The UK Government’s 2023 Public Attitudes Tracker highlighted a critical gap in public awareness; 48% of respondents had never heard of heat networks[1]. This is a concerning statistic considering the UK’s ambitious goal for heat networks to provide 20% of the national heating market by 2050. Reassuringly, a government heat network consumer survey found that customers connected to a heat network were more satisfied with their heating and hot water system than those not on a heat network, and perceived greater value for money[2].
Currently, around 2-3% of heat in the UK is provided by heat networks[3]. With up to £80 billion of investment potential in heat networks expected by mid-century, it’s imperative that consumers are fully on board with this sustainable hating solution. To bridge this awareness gap and achieve these ambitions, comprehensive consumer engagement strategies must be implemented, targeting both residential and non-domestic customers.
Raising Awareness
Despite the steady increase in awareness since 2021, the trend needs to accelerate. Heat networks, which provide sustainable, low carbon heating solutions to homes and buildings, are a cornerstone of the UK’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions in the built environment.
Projects funded so far under the Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) aim to deliver low carbon heating to over 32,000 homes and buildings. Whilst this demonstrates the ability for heat networks to decarbonise the UK’s building stock at scale, there is still a need for a comprehensive awareness campaign to educate and engage consumers about the benefits of heat networks to facilitate their adoption.
Learning from Past Successes
Looking back to the Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP), which funded heat network projects between 2019 and 2022, there is evidence of effective consumer engagement strategies utilised when building a community led heat network for residents. Many of these projects, now in their final phases of construction, have shown the importance of community involvement from the start with a focus on local-level engagement.
In our recent Look Back webinar, we revisited Lancaster West Estate, a community affected by the Grenfell Tower disaster. Building back trust was crucial for the local council and a bottom-up engagement strategy was implemented for residents to be involved in the design and implementation of the heat network. This included surveys, focus groups, webinars and roadshows with over 200 residents and other stakeholders. A Local Energy Company was also set up with resident board members to ensure maximum accountability and address community concerns. Additionally, a price promise with residents was created to protect consumers from rising energy costs and ensure the supply of adequate, reliable heating and hot water. In a currently unregulated market, this approach provided peace of mind.
In Cambridge, the Swaffham Prior district heating scheme demonstrated how a community-led engagement strategy could help drive adoption. The network, constructed within a conservation area, was implemented to replace an existing oil system for residents. Without an obligation to connect, success was dependant on the residents’ willingness to connect and driven by the promise of a more cost-effective heating solution. By using existing buildings to house infrastructure, the project minimised disruption while helping to gain further community support.
Looking Ahead
As the UK works towards its 2050 net zero targets, it is paramount that consumers are made aware of the benefits of heat networks through sustained and meaningful engagement strategies. Projects like those in Lancaster West and Cambridge offer blueprints for successful consumer engagement, emphasising the need for transparency, trust building and community involvement.
The heat network industry faces an uphill climb if the solution is to increase its share of the UK’s heating demand from 3% to 20% by 2050. As HNIP and GHNF continues to support ambitions for new and expanding heat networks, aiming to connect thousands more residents and businesses in the coming years, a community led approach is crucial for achieving a just energy transition and a sustainable future for the nation.
Learn more about how HNIP schemes worked with the local community on our YouTube channel: Triple Point Heat Networks Investment Management – YouTube.
2 Heat Network Consumer and Operator Survey 2022 (publishing.service.gov.uk)
