In this webinar, we look at the funding opportunities available for building owners with heat networks. We discuss the significance of maintaining efficient heat networks how to access funding through the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES).
In a recent article, BBC News reported that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasised the need for new gas power stations to bolster the UK's energy supply. While this announcement may raise a few eyebrows about carbon emissions, it is important to recognise the positive impact these plants can have on utilities, particularly heat networks.
It is a requirement for all heat network owners to apply for EBDS by 31st March 2024 and pass on any discounts to customers. Read more about what building owners need to do.
In this blog, Helen Newman, our Senior Marketing Executive summarises her thoughts on our webinar about preparing for regulation following the conclusion of the Ofgem Customer Protections Consultation for Heat Network Operators.
We were invited to host Housing Quality Network’s webinar about making heat networks more efficient and how to lower bills, improve tenant satisfaction and reduce complaints. Ian Allan, Head of Market Strategy at Switch2 played host to the event. Paul Fleming, Business Development Manager at Switch2 spoke about how to improve the efficiency of heat networks.
Some practical tips and tricks to maximise your comfort and warmth while living in a heat network-powered home.
From everyone at Switch2, we wanted to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
For residents on heat networks, Government support during the energy crisis under the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) has fallen short of the support awarded to customers who receive their heat and hot water through a standard supply e.g. individual gas boiler.
However, the Government acknowledged this and in April 2023 launched the latest support scheme, the Energy Bill Discount Scheme (EBDS). Unlike its predecessor, the new scheme, which runs until 31st March 2024, provides specific support for customers on heat networks. This post will outline what the EBDS is, the support available for residents who live on heat networks and how and when residents can expect to receive this discount.
In an article written for Heating and Ventilating Review, Richard Harrison, CEO of Switch2 Energy, explains why heat networks are key to the UK’s net zero transition.
On 8th September 2022, the UK Government announced additional support measures to help mitigate the soaring cost of energy prices, but what do these additional measures mean for customers on communal heating schemes?
In an article first published by Heating and Ventilating Review magazine, Ian Allan, Head of Market Strategy for Switch2, explains how heat network owners and operators can tackle poor efficiency on communal heat schemes
Following the Government launch of energy bills support for domestic customers under the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) and for commercial customers under the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS), customers who are supplied electricity through a communal supply have, up until now, been unable to benefit from any support with their bills.
In this instalment in our unmetered series, we’ll be looking at Heat Network Regulations (HNR)exempt class buildings with a particular interest towards sheltered housing. Because the Heat Network Regulations (HNR), do not require heat meters to be installed in any buildings falling into the exempt class, sheltered housing has been overlooked as requiring heat meters to be installed, and often remains on a flat rate charging regime(a fixed weekly charge regardless of how much they use).
In a recent meeting where we had just presented the ICON connected HIU features and benefits, we were asked the following question: ‘What impact do these additional IoT benefits have on the capital cost of the HIU and what is the expected payback?
In the current economic climate, controlling costs and mitigating fuel poverty has never been more important for housing associations, local authorities or private developers with heat networks.
Switch2 are working in partnership with Greenwich Millennium Village Management Limited (GMVL) to undertake a major upgrade of the existing heat network serving phase 1 and 2 and once complete, Switch2 will operate and maintain the network as a long-term ESCo partner.
Even the decentralised energy sector sometimes struggle to understand what is community and district heating and the differences between them. Therefore we thought it would be useful to explain what they are and to demonstrate the differences, clearing up some of the common preconceptions.
As part of the launch of our next generation ICON HIU, we’re examining the role of HIUs in heat networks. In our first blog on the subject, we’ll be asking what exactly a Heat Interface Unit (HIU) is, and looking at the different types of HIU.
Rising energy prices are a concern for many in the UK and around the globe at present. According to the latest BEIS statistics, in 2020, there were an estimated 13.2 per cent of households (3.16 million) in fuel poverty in England under the Low Income Low Energy Efficiency (LILEE) metric.
Following this year’s Future of Heat conference, we thought it would be timely to revisit the topic of 4th and 5th generation heat networks, and to examine the role that they can play in the effort towards decarbonising the UK.
