Today, Heat Trust welcomes an agreement by members of the Heat Network Investment Council (HeatNIC) to ensure heat networks customers are protected and supported during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The agreement sets out a series of commitments, which echo key principles and requirements set by Heat Trust. In addition, many of the HeatNIC members with operating heat networks serving residential customers are Registered Participants of Heat Trust.

Welcoming the agreement, Bindi Patel Director of Heat Trust said:

“Energy is an essential service and during this time it’s important that customers are supported and have access to reliable heating and hot water. This requires a caring and flexible approach.

I am very pleased to see the Heat Networks Industry Council make this pledge today, which echoes key principles required by Heat Trust. The steps outlined by the Council in conjunction with the standards set by Heat Trust are a clear demonstration of the heat network sector’s commitment to protecting customers.”

Heat Trust is working with its Registered Participants to ensure customer needs are prioritised and supported. A dedicated coronavirus page for customers can be found here.

Notes

About Heat Trust

Heat Trust is all about protecting heat network customers.

We are an independent, non-profit consumer champion for heat network customers that holds the industry to account for the benefit of everyone involved. We make sure customers enjoy heating systems fit for the future by:

• Applying strict customer service standards to heat suppliers, similar to those for traditional gas and electricity suppliers;
• Providing access to an independent dispute resolution service through the Energy Ombudsman; and
• Working with suppliers to promote best practice, innovation and continuous improvement in customer service.

Launched in November 2015, Heat Trust provides protection to over 10% of residential and micro-business heat network customers. Our annual reports can be found here.

About HeatNIC

The Heat Networks Industry Council brings together leaders of the heat networks industry to support Government in achieving its vision of achieving a sustainable industry. The Council’s offer to Government, to be published in the next few months, will identify measures it can take to:

• Create jobs and investment (focusing on the investment that could be unlocked by the sector, and the number and quality of jobs that will be created as a result)
• Cut costs (to both those looking to invest in heat networks and customers supplied by a heat network)
• Set out the industry’s commitment to decarbonisation
• Create more liveable, smarter cities (including how it can support grid balancing services and flexibility and improve air quality)
• Drive excellence in customer service and standards 

The Council has been established by the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE), who provide the Secretariat.

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