Member Article

Switch2 Energy welcomes government plan to regulate heat networks

Community and district heating specialist Switch2 Energy has welcomed the government’s move to regulate heat networks.

This announcement comes in response to recommendations by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and by industry specialists, such as Switch2, through the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE) Heat Network Industry Task Force.

This regulatory plan is part of the government’s market framework: Heat networks: ensuring sustained investment and protecting consumers, published on 7 December 2018. Its aim is to encourage further investment in the sector, protect customers and support decarbonisation.

Commenting on the announcement, Kirsty Lambert, Director at Switch2 Energy, said: “This is great news for the long-term growth of the district and community heating sector. It will make sure that the entire industry commits to rigorous customer service and performance standards that specialists like us already adhere to through the CIBSE/ADE code of practice and The Heat Trust.

“We are very pleased to see the government’s long-term thinking and recognition of the important role that heat networks play in decarbonising the UK energy supply. The potential for heat networks to deliver reliable, affordable and low carbon heat is hugely under exploited, but this market framework could provide a major boost to the industry.”

ADE Director Dr Tim Rotheray, said: ““Government has recognised that creating a market that protects customers and reduces investment risk are two sides of the same coin and that a well-considered regulatory framework can support the creation of such a market. In proposing a framework that tackles investment risk and assures customers of the level of service they will receive, Government is putting the appropriate steps in to create a self-sustaining, cost-effective market that will benefit all.”

The government is currently seeking industry views as part of the development process for its heat networks market framework. It intends to consult on policy options for the framework in summer 2019.

Switch2 Energy provides a complete service to the district and community heating sector – supplying 70,000 residents and 180 clients across 500 heat networks.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Switch2 Energy Ltd .