The race to net zero is shaking up the UK residential heat network sector – driving the need for much higher levels of energy and operational efficiency on the journey to affordable decarbonisation.
In this instalment of our series of blogs examining the role Heat Interface Units (HIUs) play in heat networks, we take a look at the key components which make up a Heat Interface Unit.
Hundreds of thousands of homes connected to UK heat networks are unmetered – resulting in major energy waste that increases both bills and carbon emissions.
As part of National Apprenticeship week, we’re looking at the journey of our National Field Operations Manager, Ben East. Ben joined as an apprentice and we couldn’t think of anyone better to showcase the value of an apprenticeship, how it can give a career a great start, as well as demonstrating how much apprenticeships have changed over time.
What to do next if your unmetered heat network tests positive for final customer meters
Hundreds of heat network operators must install final customer meters in unmetered properties – following positive cost effectiveness assessments as part of the Heat Network Metering and Billing Regulations.
Despite the many benefits of installing individual smart metering systems in homes connected to heat networks, around 250,000 UK properties are currently unmetered.
Record high gas prices have made major news headlines over the last two months, with a handful of mainstream energy companies going bust, due to them not hedging against price increases. Unsurprisingly, this has led to a chain reaction, multiplying the payback of installing individual smart metering systems in homes connected to heat networks and demonstrating a solid investment for heat network owners.
This week (20th September 2021) BEIS announced the launch of the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) Demonstrator. The scheme will deploy funding to improve performance of existing District and Communal networks.
On 27th November OPSS released the long-awaited updates to the Heat Networks (Metering and Billing) Regulations. The most significant update is the release of the cost-effectiveness assessment tool.
The customer must come first at all stages of designing, developing and delivering heat networks , says Kirsty Lambert, Director of Switch2 Energy and Chair of the Heat Network Industry Council Customer Experience working group. In this blog, she explains how the working group will drive higher customer service standards across the sector.
Heat network operators and stakeholders have been eagerly awaiting news of updates to the Heat Network Regulations. On Friday, 6 November 2020, The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) laid the Amendments before Parliament. This updated legislation will come into force on Friday, 27 November 2020.
Concern over climate change is sweeping through UK local government. Approximately 282 local authorities having declared a climate emergency. This represents 68% of all UK local authorities. These declarations commit the respective authorities to achieve net zero carbon status by a variety of target dates ranging from 2030 to 2050. There is also variation in what this means – for some it is to achieve net zero carbon for the authority itself whereas others seek to achieve it for their areas. This recognition of the seriousness of the threat of climate change is welcome. However, the test of their commitment will be in delivering net zero carbon.
There’s no ‘silver bullet’ solution to the urgent and complex heat decarbonisation challenge, but heat networks will play an increasingly important role in the sustainable heating mix – helping to deliver on net zero goals.
A new range of heat interface units (HIUs) are making their way onto the market. Said to be the next generation of HIU, the connected successor enhances the benefits of operating an indirect connected heat network. But, could it be the product of choice for your heat network project?
There is strong interest from developers, landlords and ESCos in supplying residents with electricity to reduce the cost of their overall service offering. This is often linked to the provision of heat, where combined heat and power (CHP) plant is used. The drive for lower carbon solutions is also creating new opportunities to integrate heat and power from solar PV and heat pumps.
BEIS (The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy) have confirmed an extended implementation period has been granted for the proposed amendments to the Heat Networks (Metering and Billing) Regulations 2014.
The Heat Network Market Framework is the latest proposal which will pave the way to formal regulation of the heat sector. It follows the market study by the Competition and Markets Authority in 2018, where it was found that regulation, further investment and customer protection was needed for this growing area of energy. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) published the report in February and 1st June marked the closure of the consultation period.
Partnered with Switch2, Winckworth Sherwood's May seminar was hosted as a webinar.
Ian Allan, Head of Strategy for Switch2 Energy, offers guidance on the steps communal heating suppliers must take to comply with the updated Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations (HNMBR).
Switch2 Energy has published a free guide to help district and community heating scheme operators to comply with the updated Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations.
Open or closed PAYG metering systems for heat networks, what is the difference and what's best for you and your residents?
