Biomass specialist, re:heat, has joined forces with top 100 business law firm Ward Hadaway, to host a series of technical seminars across the North to advise operators and owners of biomass district heating schemes on the government’s new Heat Network Regulations.
Neil Harrison, re:heat director and vice chair of the Wood Heat Association, explains: “The new Heat Network Regulations, which come into full force from December 2016, have significant implications for owners and operators of district heating schemes of all sizes; this could be a flat attached directly to a stately home getting heat from a central boiler.
“The uptake of heat networks using biomass boilers has been significant under the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), with many hundreds of new schemes installed across the UK since the scheme was introduced in 2011.
“Many installers and scheme owners have implemented biomass district heating projects without fully understanding the new legislative environment in which they will operate. There is also mounting concern and evidence that many schemes are not operating as efficiently as they could.
“This is why we have developed our technical seminar series in partnership with Ward Hadaway. We aim to bring owners and operators up to speed to prevent them from falling foul of the new legislation. For example, the new legal requirements state that all heat customers must have a heat meter fitted and owners must meet other obligations or face enforcement action.
“The seminar series is part of our ongoing efforts to drive up quality standards in the biomass sector, and have been developed for the benefit of biomass district heating scheme owners. We want to provide expert guidance to help operators navigate regulation changes, maximise the operating efficiency of underperforming systems and increase their RHI income.”
The seminars are intended for anyone who owns or is developing a biomass district heating scheme or who provides heat to a number of end users in a property – particularly in the rural, forestry or agricultural sectors. Housing associations and local authorities will also benefit.
Experts from leading law firm Ward Hadaway’s Company and Commercial Team will advise attendees on how to comply with the new regime.
Steven Roper, associate at Ward Hadaway, said: “The Heat Network Regulations impose a series of important obligations on anyone who provides a communal heating or cooling system to customers or tenants. As such, they apply to a wide range of organisations from energy providers to housing associations and local authorities.
“However, our experience indicates that most providers are unaware of the burdens imposed by these regulations, and many may well be in breach as a result. The potential penalties from not complying with the new regime are serious, so this is something which people cannot afford to ignore.
“This is why we are delighted to be offering our expertise in these areas to support re:heat in helping providers and land owners better understand and comply with their obligations.”
Neil Harrison, re:heat director, adds: “It is great to have a law firm of the experience and standing of Ward Hadaway on board to help spread the word and increase understanding of this important issue.”
As well as getting the legal low-down from Ward Hadaway, attendees will also hear from re:heat engineering experts on how to optimise district heating scheme outputs through improved controls, metering and measuring to increase RHI income and reduce wood fuel costs.
They will also receive an update on national biomass policy, the future of the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme and the biomass sector in general. The seminars also provide an opportunity for guests to network with other owners of biomass district heating schemes in their area.
To book a place or to find out more about Biomass District Heating and the Heat Network Regulations seminar series, please contact Penny Stewart at re:heat by emailing: penny@reheat.uk.com or telephone: 01665 665 040. Details are also available online at www.reheat.uk.com/heatnetworks
Seminar dates & venues:
Tuesday 27th September 2016 Ayrshire – Craufurdland Castle
Tuesday 11th October 2016 Aberdeenshire – Inverurie, Thainstone Centre
Tuesday 25th October 2016 Perthshire – Battleby, Battleby Centre
Tuesday 8th November 2016 Cumbria – Penrith, The Rheged Centre
Tuesday 15th November 2016 North Yorkshire – Moulton, The Black Bull
Tuesday 22nd November 2016 Scottish Borders – Carfraemill, Carfraemill Hotel
Tuesday 6th December 2016 Northumberland – Morpeth, Cockle Park
*Each seminar starts at 9.45am and ends with lunch and networking.