Heat Network Regulations

The Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations 2014, which came into effect on 18 December 2014

The Regulations are particularly relevant to Social Landlords due to the high number of new developments built in the last 5-7 years and ongoing, with communal heating systems

All residential and commercial premises with multiple occupiers are affected, if supplied by a communal heating system

The duties that arise:

1. By 30 April 2015, (and every 4 years thereafter) notification has to be sent to the energy secretary of any such heating system – the location; number and type of buildings supplied; number of occupants; the heating capacity; and the name/address of the heat supplier;

The “heating supplier” is the person who supplies the heating, cooling or hot water to a final occupier via a communal heating system; this will often be a Social Landlord but may be the superior landlord

The legislation is enforced in the UK by the National Measurement Office (NMO). The NMO are also responsible for receiving notifications

A guidance document has been produced by the NMO to help define what is and isn’t in scope of the Regulations. This can be downloaded:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/412456/Heat_networks_scope_guidance._vf2.pdf

The NMO encourages notifications to be submitted by e-mail –
heatnotifications@nmo.gov.uk

Template notifications have been published by NMO at:

https://www.gov.uk/heat-networks

2. By 31 December 2016, install individual meters, if cost effective and technically feasible, or install heat cost allocators and thermostatic values at each radiator, again if cost effective and feasible – all feasibility studies have to be completed by 31 December 2016 – The Regulations explain how to assess cost effectiveness

Civil and Criminal sanctions apply in respect of non-compliance

Accordingly, third party arrangements need to be checked as to who takes on the statutory obligations

It is important to ensure that any new developments, or properties to be purchased comply with the Regulations

If you have any queries concerning the matters raised please contact Anthony Best, Partner on 020 8567 3477 or e-mail abest@prince-evans.co.uk