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

Winter Fuel Payment: Payment generally made once State Pension age has been reached. If you are in receipt of certain benefits, you will receive £500 if you were born between 25 September 1943 and 24 September 1957 or £600 if you were born before 25 September 1943.  If you are over state pension age with no other benefits the payment can vary between £250 - £340 depending on your age and whether your part of a couple or not. 

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 2023/24 is £55.05 and payments will be made from mid-December 2023.  Payment will be made automatically to those eligible. 

River Clyde Homes currently works in partnership with The Wise Group who 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. 

River Clyde Homes is a partner of the fuel bank foundation who can intervene in crisis situations.

Child Winter Heating Payment: This is a payment of £235.70, paid once a year to parents and carers of disabled children and young people under 19 who receive a qualifying benefit. Payments for winter 2023-2024 will begin in November 2023.

Other useful resources include: