Heat Networks Roundtable

Exploring the opportunities and the potential issues which heat networks offer/present for the alleviation of fuel poverty

Heat_Networks_Roundtable-21-01-25.docx

Download docx (492.66 KB)

This document may not be fully accessible.

Consumer Scotland

Also, with new responsibilities for Heat Networks will be Consumer Scotland, as Alistair Hill and Michael O’Brien from the organisation explained. They gave a snapshot of Consumer Scotland’s forthcoming role as consumer advocate for heat networks, which starts from April 2025.

Their role will include: research into issues and experiences which consumers face with heat networks, market monitoring, and consumer information and advice. Consumer Scotland has been working to ensure that the advisory capacity will be in place from April this year, working with Advice Direct Scotland and Citizens Advice Scotland on establishing the advice aspects of the new system.

The intersections between heat networks and fuel poverty are linked through the Scottish Government’s Heat in Buildings’ programme.

They pointed out that the fuel poverty drivers where heat networks could have the biggest impact:

  • “High energy prices” – they reinforced the importance of fair pricing when it comes to heat networks’ potential to mitigate fuel poverty.
  • “Poor energy efficiency” is also very important and Consumer Scotland wrote to Scottish Ministers in September 2024, setting out why they think there should be a heat networks’ efficiency scheme in Scotland.

The following point was discussed:

  • How heat networks will evolve to include Warm Homes Discount (WHD) – this should not alter the status quo if consumers receive WHD through their electricity bill, which is the normal practice.
Back to top