Research has found that only 24% of housing associations and councils are aware of heat network zoning regulations, while only 76% were confident in their plans for engaging with heat networks and the associated regulations.
Heat networks are becoming an increasingly important part of the UK’s plans to decarbonise heating, particularly in densely populated areas where individual heat pumps may be less practical. Heat networks are expected to meet 20% of UK heat demand by 2050.
The sector has undergone regulatory changes, with Ofgem taking on formal regulatory responsibility in 27th January this year. However, those who are at the heart of implementing the networks don’t seem to fully grasp the rules and regulations.
The research by Baxi found that only 61% of local authorities knew of the Green Heat Network Fund against 43% of housing associations, while 56% of housing associations knew of the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) against 44% of local authorities.
Jeff House, Director of External Affairs and Policy at Baxi, said: “It’s encouraging to see from our research that there is high confidence in heat networks amongst social housing providers (76% were confident in their plans for engaging with heat networks and the associated regulations), but we’d like to see the government remove the barriers slowing progress.
“Our ask is for government to provide a clear, phased route to compliance, protect and expand improvement funding, build recognised skills pathways, and ensure that additional costs do not fall unfairly on residents.”
Baxi has set out four policy recommendations for government to remove the barriers slowing progress – to protect and expand HNES funding for optimisation studies, asset data and physical improvement works, to provide a clear and phased HNTAS implementation roadmap, with realistic transitional periods for existing networks.
Another to create recognised heat network skills and competency pathways covering technical and regulatory functions, and to protect residents from unaffordable metering, billing and compliance costs, with tailored safeguards for vulnerable households.
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