Heat Network Advice via Agora

The government is in the process of introducing legislation governing heat network zones (HNZ). Bristol already has a HNZ and operator and the draft legislation contains provision for consent to be provided to existing HNZ operators, without the need to run further competition as would be required where there is either no pre-existing HNZ or there is but the operator hasn't been appointed in compliance with the draft legislation. Advice is required to ensure that the procurement of Ameresco (the operator) is compliant with the draft legislation and that therefore they can become the official operator.

Additional advice is required regarding the creation of further HNZs within Bristol and the necessity of competition in relation to those. The advice will be for the benefit of the council, but will also be shared with the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), which is responsible for the legislation, in order to provide them with the necessary assurance.