The Office for Products and Safety Standards (OPSS) began sending reminder emails throughout September - November 2019 informing all heat network operators that they had a duty to re-notify to be compliant with Regulation 3.
In an article written for Energy in Buildings and Industry Magazine, Ian Allan, Head of Market Strategy at Switch2 Energy, discusses the important role heat networks in decarbonising the UK's heat supply.
31st December 2019 was the deadline for heat suppliers to submit their renotifications of heat networks they operate to the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS). However, we have been made aware only a small portion of the 17,000 heat networks registered in 2015 have been re-registered by the 31st December deadline.
Community heating schemes in the UK often struggle to recover the cost of consumer heating. Considering setting the tariff earlier in the project and with the resident in mind, can help keep costs low and fair.
On the back of the General Election brings a brand-new year and decade, and with it lots of talk about Net-Zero ambitions. Heat networks are growing in popularity and our blog looks at best practice standards and regulation worth keeping an eye on in 2020.
On the back of the General Election 2019 and just before the year came to a close, Lord Deben and Baroness Brown wrote to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) to congratulate him on his election victory, but also to highlight the importance of his promise in relation to the environment.
The festive winter season can be an expensive time of year. Your energy bill can quickly shoot skyward as you find yourself preparing for the big day. To help you save, we have compiled our top 10 energy saving tips to cut your consumption - and potentially your bills - this winter.
With election day tomorrow and with it the potential for a new Government to be in power for the next 5 years (probably), we take a look at the manifestos of the major running parties and how the policies could affect the district heating sector.
The smart home concept has gathered momentum over the past 5 years. With the likes of Alexa and Siri taking centre stage on how we operate technology and go about our everyday lives. Our infographic demonstrates how we see this shaping the future for community heating, and what you need to know about the smart home concept.
The tough challenge of heat decarbonisation mustn't be forgotten by global policymakers at the UN climate change conference, says heat network specialist Ian Allan, of Switch2 Energy.
Decarbonising heat is one of the toughest challenges faced in tackling the urgent climate emergency, says Ian Allan, Head of Market Strategy for heat networks
In the next few years it's unlikely that hot water and heating in new homes will be supplied by individual gas boilers. The focus will move to cleaner energy more affordable systems, such as heat networks, says Richard Slee, CEO of Switch2 Energy.
It’s the Halloween special, and we’re thinking about the scary future as the country commits its ‘dash from gas’... but to what?
This year marks the fourth anniversary of the Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations. Introduced in 2014, we take a look at how the regulations have evolved and what you need to do to remain compliant.
We revisit our infographic that explains how heat networks could help the UK reduce UK emissions.
London Climate Action Week ran from 1 - 8 July 2019. It gave Switch2 a chance to share world-leading low carbon solutions and expertise, that highlight what London is doing to tackle the climate emergency. Our infographic explains why we need to change how we heat our homes for good, and how it helps this cause.
The Housing Forum’s Innovation Forum, supported by the Mayor of London and part of the London Climate Action Week; the session took place on 5th July 2019 and focused on decarbonising the UK’s housing stock. View our SlideShare for more:
Watch our short video explaining what a heat network is and the benefits.
This week we're supporting the first London Climate Action Week.
It's our intention at Switch2, to raise the profile of heat networks as a mechanism to decarbonise heat in the UK. Our SlideShare looks at what the future might hold for our core cities and the use of district and community heating.
This year we were lucky enough to visit the Housing Forum's 2019 National Conference ‘The Challenge of Change’ in London on the 9th May.
Until now, the conversation around community heating has focused on engineering and other technical issues. But, increasingly, policymakers are stepping in with rules (and incentives) to drive value for money and the needs of the end user. In this slideshare presentation we explore the issues.
A simplified analogy to open protocol heat networks, heat network owners are becoming increasingly interested in the option to ‘pick n mix’ their network suppliers. Our podcast explains the common challenges when adopting this approach and ways that it can be alleviated.
The Heat Network Delivery Unit (HNDU) funding round nine has launched. Could you be eligible to enter? Our blog looks at what you need to know about the HNDU funding, and how it can help future heat network projects.
How to ensure your district or community heating scheme delivers on its full cost and carbon saving potential
Heat networks in the UK often struggle to recover the cost of consumer heating. Considering setting the tariff earlier in the project and with the resident in mind, can help keep costs low and fair.
