www.heatingandventilating.net
Regulations break down into three key stipulations 1. Notification
Heat suppliers must inform the OPSS about the location of any heat network or communal heating scheme – as well as its capacity and supply figures. Each building that forms part of the network must also be identified, along with the number of customers using it and details of the billing information they receive. Registrations must be updated every four years.
A revised notification template has just been released. To give heat suppliers time to comply with the changes, those who are scheduled to re-notify will be granted an extension until 1 September 2022 as part of a 'transition period' that started on 27 November. 2. Metering
a. Point of entry meters
It is compulsory for all heat networks to install point of entry meters, or bulk meters, which record the amount of heat delivered into a property from the plant room or energy centre. b. Final customer meters
It is also mandatory to install final customer meters on new builds and most buildings undergoing major renovation.
The requirement to fit final customer meters at existing non-metered properties was delayed due to issues with the feasibility tool, which were overcome with the release of a new version in November 2020. There are two versions of the cost- effectiveness tool. The reduced input tool is applicable where energy consumption is known, while the full input tool applies where energy consumption is estimated. In addition, new building classes have been introduced (viable, open and exempt), with a stipulation that the cost-effectiveness assessment must be completed for all buildings that fall into the ‘open’ class by 27 November 2021. Individual meters must always be installed in viable class buildings and a small number of properties will be classed as exempt.
This test must be repeated every four years and it is expected that all heat networks will need to be fully metered over time.
3. Billing
End customers must be billed using actual meter readings (not estimates) at least once a year, but electronic bills must be invoiced each quarter. At a minimum, bills must contain current energy prices; total consumption figures, with previous year comparison, if applicable; and general energy efficiency advice. Legislative duties apply to the heat supplier, but OPSS has issued guidance on how these responsibilities may be shared between billing managers and network managers or owners, subject to discussions on who is best placed to undertake these duties.
Innovative new pay-as-you-go (PAYG) smart meters can simplify the compliance process and drive behavioural change by giving customers full visibility of how much energy they are using and how much it's costing them. This leads to significant cost and carbon savings. PAYG systems are compliant if:
• Billing information is available on the PAYG unit at any time • The PAYG unit has an approved in-home display feature • Meter readings are available on the unit • An annual billing statement is provided to customers
Switch2 Energy Heat Interface Unit technology
District heating
A heat network operated and maintained by Switch2 Energy
www.heatingandventilating.net
February 2021
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