Heat networks Preparing for the F
ew would deny that the UK’s antiquated copper Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which has been in service since 1876,
has seen its day. Full-fibre broadband is much faster and more secure than copper, as well as being less prone to interference. That’s why BT Openreach has stopped all sales of services like ADSL that rely on the PSTN ahead of a complete copper switch-off in two years’ time. If equipment and connections are not upgraded ahead of this deadline, heat network metering and management systems that run on ADSL will stop working and data will be lost. As well as leading to a heap of very messy billing issues for heat network operators and heat providers, this could put them in breach of upcoming government regulations designed to ensure greater fairness and charging transparency for end users.
Age factor
Developments that are 10 or more years old are far more likely to have a legacy copper-based connection than newbuilds, which are generally
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national ADSL switch-off
On 31st January 2027 the UK’s ADSL network will be powered down permanently, making a fixed internet connection a requirement for heat networks. Adam Newman, head of technical at Insite Energy, explores what this means in practice
Left: Adam Newman, head of technical at Insite Energy
failover 4G multinet roaming SIM for complete 24/7/365 resilience.
Why a FIC?
already served by full-fibre broadband. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they will have the robust and reliable connections they need to ensure regulatory compliance, particularly if they’re built on wireless solutions. The only way to ensure uninterrupted data
communication at all times is to install a dedicated, hardwired fixed internet connection (FIC) which is not shared with other building services such as CCTV, and which will remain unaffected by variations in WiFi signal strength. For maximum security, connectivity and stability, the solution should also include a static IP address which won’t change each time a device connects to the network. And the whole thing should be backed up by a
FICs guarantee continuous data communication for efficient metering & billing operations. This is really important because, without it, there will be periods when consumption and performance data is not transmitted, for example during resident changeovers or equipment outages. This can result in customers facing large amounts of debt upon system reconnection, causing confusion and financial strain and leading to complaints. In serious cases, it could also result in sanctions from Ofgem for heat network operators in the form of financial penalties or even cancellation of licenses. Conversely, residents could be undercharged, potentially leading to financial difficulties for heat suppliers, depending on the outage duration and volume of affected customers. Failures to transmit system-monitoring data
consistently can also have serious longer term consequences. Heat losses and faults in the network may well be missed, reducing overall efficiency and increasing carbon emissions and operational costs over time. A heat network is a bit like a Formula 1 car; it needs skilful and constant conditioning to keep it running at its full potential - and that requires detailed and accurate performance data.
Set-up
The most robust, reliable, and cost-effective FIC connection is full fibre to the premises (FTTP), where a fibre-based router connects to the building’s optical network termination (ONT) device. However, there are other approaches too, including using existing on-site internet solutions, such as Hyperoptic or local area network (LAN). This involves leveraging free ports at the local exchange provided by an ISP and bridging them to a router. In older properties, it’s possible wiring upgrades will also be needed within the site. This can be challenging and costly because it’s likely to involve removing and replacing fire-stopping materials. Situating equipment such as data-collection devices as close as possible to the ONT will help to minimise this, but, in any event, it should be looked into now, rather than waiting until just before the 2027 deadline. It’s always better to find out what’s needed in good time and carry out the necessary works in a calm and considered way, with adequate notice given to everyone affected. It’s worth remembering that heat network operators
may not yet know about the upcoming ADSL switch- off or how it affects them. That makes this a great opportunity to open a conversation with clients that could be of great value to them.
20 February 2025
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