Wilson Energy troubleshoots energy system for residential development
WilSon Energy, a leading provider of fully integrated Heating, Metering, Pre-Payment and Billing & Bureau Services, has been commissioned to carry out a full audit of the heat network system and private wire electricity network for commercial supplies and 48 residential retirement properties in Grantham, Lincolnshire.
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WilSon Energy supplied the heat interface units (HIU) and metering for Lace Housing, a development catering for over 55s with supported living, back in 2010. However, since installation, the system had not been regularly managed or maintained in house, except for a few ad hoc purchases of spare parts, so had become dormant, reducing its efficiency and causing poor quality water.
Recently new staff members have joined the client team and have a new vision for the development. WilSon Energy has been appointed to support them in auditing and updating the heating system, eliminating water quality issues and improving metering and billing.
Andy Wilkinson, CEO at WilSon Energy, said: “Having previously worked with the client in 2010, we were pleased that we could step in to rectify some of the issues they were experiencing.
“Residents were complaining that their apartments were too hot because of heat gain from the HIU. We found that insulation jackets covering the complete HIU were effective, yet heat trapped within the unit was causing components to prematurely fail.
“They were also experiencing issues with a lack of transparency around metering information, billing details and could not access charging and consumption data for heating, hot water and electrical energy usage. Approximately 80% of the heat energy meters installed had error codes, so were not recording consumption. Many tenants had previously complained about incorrect bills and queried energy usage, while the management team was finding it difficult to manage billing.”
Under the contract, WilSon Energy has conducted an initial site survey, which highlighted various issues, including system data collection, monitoring and component failure. In addition, there was air circulating within the system which was causing alarms on the heat energy meters.
Andy Wilkinson continues: “Having identified metering and data transmission issues, we installed a new data collection device and rectified existing faults to ensure 100% data accuracy across the network of water, electricity and heat. The team has also replaced numerous components and came up with a solution for the heat gain issue so by upgrading the HIUs to bring them up to modern standards, saving the client money.”
As well as managing the private energy network and smart meters, WilSon Energy will support the landlord with a complete meter monitoring, billing and bureau service and a customer excellence team.
A spokesperson from Lace Housing added: “With the previous system, we were not receiving data and had issues with incorrect billing, which had repercussions for our residents.
“WilSon Energy has been pivotal in eradicating these issues by providing technical support and recommendations on reducing our costs while supporting our tenants with accurate readings and more transparent billing.”
Andy concludes: “Monitoring energy consumption and data accurately is vital to ensuring systems operate efficiently and tenants are assured of fair utility billing. In the current economic climate, we were pleased that we could replace components in the most cost-effective way, while supporting the management team with our unrivalled customer service.
“Now that the project is back on track, our key focus is to assist on managing and maintaining the system and offering the best advice, so the commercial client gets the maximum return on their investment.”
For more information about WilSon Energy’s private energy networks and smart metering services, visit: https://wilsonenergy.co.uk/.
WilSon Energy Helps Double the Size of Wick’s Community Heating Scheme
As a leading provider of fully integrated heating, metering, pre-payment and billing and bureau services for residential homes and commercial developments, WilSon Energy has helped to reducing fuel costs for tenants and boost sustainability by doubling the size of a district heating system in a Scottish town.
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The Wick District Heating Scheme is located in Wick, Caithness, in the Scottish Highlands. It uses woodchip to generate heat by combustion, supplying steam to Pulteney Distillery and heat to the local hospital and assembly rooms as well as heating to around 250 homes and public buildings in the area.
Initiated by the Highland Council, the original aim of the scheme was to provide heating and hot water services to 500 homes in the town in a sustainable and cost-effective way. Wick has a population of around 8,000 people and a high number of the residents in parts of the town had experienced fuel poverty in the years leading up to the establishment of this scheme.
A spokesperson from the Area Gas and Contractor administration team at The Highland Council said: “For some time, we have been considering ways to support sustainable power while easing the financial pressure on consumers and reducing fuel poverty. The roll-out of this heating network is strong evidence that this is achievable and we are pleased that our aims are being met in ways that benefits everyone.”
Ignis Wick Ltd now owns the Energy Centre and District Heating Scheme, having taken over from the Highland Council a decade ago. It is managed and operated on its behalf by FES Group has been supplying heat to homes using local woodchip, rather than burning oil since 2013.
The energy centre burns around 700 tonnes of locally sourced woodchip each month and the heat is then distributed through a 10.5km network of underground pipes.
WilSon Energy was initially awarded a contract in 2013 to support the conversion of customer meters to the district heating system for their water and heating. WilSon installed heat user interface units (HUIs) and smart pay as you go (PAYG) meters across 120 properties, replacing old gas boilers and installing the heat exchanger and smart meters so tenants could obtain individual bills for their energy usage.
These changes delivered tenants a more attractive rate for their energy, averaging out at around £500 per year for heating and hot water and helping to take people out of fuel poverty. The conversion also reduced the average price per unit from 10p per unit plus a 40p per day standing charge for gas to a flat 4.8p per unit.