The UK must cut carbon emissions by 80 per cent to meet 2050 targets, but with a third of those emissions coming from heating draughty buildings; insulation is key. Our blog explains what can be done to improve in building efficiencies using insulation.
A brief guide to the Department for Business Energy Industrial Strategy (BEIS) open letter to heat network operators.
Blue Planet Live is back on TV; fuelling the public with avid interest into protecting our planet from climate change. Furthermore, the headlines keep coming in about Councils and towns announcing ‘climate emergencies’. Our blog looks at the initiatives behind a climate emergency and how they are using heat networks to drive down carbon.
The pipes may be gleaming now but, when it is up and running, your heat network will be under stress. That’s why future maintenance should be a key consideration in the early planning stages.
This week, the Chancellor presented his Spring Statement to Parliament and we’ve compiled the green bits relating to the housing and energy sector (and most importantly, heat networks)!
Advances in technology are putting community heating in a better proposition than ever before, for customers and developers alike; improving flexibility, efficiency and cutting carbon emissions.
Last week, the Committee on Climate Change called for a ban on new installations of gas boilers into new homes. But how will this help the UK reduce emissions? And more importantly, how could heat networks help?
Heat Trust has made headlines this week announcing that the free independent customer services standards is now open to heat network suppliers, that do not have heat energy supply agreements with customers. Meaning that thousands more people who receive heat through a heat network will now have access to the independent customer protection scheme. But what is the importance of this and how will it help the industry?
The heat networks investment programme has widened its net and put in place a strategic alliance set to support heat networks in England and Wales. Additionally, it’s now available to the private sector, so what do you need to know about it and how will it shape future heat network projects in the UK?
January is well underway and with it lots of talk of Brexit (surprisingly!). But, what about heat networks we hear you ask? Our blog looks at best practice standards and regulation worth keeping an eye out on in 2019.
When your heat network is ready to run, you’ll need to start recouping your costs. This is where a properly planned and well-executed metering and billing system is worth every penny of investment. This infographic presentation provides a six-point plan to ensure bills are sent out on a regular basis, residents are only charged for the energy they use, and payments come in on time.
The festive winter season can be an expensive time of year. Your energy bill can quickly shoot skyward as you find yourself preparing for the big day. To help you save, we have compiled our top 10 energy saving tips to cut your consumption - and potentially your bills - this winter.
Home energy consumption has fallen, but UK households are still paying a great deal more for their energy. We round up the key UK energy statistics of 2018 and have highlighted the trends.
Christmas can be an expensive time of year, but you can cut costs this winter with the following energy saving tips.
The smart home concept has gathered momentum over the past 5 years. With the likes of Alexa and Siri taking centre stage on how we operate technology and go about our everyday lives. Our infographic demonstrates how we see this shaping the future for community heating, and what you need to know about the smart home concept.
The Heat Network Delivery Unit (HNDU) funding round eight comes to a close on 31st December 2018. Could you be eligible to enter? Our blog looks at what you need to know about the HNDU funding, and how it can help future heat network projects.
Helping you understand the Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) market study into heat networks and the impact this could have on the industry. Get in the know, by downloading our latest free eGuide.
Scientists are concerned that climate change is rapidly increasing due to human activity. With the Guardian's Mayer Hillman commenting that we either we cut out fossil fuels completely, or we pass on a dying planet to our children. But how can heat networks help the UK improve emissions contributing to climate change? Our infographic investigates:
Providing a service that is both helpful and transparent is key to keeping the resident happy on community heating schemes. Fiona McDonald, head of customer services at Switch2 and crowned Champion of the year at the Decentralised Energy Awards; tells us what should be considered to get customer services right.
To celebrate GreenGB week, we explain how adopting heat network for heat and hot water for your development can reap environmental rewards as well boosting financial and fuel-efficiency.
A successful metering strategy is crucial to delivering high performing district heating schemes. But connect this with the Building Energy Management System (BEMS) and remote monitoring, and now you're on to something!
A heat network must deliver quality heat at an affordable price. But with many stakeholders in the supply chain how can this be achieved? Our infographic explains.
