Upgrading your heat network
This information is only for people living in properties managed by the Council
If you rent from another landlord and you’re on a heat network, contact your landlord or energy supplier to find out how the new laws may affect you.
Programme of works
To improve how heating is measured and managed, and meet the new laws, we are upgrading the older heat networks across the borough.
What we have done so far:
- Plant room heat meters installed
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We have installed heat meters in the plant room of every building on a heat network which did not already have one.
These meters provide accurate data on the energy usage of each building.
- Gateway system installed
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We have installed a new ‘Gateway’ system on all our heat networks. This collects data from the heat meter in each plant room. The system, once online and fully operational, will alert us to faults, helping us to monitor each heating and hot water system.
- Surveys completed
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We surveyed our heat networks to assess whether individual heat meters and controls can be installed in residents’ homes. The surveys also provided information about the condition of the heating systems and any future work they may need.
- What our surveys found
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Independent surveys found that most of our heat networks are not currently suitable for individual heat meters.
Many of the systems are nearing the end of their operational life. They will need significant upgrades, and in some cases replacement, before heat meters can be installed.
We are using the survey results, condition assessments and performance data to identify the improvements needed for each heat network and prioritise investment where it is needed most.
We are also developing a borough-wide improvement programme. This will set out a phased plan to upgrade and replace heat network infrastructure over the next 10 years.
By October 2026, we will send you a letter explaining the results of the survey for your heat network.
What happens next
- If additional work is needed before a heat meter can be installed
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If your heat network needs improvement work before individual heat meters can be installed, we will contact you once plans have been developed.
We will explain:
- what work is proposed
- why the work is needed
- the expected timescales
- how residents will be supported throughout the project
We will consult residents before any major works begin.
- If a heat meter can be installed in your home
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Where possible, we will proceed with installing individual heat meters in homes.
This will allow for individual billing based on your actual heating use.
We will write to you to let you know if we are able to install individual meters in your building.
This letter will include:
- a timeline for the works
- contact details for the project manager and resident liaison officer so you can ask further questions
- information about a meeting we will arrange with you before the work starts
Installing the new meter and controls will take one or two days per home. You won’t have to leave your home during these works.
Cost of the work
Council tenants will not be charged for installing these meters or monitors, the cost is covered by their rent.
Leaseholders will be recharged for any works to their dwelling/building. Visit Major works for more information.