Heat Trust, the consumer champion for heat networks, has appointed a new Director.

David Watson takes up his new role on 1 June, replacing previous Director Bindi Patel.

David comes to Heat Trust from Centrica, where he was Director of Group Strategy. Prior to this role, he was Head of Market Design and New Energy for British Gas, with responsibilities including leading low carbon policy development within the GB and EU retail market. He said:

"I am delighted to be joining Heat Trust at what is a very important time for both the organisation and the wider sector. Membership is growing and customer service standards continue to rise across the sector. 

Up to five million homes could be reliant on the heat network infrastructure by 2050.  Consumer interests need to be absolutely at the heart of this growth and I look forward to building on the fantastic work that has been achieved over the past five years.”

Ms Patel has been at Heat Trust since it was launched in 2015. During this time, she has overseen Heat Trust’s coverage expand to more than 10% of the market with 80 heat networks registered serving over 50,000 homes and micro-businesses. Heat Trust’s work has been recognised by the Government and has become a recognised industry standard. She said:

“I am proud of the work we have achieved in championing consumer protection in a sector that will grow ever-important as the UK works towards net-zero carbon targets. Over the last five years Heat Trust has worked to deliver benefits for customers through the standards it sets, which suppliers strive to meet for the good of the industry. I am delighted to have contributed to that and look forward to seeing Heat Trust grow further.” 

Casey Cole, chairperson of Heat Trust, welcomed David to the team and wished Ms Patel well in her future role. He said:

“We are delighted by the success of Heat Trust, and we would like to thank Bindi for her leadership and dedication to the scheme’s success over the past five years. We wish her every success in her new position. David has a proven track record that will see Heat Trust go from strength to strength and we look forward to moving forward under his leadership.”

ENDS

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