Due to the success of the initial roll-out, WilSon Energy was awarded a new contract to expand the network further, by incorporating an extra 126 properties. This phase was launched in October 2022 and is ongoing with the last few units currently being installed over the next couple of months.
Harris Gilmore, Energy Centre Manager at FES Group, said: “Collaboration is key to delivering a successful project, and our partnership with WilSon Energy has been paramount to this positive outcome. This new phase of the project has delivered economic benefits to a wider section of the Wick community, ensuring more tenants benefit from lower fuel costs in the most environmentally-friendly way.”
The roll-out has benefited both Ignis Wick Ltd and tenants, as WilSon is also able to provide transparent billing information and data on energy consumption. Competitively-priced PAYG meters, reduced tariff costs allowing for direct debits and pay as you go options to help tenants manage their energy costs more efficiently and put them in control.
Andy Wilkinson, Managing Director at WilSon Energy concludes: “We are proud of our growing reputation as a leading supplier of energy efficient solutions for commercial and residential clients and this latest project is testament to that. Reducing energy costs has never been more important, and this network is evidence of the tangible benefits district heat networks and community heating systems can deliver back to where it is needed most.”
Ignis Wick and the council are looking to further expand the scheme by onboarding further residential and commercial clients in the future.
For more information on WilSon Energy’s metering and billing services visit www.wilsonenergy.co.uk.
Heat Network Regulation Explained
The much-anticipated heat networks regulation, outlined in the Government’s Energy Security Bill to be managed by Ofgem, is expected to come into force next year. Andy Wilkinson, Managing Director at WilSon Energy, explains the aims of this new regulation, what benefits it will deliver to consumers and he believes it is an essential move for the industry.
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What are heat networks?
Heat networks supply heat and hot water from a central source to consumers via a network of pipes and are known as either a communal or a district heat network.
Communal heat networks are the most common form of heat network in the UK, providing heat and hot water to multiple premises and customers within a single building. District heat networks supply heat to more than one building, often covering a large area and supplying several buildings.
Currently, there are over 14,000 heat networks in the UK, providing heating and hot water to approximately 480,000 consumers[1].
What are the main benefits of heat networks?
Heat networks are one of the most cost-effective ways of decarbonising heating in built-up areas and will play a crucial part in helping the UK reach its net-zero targets.
More importantly, as well as supporting regeneration, they offer a fair and competitive price to consumers that will help reduce the cost of living.
Why is the regulation heat network regulation needed?
To date, the sector has remained unregulated, with no sector-specific protections for heat network consumers. In 2018, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) carried out a sector study finding that while, on average, heat networks deliver a comparable service to individual heating systems, there was a sufficient minority of consumers who receive significantly worse outcomes, such as high prices and frequent outages.
In addition, data from the Climate Change Committee estimated that around 18% of UK heat could come from heat networks by 2050 to support cost-effective delivery of carbon targets (up from around 2% currently).
As a result of these findings, Ofgem and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, have been shaping a new regulatory framework based on consumer protection requirements and supporting decarbonisation aims that heat network operators and suppliers must comply with.
How will this regulation benefit consumers?
These measures will regulate the sector and Ofgem will help to ensure consumers get a fair, competitive and proficient service.
The regulation includes powers to introduce an authorisation regime so organisations supplying heat through a heat network or operating a heat network will be regulated. This means that, ultimately, operators will be accountable for the way they work.
Ofgem will also have the powers to investigate and intervene on networks where prices for consumers seem disproportionate compared with heat networks with similar characteristics, or if prices are significantly higher than those consumers would expect to pay if they were served by an alternative and comparable heating system.
In summary, the intention is that these conditions and regulation will provide fairer pricing and transparent information for consumers, a higher quality service and minimum technical standards for heating provision.
How will the regulation support Climate Change?
The largest share of CO2 emissions from UK buildings comes from space heating and water heating, so driving energy efficiency in this area is an important part of the UK’s decarbonisation goals.
These new measures will support the decarbonisation of the sector and energy efficiency improvements by promoting technical standards and introducing carbon emissions limits on heat networks.
The growth and decarbonisation of the market will consequently make a vital contribution to government’s ambitious net zero ambition, and the role of heat networks is set to expand significantly.
What are the implications for non-compliance?
Some of the proposals under consideration include giving Ofgem powers to issue fines for poor levels of service. As regulator, Ofgem could also have the ability to order operators pay compensation in cases where there is a supply outage.
There are also proposed protections for vulnerable customers, such as elderly occupants or users with specific health conditions, by ensuring improved awareness among operators about individual users connected to the network.
Why is WilSon Energy in favour of Ofgem’s heat networks regulation?
As a leading supplier of fully integrated heating systems, and a heat network specialist, we are proud to set the industry standard by providing innovative and cost-effective solutions across the UK. We work with operators who are equally committed to delivering the most efficient heating solutions alongside the most robust data collection systems, that ensure we remain accountable for the service we deliver.
