Heat Trust Raises Alarm: Households Still Paying Big Bills While the Government Sits on Its Hands
Government’s New Energy Department is a Beacon of Hope
Yesterday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the launch of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, tasked with securing the UK’s long‑term energy supply and cutting costs. On the same day, a £32 million fund was announced to upgrade heat networks, aiming to make them more efficient and cheaper for households.
“All That, Yet No Relief for Heat‑Network Users” – Stephen Knight Speaks
Stephen Knight, Director of Heat Trust, the national consumer protection scheme for heat‑network residents, says that while the news looks promising, many families still find themselves paying up to three times the price of gas boilers. Why? Because there’s no solid price‑support equivalent to the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) promised to those with gas systems.
“Heat Trust has long called for investment to improve the efficiency and reliability of heat networks. The £32 million fund is a step in the right direction, but without a price support scheme, customers keep paying steep bills,” Knight said.
Key Issues Highlighted by Heat Trust
- Hot‑spot: Half a million families on communal or district heating face drastically higher costs.
- Missing safeguard: No Energy Price Guarantee equivalent for heat‑network customers.
- Bailout delay: Families waiting for the promised £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme still have not received it.
- Potential misuse: Landlords who also bill tenants for electricity may be further strained.
- Decarbonisation promise: Heat networks could help cut carbon emissions—but only if users are protected.
Heat Trust Calls for Prompt Action
Stephen Knight emphasized that the new department must act now:
“We might be in spring before the money reaches families in this situation – that’s not good enough. The government needs to implement support immediately. Heat networks hold huge potential for decarbonised heating, but customers must be at the centre of policy choices.”
What You Can Do
Stay informed and stay fed. Keep an eye on developments from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and share any updates with your community. And remember, a cooler home doesn’t mean a cooler wallet!