Community heating systems are leading the fight against one of the UK’s more avoidable social issues.
The UK needs to cut carbon emissions by 80 per cent in order to meet 2050 targets. And with a third of those emissions coming from heating draughty buildings; insulation is key. But what should be considered when community heating is in the mix?
A community heating scheme can bring enormous benefits to residents and the environment, but for the best results heat consumers need to be well informed, and shown how to get the best out of the system.
Similarly to worker bees, community heating schemes need to be efficient, running to optimum performance in order to ensure quality heat and affordability to end customers (or in the case of bees, ensuring enough food for winter). So what should housing managers consider to improve scheme efficiencies and provide a fair deal for the resident?
With plans to increase the number of heat networks in the UK, questions are being asked whether existing customers are coping and if any lessons have been learned. Locked in with a heat supplier for a fixed term, customers often complain about the cost of bills and if they are getting value for money. Setting the right heat tariff is paramount. So, it’s worth exploring the options available before deciding on the best one for you and your customers.
It has been the hottest summer since 1976, and with the summer holidays finally here; our short summer read is just what you need to keep you in the know about the sector. Our blog post looks at some of the hot topics from 2018 (a perfect read in between child-minding, or during a lunch break).
The competitions and markets authority (CMA) have published their final report, along with recommended regulation. But what does it mean for our industry? Our infographic explains:
It's no surprise that an efficient community heating scheme will provide better benefits and a reliable, consistent service to residents. But how can this be done and what needs to be considered? Our SlideShare investigates.
It is a well known challenge that heat networks can be perceived as a monopoly. But why? And how are heat networks different to the national grid and domestic gas boilers?
As we kick-start the annual Clean Air Day, we wanted highlight exactly how heat networks play an important role in making everyday a clean air day. The past few years district heating has been placed under the spotlight as an answer to upgrading our city space to becoming zero carbon. But how is this possible?
Our latest SlideShare explains how smart metering can deliver exceptional levels of customer service across heat networks, while helping heat scheme owners and operators to reduce debt risk and comply with the latest regulations.
A few weeks ago the Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) announced its preliminary findings resulting from their study of the heat network industry. In our blog we discuss the findings you need to know and how proposed regulation might affect existing heat networks, and more importantly the end customer.
Over the past few months, we’ve been focusing on putting residents at the heart of community heating schemes. Here are five posts that will give you the guidance you need.
To measure and manage the heat network efficiency, the installation of appropriate metering needs to be considered and implemented. Metering needs to be of the right type, installed in the right place and provide accurate, reliable data. And, to be effective, you need an airtight metering strategy. To understand this better, we've put together the go to guide: Metering for efficiency.
Heating our homes and businesses causes almost a third of UK emissions, yet carbon reduction policy has traditionally centred on power supply. Excellent progress has been made in decarbonising the UK's power supply in recent years, with a huge shift to renewable energy sources. Now the focus is rightly moving to heat.
Find out how heat networks can save money, cut pollution and ease fuel poverty.
As the Easter weekend fast approaches, we have compiled our top five favourite community heating blogs that are sure to make an interesting ‘spring read’. Covering topics on Regulation to customer engagement; make sure that you are in-the-know when it comes to what is happening within the heat network industry.
With plans to increase the number of heat networks in the UK, questions are being asked whether existing customers are coping and if any lessons have been learned. Locked in with a heat supplier for a fixed term, customers often complain about the cost of bills and if they are getting value for money. Setting the right heat tariff is paramount. So, it’s worth exploring the options available before deciding on the best one for you and your customers.
How advanced smart metering for heat networks is achieving outstanding customer services for heat networks. Watch our SlideShare to learn more.
There is a major motive to reduce emissions from cars and electricity generation; transport and power stations actually only account for 20% and 30% respectively of our carbon emissions, compared to 50% from heat production.
District heating in the UK is starting to show its prowess as an answer to low carbon heat. Our latest blog looks at the top five heat networks and how they are bringing innovation to the sector and benefits to residents.
To measure and manage the heat network efficiency, the installation of appropriate metering needs to be considered and implemented. Metering needs to be of the right type, installed in the right place and provide accurate, reliable data. And, to be effective, you need an airtight metering strategy.
