Heat Interface Units (HIUs) in alignment with Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme proposals.
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Other News
Opportunity for businesses on a heat network to inform Ofgem’s approach to regulation
If you’re a business on a heat network and can take part in a 60-minute telephone or video interview during January or February, Ofgem wants your insights.
Register your interest by filing out a short form. For more details, please contact Thinks Insight & Strategy on ofgem-hn-research@thinksinsight.com or call 020 7845 5880. They have been commissioned by Ofgem to conduct this research into the experiences of businesses supplied by a heat network.
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New HNTAS Newsletters (REMINDER)
We will be issuing newsletter focused on HNTAS soon. specific updates on the scheme, please
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