He raised concerns about the lack of future-proofing in district heating projects and highlighted the need for a robust response from the Minister. He noted that while gas boilers are convenient, they contribute to fuel poverty and carbon emissions. Alan Brown also questioned the feasibility of doubling heat pump installations by 2028 without proper funding strategies. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of regulatory frameworks and consumer protections in district heating networks. The work on the regulation framework seems well advanced, so can she give us a timescale for when legislation will come forward? Raised issues regarding high prices and service outages experienced by constituents on district heat networks, advocating for improved regulation and consumer protection measures.

Mr. Whitehead discussed the potential of district heating for decarbonisation and efficiency, citing examples from Denmark and his own city of Southampton with five district heating schemes. He acknowledged concerns about poorly managed existing schemes and criticised past government approaches to regulation as insufficient. He called for a clear plan for universal regulatory framework after the consultation period.

Ms Daby highlighted the importance of district heat networks for green energy but criticised their current inefficiency and high costs. She mentioned that residents in Catford Green are paying more money for less energy, with standing charges ranging from £30 to £40 per month even when flats are empty. She called for regulation by the Government similar to other parts of the energy industry. Contributed with concerns about the need for stronger consumer protections, Janet Daby mentioned difficulties faced by residents due to poor quality heat network services in her constituency.

Pennycook highlighted the need for statutory regulation to protect heat network customers, citing a lack of progress since first raising concerns in 2016. He argued that inadequate consumer protection undermines efforts to decarbonise heat and expressed dissatisfaction with voluntary measures like the Heat Trust. Pennycook stated that many customers face unreasonably high tariffs, price variations, and poor service quality. Joined in discussing concerns about district heat networks, Matthew Pennycook raised issues faced by residents in Greenwich and called for better regulation to protect consumers from high prices and service outages.

Reminded hon. Members of changes to normal practice for hybrid arrangements, including visibility and mask-wearing requirements.

Called for the Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations 2014 to be applied universally across all heat network systems, advocating for better protections and transparency for consumers.