The energy regulator, Ofgem, is working to improve consumer experience of heat networks by addressing widespread inefficiency in communal and district heating, steering them instead towards optimisation.
As part of this effort, this week we saw the government publish its latest draft technical standards document. The draft Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS) Technical Specifications and Assessment Procedures for Existing Heat Networks details standards for existing heat networks plus and how they will be assessed to see if they are meeting the standards.
We also already know new reporting requirements beginning in April this year will include providing Ofgem with full details of each heat network a housing provider operates. Apart from its role in reporting, taking stock of your heat networks is a key step in optimising their performance.
Your Optimisation Journey
There is no need to wait for more details of the technical standards or reporting requirements before taking action and starting your Optimisation Journey.
Chirpy Heat is supporting housing providers now to get the necessary information ready, secure funding towards costs and take a deep dive into exactly what is holding their heat networks back from working at their best.
To get prepared for new regulations and to reap the benefits of better performing heat networks, Chirpy Heat has set out four steps housing providers can take to boost their efficiency.
1. Asset Register and Condition Report
From April this year, Ofgem reporting will require housing providers to have key information about their physical heat network assets.
If you are a housing provider, Chirpy Heat will make a site visit to every one of your heat networks to build an asset register and condition report which brings all the information regarding the communal and district heating system together, as well as any issues identified on site.
It is a timely step to take and will also empower you to improve ongoing management, such as repairs and maintenance and asset budget planning.
2. Performance Review for Efficiency/Carbon
Understanding network performance will form another part of Ofgem reporting when full regulation is introduced.
Chirpy Heat will undertake desktop efficiency reviews to identify poorly performing heat networks.
This is an important step which enables the prioritisation of heat networks for optimisation opportunities, such as the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) revenue and capital funding.
3. Funding Assistance
Government funding is available for improving existing district and communal heating projects in England and Wales that are operating sub-optimally.
Chirpy Heat can make the application for HNES revenue funding free of charge. When granted, it covers the cost of a Chirpy Heat optimisation survey.
We also support with subsequent HNES capital funding, which can be used towards implementing necessary optimisation measures.
4. Optimisation Surveys
Many legacy heat networks display issues such as low overall efficiency, poor reliability and high numbers of outages – all leaving housing providers facing higher running costs, decreased life cycle of components and, ultimately, customer complaints.
Chirpy Heat’s CIBSE-certified heat network engineers will carry out a site survey, looking at current setup, equipment and operations within the plant room, across the distribution system and within individual dwellings.
The survey identifies optimisation measures that can then be implemented to improve performance.
Your optimisation journey
Heat network regulation is upon us so now is the time to get up to speed and make full use of Chirpy Heat’s expertise and the funding available to manage the changes and stay on track.
Get in touch with us at [email protected] to discuss how we can support your journey to compliance and help to deliver simply better heat networks.
Join the Chirpy Heat Insight Group – your essential hub for staying informed, equipped, and connected on the road to heat network compliance. This free, exclusive community, brought to you by our heat networks consultancy, helps housing providers stay ahead in managing communal and district heating.
Members gain access to the latest regulatory news, communal heating systems advice, practical tools for strategic planning, insights on decarbonising heat networks, and guidance from Chirpy Heat’s experts and peers. You’ll also benefit from priority access to webinars and events aimed at supporting and guiding housing providers in sustainable heating solutions.
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Whether you need immediate help with tackling an urgent issue or you’re ready to start your long-term strategic journey with us, please get in touch.