The green credentials of creating renewable energy for community heating are now well established. But as networks become more established and expand, important economic benefits are feeding through. Add to that the Government funding commitments for at least the next four years, and now really is the time for developers to explore their options.
Many building owners are challenged with either upgrading community heating systems or converting buildings with gas or electricity. It may still be the case that some residents remain wary and sceptical about community district heating schemes; especially when they will be contractually tied into one supplier.
Did you know that for every kWh created for electricity – 2 kWh of heat is wasted? Or that the UK throws enough heat to fulfil our total demand in heating? Our latest blog looks at recycling the heat that we currently are wasting in our cities and industries.
With many initiatives and strategies announced in 2017 placing heat networks as an answer to clean heat in high dense areas; what does the New Year have in store for the industry? Our latest post explores some of the hot topics likely to take centre stage in 2018 and the initiatives that are worth keeping an eye on.
The festive winter season can be an expensive time of year. Your energy bill can quickly shoot skyward as you find yourself preparing for the big day. To help you save, we have compiled our top 10 energy saving tips to cut your consumption - and potentially your bills - this winter.
Now in the final few days of 2017 and ready to break up for Christmas; it’s time to reflect on what 2017 has brought to the heat network industry. Our latest blog reflects upon some of the initiatives that have happened and what is worth keeping an eye on in 2018.
This year's ADE Heat Conference saw Kirsty Lambert present how to get customer services right on community heating schemes. Heat networks can bring a variety of benefits to residents but only when they are fully informed about the system; how to use it, and get the most out of it. Watch our SlideShare for our key advice.
It’s no surprise that an efficient community heating scheme will provide greater benefits and a more reliable and consistent service to residents compared to an inefficient heating scheme. So what should housing managers consider to improve scheme efficiencies and provide a fair deal for the resident?
Last week, the Chancellor delivered his Autumn Budget to the House of Commons. It was highly anticipated and expected to provide more significant structural changes than the first budget delivered in spring 2017; but what were the changes that will affect district heating and the housing sector?
Customer service best practice teaches us that the ‘the customer always comes first’, so why should customers on heat networks be treated any differently? We consider how customer services should be at the heart of a heat network and how heat providers can deliver best-in-class customer services that will improve the scheme but also give back added value to the customer and you.
It's encouraging to see UK policymakers getting to grips with tackling heat loss, which is one of the biggest sources of energy waste in our towns and cities.
Community heating schemes can bring a variety of benefits to residents but only when they are fully informed about the system; how to use it, and get the most out of it. Here are our top tips to successfully engaging with the resident after installing a new heating scheme.
The Clean Growth Strategy announced last week set out 50 policies and proposals that aim to achieve decarbonisation across several sectors by 2030. With heat networks playing a common theme throughout, we look at what’s in store for our industry.
At our latest seminar, Simon Trevenna from the Department of Business Energy Industrial Strategy (BEIS) discussed the latest updates to the Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations since the General Election held in May 2017. This blog looks at the key information and changes to deadlines that you need to know, in order to stay compliant.
September is upon us and with it, the promise of a chilly autumn; which means we need to be ready to tackle the next heat season. With major reports from leading charities for both the elderly and children, fuel poverty is an important topic that must be addressed. Read on to see how more effective community heat metering can alleviate the issue.
A community heating scheme can bring enormous benefits to residents and the environment, but for the best results heat consumers need to be well informed, and shown how to get the best out of the system.Our blog looks at key topics to successful resident engagement.
In an article written for Energy Management magazine, Ian Allan, Head of R&D for community heating specialist Switch2 Energy, explains the latest legislative changes affecting the UK's communal energy and district heating schemes and what they mean for heat suppliers.
With plans to increase the number of heat networks in the UK, questions are being asked whether existing customers are coping and if any lessons have been learned. Locked in with a heat supplier for a fixed term, customers often complain about the cost of bills and if they are getting value for money. Setting the right heat tariff is paramount. So, it’s worth exploring the options available before deciding on the best one for you and your customers.
To measure and manage the heat network efficiency, the installation of appropriate metering needs to be considered and implemented. Metering needs to be of the right type, installed in the right place and provide accurate, reliable data. And, to be effective, you need an airtight metering strategy.
