Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Paragraph: 45
We congratulate the Department on its work on heat networks, including the consultation on heat...
Recommendation
We congratulate the Department on its work on heat networks, including the consultation on heat network zoning. We support the rollout of heat networks across the country, the retrofitting of high-density housing, and the installation of heat networks in new build developments. However, we recognise the real concerns of consumers who are often given no choice but to receive their energy supply from one designated supplier. Whilst the introduction of the Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations has helped, we call on Ministers to urgently give Ofgem the mandate and resources to expand and enforce consumer protections in the heat network market, recognising the often monopoly status of some providers in certain areas of the country.
Paragraph Reference:
45
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Government supports the growth of the UK heat networks market as a crucial part of the UK’s heat decarbonisation journey. The provision of accurate market information is essential for developers and other partners within the heat networks supply chain. Since April 2021, BEIS has published the Heat Networks Planning Database (HNPD), which provides a picture of both district and communal heat network deployment across the UK. This enables: • Increased pipeline visibility of projects in the planning stage, especially those which do not receive Government funding • Better insight into the deployment of different technology types and heat sources being used to decarbonise heat networks • Greater clarity over upcoming projects and emerging trends following the end of each quarter. It includes new applications from Q4 2020 and updates to previously submitted applications. The latest release includes new projects and updates until December 2021. Under our forthcoming regulatory framework, all heat networks will be required to notify Ofgem with key details about their location, size and the nature of their operation. Based on this new dataset, there will be regular reports from the regulator on heat networks, which will bring a new level of data and insight to the sector.