Heat network upgrade project

We will be installing new energy meters in your homes and replacing the heating interface units. The heating interface unit is the device that supplies your heating and hot water from a central boiler or energy source.

This upgrade is necessary to comply with the latest government heating regulations. All changes will be completed in line with the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (GOV.UK), which sets new standards for heat networks. These improvements will ensure:

• Energy charges are fairly priced
• Transparent billing
• Support for vulnerable groups
• Reliable service

• Copperfield and Pickwick House
• Brisbane and Blackwood House
• Barkis and Nickleby House
• Cheeryble and Weller House

Works will also be carried out in:

• Buckland family hub
• Charles Dickens Community Centre
• Energy Centre at Pickwick House

In each flat, we will be installing:

• A replacement Heat Interface Unit (HIU), which is similar to a boiler
• New pipework
• New heat meters for accurate, metered billing
• Replacement radiator valves

Across the wider network, we will carry out:

• Boiler servicing and maintenance to increase energy efficiency and system reliability
• Replacement of equipment in the heat energy centre
• Replacement and insulation of pipework in communal areas to reduce heat loss

• The new heating system will be more energy efficient,
• You can expect fewer heating failures,
• There will be less frequent need for repairs,
• You will receive accurate heating bills based on your actual usage,
• A free interactive at-home display will be provided, helping you to monitor your energy use and manage your heating costs more effectively.

These improvements are part of our commitment to providing comfortable, safe, and affordable homes for all residents.

Yes, there will be some disruption to your heating and hot water while the work is being done. We will let you know beforehand and do our best to make things as easy as possible for you. The following may happen:

• You might need to leave your home for a day while work related to asbestos is carried out. You won’t need to stay away overnight for any part of these works.
• Your heating and hot water may be cut off for a short time while we replace HIUs and install new pipes.
• Your heating and hot water may also be temporarily unavailable while work is done in the energy centre.
• There will be changes to how your heating is billed.

Your heating charge will not be part of your rent anymore. Instead, you will get a separate bill just for your heating.

A specialist company will look after your heating bills. They will send your bills straight to you and deal with any problems if you can’t pay your bill.

Each month, your heating bill will be based on your actual usage, plus a fixed monthly standing charge. The standing charge will be about 39p per day.

You will be able to pay your heating bill in a way that suits you, just like you do with your electricity bill. You can choose the type of meter that suits you best:

• Credit meter
• Pay-as-you-go meter

The interactive display in your home shows you up-to-date information to help you keep track of your heating costs and energy usage. This tool makes it easier to manage your spending by letting you see:

• How much heat you are using right now
• Your heating use over the past seven days
• How much you’ve spent since your last bill (if you use a credit meter)
• How much money you’ve got left (if you use pay-as-you-go)

Using the display helps you make informed decisions about your heating and energy use, so you can save money and avoid wasting energy.

The display will be supplied by Guru Systems, and you can view their user guide here.

For the first year after the new unit is fitted, you’ll keep paying for your heating as you do now. This time allows you to ask questions about the new payment system and get help from our team and the new service provider if needed.

During this time, we will offer:

• Regular drop-in sessions
• Individual support sessions for those who use more energy

Our Switched On Portsmouth team is available before, during, and after the project to help you. Our energy advisors can help you:

• Manage your bills
• Arrange free energy advice visits
• Refer you to free energy efficiency measures, such as LED lightbulbs and draught proofing

Contact Switched On Portsmouth

• Freephone: 0800 260 5907
• Email: hello@switchedonportsmouth.co.uk
• Visit the website

Below is the timeline for key milestones in the building safety improvement project. Please note, the dates shown might change. If they do, this page will be updated.

• May 2026 – Resident engagement events
• August 2026 – Contractor appointment
• September 2026 – submit applications to the Building Safety Regulator
• December 2026 – works begin in blocks
• May 2028 – estimated completion of works