Bio-Mass District Heating – A Message from director Tim Saul

There have been some comments put on the What’s app group regarding the bio-mass district heating.

I would like to pass on some information regarding our current bio-mass boiler.

Sandown Court underwent a major refurbishment in 2012 to improve energy efficiency and modernise the building.

This large scale project included the installation of a communal bio-mass district heating system to replace individual space heaters.

The refurbishment which included external cladding, triple glazed windows and roof insulation significantly reduced energy consumption for the 243 apartments.

If we decide to remove the bio-mass boiler we will miss out on further RHI payments. We receive approximately £80,000 per year from the UK government through the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme. These payments will continue until 2033 meaning we would miss out on £640,000.00 of payments.

The average heating and hot water bill we invoice leaseholders each month is £38.00. This I believe is much lower than you would pay in electricity for the equivalent heating and hot water.

If there was no district heating the communal hallways would be colder resulting in more heating required in the apartments.

The life span of the bio-mass boiler is over 20 years so will last until the RHI payments stop in 2033.

AS we approach 2033 a decision will have to be made to either replace the bio-mass boiler which will be funded by the RHI payments or to turn it off and go back to individual heating in apartments.

In the mean-time I think everybody should be given a choice.

If you are against the bio-mass boiler we can turn it off for your apartment and you can install an electric system for heating and hot water and you will not have to contribute.