HEAT NETWORKS


How to deliver compliant, effective metering for heat networks


Heat metering in district and community heating schemes is rising up the agenda since the introduction of the Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations. Talking to UKPN, Ian Allan, Head of R&D for Switch2 Energy, explains how to deliver effective, compliant heat metering schemes.


I


n September 2017, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) announced the latest update to the Heat Network Regulations, relating to the


fitting of final customer heat meters to exist- ing unmetered properties. This issue should be resolved in early 2018, with the introduction of a revised feasibility tool, which will assess whether it is viable to retrofit the meters inside residents' homes. This missing piece is a small part of the


overall regulations, which are already in force and will be robustly enforced with criminal/civil penalties.


Regulation overview The regulations cover every community


and district heating system across the coun- try and require the 'heat supplier', which is the person or body ultimately responsible for supplying and charging the 'final customer' (who consumes the heat), to meet three key mandatory requirements, which are all already in place: 1. Notification Since December 2015, it has been mandatory for heat suppliers to inform BEIS about the location of any district heat network or communal heating scheme - as well as its capacity and supply figures. 17,000 heat suppliers have complied with this require- ment, but many have failed to do so and must register retrospectively as a matter of


urgency. Registrations must be updated every four years. 2. Metering It is mandatory to install point of entry, or


‘bulk’ meters (which record the amount of heat delivered into the property) for buildings with one or more customers connected to a district heat network. Those heat suppliers who haven't already complied must have plans in place to comply within a reasonable timescale. Although retrofitting final customer meters


to existing heat schemes is not yet compulsory (pending the introduction of the viability tool), it is mandatory for new builds and most buildings undergoing major renovation. If these meters are not feasible, the viability of heat cost allocators must be considered. 3. Billing End customers must be billed using actual


meter readings at least once a year, or quarterly where electronic billing is used. Bills must contain pricing and consumption data and offer information on improving energy efficiency.


The importance of heat metering Heat meters are not just about regulatory compliance; they are essential for measuring and managing heat network efficiency. They are used to monitor and record essential data (flow rates, temperatures, etc.), not only for


“Heat meters are not just about


regulatory compliance; they are


essential for measuring


and managing heat network efficiency.


They are used to monitor and record essential data (flow rates, temperatures, etc.), not only for the recovery of energy costs, but also for data


analysis.”


the recovery of energy costs, but also for data analysis. This highlights any inefficiencies so that actions can be taken to optimise system operation, reduce energy waste and shrink customers’ carbon footprints. Use of effective smart metering can lead to


big benefits for the end customer – helping them to monitor and control their energy consumption and improve their budgeting by seeing how much it is costing them. Modern smart metering systems can also combine a flexible, simple and convenient payment and billing system, either on a prepayment or credit basis. Developing an effective metering strategy It is essential to consider a metering (and


billing) strategy at the planning stage of district and community heating projects, rather than treating it as an afterthought, as has historically been the case. A broad range of stakeholders should be involved – starting with system designers and developers, and including those who will use, manage and maintain the heat network, i.e. finance departments responsible for accurate billing; operations and maintenance managers; housing managers, and, most importantly, the resident or end customer.


What should a metering strategy include? The objective is to present a clear and


detailed proposal of the metering that will be installed, and how it will be connected for data collection and management. It is important to consider and agree: • The level of system metering and submetering requirements • Selection of effective MID approved metering equipment that is reliable and correctly specified • Data collection strategy – obtaining the


meter readings can be the biggest challenge, so Automatic Meter Reading solutions are recommended. • A clear and complete metering schematic, including a detailed meter point schedule, to ensure all stakeholders fully understand the metering strategy. : www.switch2.co.uk


32 MAY‐JUNE 2018 UK POWER NEWS


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