Citizens Advice report on decarbonising heat - Association of Decentralised Energy's response

Lily Frencham, Head of Operations at the Association of Decentralised Energy said:Citizens Advice are right that there is a need for a credible plan from government, working with industry and other key interests, to decarbonise heat if net zero is to be delivered; the building of more heat networks is widely acknowledged to be a key component to any future plans.There are already over 14,000 heat networks in the UK, with over 500,000 customers, but there is a need for more. Independent research has found those on heat networks are just as satisfied as those on other heating solutions – while paying less, saving as much as £100 per year. Heat networks are key in urban areas, allowing towns and cities up to capture otherwise wasted heat and deliver it to homes and offices driving down emissions.  Appropriate regulation of heat networks is necessary, to provide customers with confidence and protection around issues such as billing, while giving businesses and local authorities confidence to make the necessary investment in the new heat networks that will be needed.”Last year, the ADE called for regulation to protect customers and enable investment that would help drive down bills. The ADE welcomed the Competition and Markets Authority’s call for heat network industry regulation to ensure customers get hassle free good value heating. Lily Frencham added:Industry has a track-record of proactively working to drive up standards for heat network customers - establishing the independent customer protection scheme Heat Trust and publishing a Code of Practice to set out minimum standards - in addition to making the call for better regulation.  We are already working with Citizens Advice, Government, OFGEM and industry to ensure that heat networks can be rolled-out across the country for the benefit of all users.ENDS Notes to editors: For further information and interviews please contact Kate Hinton kate@taylorkeogh.com / mobile 07714 708416 or Paul Taylor paul@taylorkeogh.com / mobile 07966 782611