District Heating

Your guide to District Heating

District heating is a system that provides heat to multiple buildings or homes from a central source. It is designed to efficiently deliver heat from a centralised plant or facility, which can be powered by various sources such as natural gas, biomass, or waste heat from industrial processes. The heat is then distributed through a network of insulated pipes to individual homes or buildings connected to the system. 

In social housing, they are often used in supported and sheltered housing with shared facilities, as well as in blocks of flats. River Clyde Homes mainly uses Biomass in our district heating systems as they form an important part of our plan to reduce carbon and minimise heating bills for customers.

The benefits of District Heating Networks

District heating networks often offer a more reliable heat supply, as they are less susceptible to individual equipment failures compared to individual heating systems such as gas boilers. 

District heating has many benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting the local economy, reducing costs for customers, and improving energy efficiency. It is a low-carbon solution that can provide a reliable and secure heat supply while reducing the risk of fuel poverty and improving air quality.

The benefits of Biomass Heating 

Biomass is a renewable energy source, generated from burning wood, plants and other organic matter, such as manure or household waste. It releases carbon dioxide when burned, but less than fossil fuels. Biomass heating systems burn wood pellets, chips, or logs and is the largest form of renewable heating throughout Europe.

Help with your Heating Bill

 

Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP): From winter 2025/2026 onwards, we intend to introduce a universal Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. From next winter, pensioners in Scotland in receipt of a relevant benefit will continue to receive payments of £200 or £300, depending on their age. Every other pensioner household will receive a payment of £100. Heating cost help - Social security.

Warm Home Discount: £150 paid automatically if you or your partner are on guaranteed pension credit. If you are on a low paid income and certain benefits you can also qualify, your supplier will have more details. 

Winter Heating Payment - is £58.75 and payments began from mid-December 2024.  Payment will be made automatically to those eligible.  

River Clyde Homes currently works in partnership with Community Links Scotland and Wattwise Inverclyde can offer fuel support for our tenants. This support includes energy crisis support, advocacy support, specific energy advice/information and energy saving and energy support.

Child Winter Heating Payment: This is a payment of £251.50, paid once a year to parents and carers of disabled children and young people under 19 who receive a qualifying benefit. Payments for winter 2024-2025 and began in November 2024.

Other useful resources include: