3 key points of amended Heat Networks

  Today,  November 27th, 2020 the amended Heat Network Regulations come into effect. The long-awaited changes were announced by the government on November 6th and aim to incentivise reduced energy consumption and facilitate improvements in heat network efficiencies. Some industry leaders feel the changes fall short of what is required considering the long road ahead for decarbonising heat networks. At Welcome Energy, we are hopeful that these regulations are just the start to a long string of industry-wide initiatives laid out by the government. We recognise that these amendments alone will not drive a progressive transition toward a low-carbon heating network. But, it does appear that we’re at least moving in the right direction. We have always prided ourselves on being ahead of the curve when it comes to heating efficiency, and transparent metering and billing practices. So, we are happy to see the government prioritising these same values. What do the amended regulations require? We’ve broken them down into 3 key points:

3 key requirements set out in the amended Heat Network regulations

Notification

Heat suppliers must notify OPSS of the location of any heat network or communal heating scheme. Including an estimated total of its installed capacity, the heat generated, and heat supplied per calendar year. They must also notify the number of and types of buildings that are a part of the network, number of customers, and the content and billing frequency.

Metering

Point of entry meters are mandatory for all communal heat schemes. These record the heat delivered to properties from the plant or energy centre. Final customer meters must also be installed and serviced regularly. If installing meters is not viable, heat cost allocators can be considered. It is expected that all heat networks will have to be fully metered over time.

Billing

End customers must receive accurate billing based on actual consumption at least once a year. This means billing will be based on meter readings rather than estimates. The bills must contain:

• a breakdown of the cost,
• current energy prices,
• details of total consumption compared to the previous years (when available), and
• information on how to improve energy efficiency moving forward.

How can we help?

At Welcome, we do everything we can to simplify compliance with regulations such as these. We can also streamline your metering and data management, tenant billing, and energy efficiency, all while continuing personal and attentive communication. We like to keep customers in the loop at all times, and our hands-on approach has helped build close, lasting relationships with clients.

“We’ve dealt with numerous billing agencies and Welcome Energy are the best by a big margin. Their customer service is second to none, their knowledge and problem-solving skills have been absolutely essential in dealing with issues that we have inherited from customers. I cannot recommend them highly enough.”

Richard Delaney, Director, Haus Block Management

Check out our Heat Network Regulation FAQs for more information. Or if you’re interested in transparent, stress-free, and value for money metering and billing solutions that are fully compliant with the new Heat Network Regulations contact us at Welcome Energy.