Here are six of the most read topics on our site this year. Take a moment to check that you are fully up-to-date on the latest developments.

1. Updates to the heat network regulations

Brexit and the employment of a new Prime Minister has played a major part in the movement of UK economics and in departments within the Government. The NMRO (National Measurements and Regulatory Office) no longer exists, and has been absorbed, along with DECC (Department of Energy and Climate Change) into BEIS (Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy).

It is an exciting time for UK politics, and the heat debate has continued with the March 2016 announcement to delay the feasibility tool (used to test the financial and technical feasibility of fitting final customer meter to existing un metered residential buildings)  and the extended deadline of the installation of meters for each final customer. Read more about how the Heat Network Regulations are affecting UK heat networks.

2. Pay-as-you-go energy - is it the future for community heating?

Community heating schemes in the UK often struggle to recover the cost of consumer heating. Fundamentally, housing managers have two options when setting up ways to pay for the heat consumed:

1. Credit payment, whereby consumers pay for energy already consumed every month.
2. On prepayment terms, often called pay as you go (PAYG) energy.

Community heating schemes often include a combination of credit paying consumers and those who pay for their heat under PAYG. It is generally accepted that many residents prefer PAYG as it helps the manage their budgets and avoid large bill. Now that there are so many ways to pay it is easy. Find out how pay as you go meters can end the customer debt headache for big, small, new or established housing schemes.

3. Community heating checklist

Creating an efficient and effective community heating system is a big task - every link in the chain has to be kink-free and well-oiled. The CIBSE code of practice has gained traction and CIBSE are now working on a checklist to help implementation. Take a look at our quick infographic checklist providing key advice to help you get your scheme up and running.

4. Heated debate: Setting the tariff for the resident

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, our SlideShare looks at areas that should be considered.

5. Spot the difference: Heat networks compared to gas and electricity

It goes without saying that residents want a reliable heating system that will heat their home whenever they need it and for the right price. After all, 60 per cent of a household’s yearly energy bills is heating. This topic looks at the key differences to watch out for when comparing community heating, with gas.

6. Bumps in the road: Key landmarks for housing associations and local authorities

Years of experience have taught us that there are a variety of pitfalls commonly encountered in the development of community heating schemes. Housing associations, local authorities and other developers need to bear these in mind right from the start in order to avoid slipping up. Bumps in the road, looks at some of the factors you may come across when managing a heat network.

Takeaways:

• Changes for the community heating industry are coming through thick and fast
• The industry is still largely self-governed with voluntary codes of practice setting the direction of travel
• A strong commitment to high quality hardware and customer service will be essential as the industry continues to mature