Heat Networks affected by the Energy Prices Act 2022

We can review disputes with any heat network if the heat network supplier has not done what is required of them by the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) and Energy Bill Discount Scheme (EBDS) legislation.

In the Energy Prices Act 2022, the Government has established a requirement that any energy price support is passed on to consumers. (See government guidance).

This means that intermediaries, in receipt of support from the Energy Price Guarantee, Energy Bills Support Scheme, the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS), or the Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) pass the benefit obtained to consumers, as the intended beneficiaries of the relevant schemes.

A heat network is a heat supply that is an alternative to individual heating systems. The technology has been developed to help reduce carbon emissions within the United Kingdom in accordance with the Government’s commitments. A contract is usually formed between the heat supplier and the developer / housing association to use the heat technology within the premises. This is usually for a period in excess of 20 years, which means that a customer cannot transfer their supply to an alternative energy source, such as gas.

The Energy Prices Act 2022 places certain requirements on your heat network supplier. There are a number of grounds under which you can raise a complaint if your heat network supplier has not done what is required of them by the EBRS and EBDS legislation.

If this is the case, then in the first instance you should contact your heat network supplier and ask them to fix the situation. If you cannot come to an agreement with your heat network supplier, you can raise a complaint with us, the Energy Ombudsman.

Under the EBRS you can make a complaint on the following grounds, if your heat network supplier has not:

(a) notified you that it has benefited from the EBRS;

(b) notified you of how it will pass through the benefit from the EBRS;

(c) passed on the EBRS scheme benefit within the timeframe required by the Regulations;

(d) otherwise complied with the requirements to pass through the EBRS benefit.

Under the EBDS you can make a complaint if your heat network supplier has been provided with the higher level of heat network EBDS support, and has not:

(a) notified you that it has benefited from the EBDS;

(b) notified you of how of when it will pass on the benefit of the higher heat network EBDS discount rate to you;

(c) passed on the EBDS scheme benefit within the timeframe required by the Regulations;

(d) otherwise complied with the requirements to pass through the EBDS benefit.