Selecting the right Heat Interface Unit (HIU) for a heating scheme can be a complex decision to make, with many different variants to take into consideration. Our blog investigates the staywarm feature on a HIU and how it could potentially improve the heating service - if done correctly.
Community heating schemes can bring a variety of benefits to residents but only when they are fully informed about the system; how to use it, and get the most out of it. Here are our top tips to successfully engaging with the resident after installing a new heating scheme.
The Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations 2014 are now three years old and are playing an important role to help regulate the heating and cooling sector. However that doesn’t mean that heat suppliers and stakeholders understand them fully and the repercussions for not abiding by them. This blog investigates what you should know, and how the regulation differs between district heating and community heating schemes.
Getting the design right is critical for a heat network to be both reliable and efficient. Years' of experience have taught us that there are many pitfalls commonly encountered in the development of heat networks.
In our latest SlideShare we will investigate some of the key areas needed to be considered when designing your heat network or communal heating scheme that will pathe the way for best practice when it comes to maintaining them.
The smart home concept has gathered momentum over the past 5 years. With the likes of Alexa and Siri taking centre stage on how we operate technology and go about our everyday lives. Our infographic demonstrates how we see this shaping the future for community heating, and what you need to know about the smart home concept.
Customers on community heating schemes have a number of touch points with their providers: from maintenance and repairs to billing and marketing.
In this blog we look at how providers can bring teams together to improve the customer experience.
Find out how heat networks can save money, cut pollution and ease fuel poverty.
It’s important to point out, that even the decentralised energy sector sometimes struggle to understand the differences between what is community heating and district heating. Therefore we thought it would be useful to demonstrate the differences and to clear up some of the common preconceptions.
No-one should be forced to choose between having food to eat and being warm and comfortable in their own home. Sadly, and all too often, this is the choice that some of the poorest and most vulnerable people face… so how can we alleviate the some of the burden of financial pressures for residents so they can heat and eat?
Future maintenance should be a key consideration in the early planning stages because; the pipes may be gleaming now but, when it is up and running, your heat network will be under stress.
Earlier this month, nine local authorities across England and Wales received a total of £24 million capital funding to support the first pilot phase of building of heat network projects. With more funding set to be made available; are you eligible for funding? Our blog looks at what you need to know about the HNDU funding, and how it can help future heat network projects.
At our latest seminar, Simon Trevenna from the Department of Business Energy Industrial Strategy (BEIS) discussed the latest updates to the Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations. This blog looks at the key information and changes to deadlines that you need to know, in order to stay compliant.
The UK needs to cut carbon emissions by 80 per cent in order to meet 2050 targets. And with a third of those emissions coming from heating draughty buildings; insulation is key. But what should be considered when community heating is in the mix?
For affordable housing providers across the country, maintaining heating and hot water supplies to residents is one of the biggest challenges; especially when it comes to frequently involving the care of vulnerable user groups, and routinely gaining access to occupied properties.
Done wrong, pricing and billing can be a real bone of contention. But, done right it can become a major source of customer satisfaction. That’s why scheme operators are putting in the effort to establish clear and fair pricing structures, with residents fully aware and in the know.
The Government’s latest white paper highlights the steps needed to be taken in order to quickly and effectively fix our “broken” housing market. Part of this ambition is to build 200,000 new homes per year. But what will a fast-tracked approach mean for a sustainable UK; and will it consider future-proofing our utility infrastructure?
This week, air pollution has been an intoxicating topic in the press, with newspapers and radio stations reporting that air pollution in London is passing levels being recorded in Beijing. But what should we be thinking about when it comes to cleaning up our air? And how can renewable heat networks help?
The heat tariff is a key customer touchpoints with a resident on a communal heating scheme, and should be considered very early on in your planning process. Our latest infographic looks at what you should be thinking about and the different ways you can set a fair and transparent tariff for your residents.
A few months ago we discussed the implications that Brexit may have on the Heat Network Regulations. Continuing on from this, and after the Prime Minister’s Brexit speech on Tuesday; we thought that a further update was due on how we expect Brexit coupled with President Trump’s inauguration is likely to affect the heat network industry.
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