WilSon Energy has been providing billing and bureau services, together with, Pay As You Go (PAYG) Management services for heat networks and private multi-utility networks since 2009. We assist our clients by ensuring our services are delivered to meet the Heat Network (Metering & Billing) Regulations 2014 and in accordance with the Heat Trust.
We are compliant and make ourselves accountable by following best practice so our clients benefit from a fair and transparent service that benefits the wider community and environment.
To date, the market has been relatively unregulated, which has left many guidelines open to interpretation negatively impacting the customer. While we have always followed the framework set out by trusted associations such as Heat Trust, these new regulations will ensure a fair and level playing field for all.
What was the consultation period?
Feedback on the proposals being jointly conducted with Ofgem, were being sought until 27 October.
When will the regulations be introduced?
The new heat networks regulation is anticipated to come into force as early as early in 2024.
Following a period of being automatically authorised to operate, all heat networks will be required to notify to Ofgem to maintain their authorised status.
Government advice is that all heat networks prepare for regulation now by following existing good practice, such as that set out by the Heat Trust and the industry’s Code of Practice.
For more information on how we WilSon Energy can meet your energy needs, visit: https://wilsonenergy.co.uk/ or call us today on 01636 857 240.
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-security-bill-factsheets/energy-security-bill-factsheet-heat-networks-regulation-and-zoning
Recovering energy overpayments
Drawing on over 30 years’ industry knowledge of the 130+ problems that can arise when calculating end costs, through analysis of energy invoices, our bill validation expert has recovered the following costs for our clients:
- Homeless Services Charity: Recovered over £75,000 in energy overpayments over a five-year period
- Major National Brewery Chain: Received a £660,000 energy bill from supplier and following analysis £1.2million was instead recovered in overcharged invoices
- Religious Organisation with multiple properties: £8,000 was recovered on energy over payments per property
For more information on WilSon Energy’s bill validation, metering and billing services and how we could save you money, visit www.wilsonenergy.co.uk/billing-and-bureau-services/.
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Utility contracts are, understandably, complicated. No two properties are the same in terms of energy consumption and each will have their own typical monthly usage pattern. While it can be tempting to go for the cheapest tariff when choosing a supplier, it can end up costing you more.
For example, in most instances, the cost of your energy only makes up a percentage of your utility bill, with additional daily charges, extra taxes and other add-ons inflating the final number. We often explain the process to our customers as similar to booking a seat on a budget airline; the initial unit cost of the seat may be appealing but it gets rapidly inflated by taxes, where you choose to sit, the luggage you choose to take and whether you opt for a meal. In most cases, you just want the aircraft to take you from origin to destination as efficiently and cheaply as possible but the price you end up paying is rarely the fee quoted at the start.
Identifying areas of overpayment
While you may not get an extra charge for travelling post-flight, customers are frequently presented with a 13th bill at the end of their 12-month contract, with fees to pay retrospectively for a year’s worth of additional energy charges, which can be both stressful and expensive.
If you’re a landlord, developer or facilities manager overseeing several properties, the costs can seriously rack up and affect your supplier energy credit rating if you don’t pay up. While it’s easy to blame the supplier for these extra costs, energy billing is not an exact science; there are over 130 problems that can arise when calculating end costs. This can be even more complex especially if the procurement relates to a heat network scheme.
These fall into five categories.
- Metering
- Delivery
- Contract prices
- Network transition
- Current supplier contract
In some instances, it can be as simple as your payment meter not being set at the right pressure, but it’s worth pointing out that energy utility and network companies do make errors. These can also go back several years, causing a cumulative overpayment and excess energy costs.
Getting the most from metering and billing
The good news is that bringing in a bill validation specialist like WilSon Energy to analyse your energy bills and spending patterns can significantly reduce your costs and give assurance that your tariff is right for your level of usage.
The even better news is it only takes our team around 20 minutes and a recent utility bill to see if any action needs to be taken.
Analysing your invoice and understanding your consumption across your property portfolio means any billing errors can be identified and a match can be made with energy suppliers that are better suited to meet your individual needs.
As the eyes and ears on the ground, our bill validation and procurement team can keep you up to date with the facts and rates that are relevant to you, taking a proactive and advisory approach to utility management. At a time when inflation and the cost of living is rocketing, these unwarranted costs can be significant. We can also assist you in tariff recommendations for heat networks whereby the site may be charged in cubic meters of gas from the supplier but is billed out in Kw of heating and hot water to the end customer.
Minimising future errors
Beyond recovering costs and identifying errors, a huge part of our service is focused on minimising future errors. Many of our customers are experiencing the benefits of installing cutting-edge smart meters, which produce a more accurate reading and can be linked to payment plans for a more streamlined, integrated billing process. We also look manage the metering and billing on their behalf, so they can guarantee they are getting the best energy deals.
For more information on WilSon Energy’s bill validation, metering and billing services and how we could save you money, visit www.wilsonenergy.co.uk/billing-and-bureau-services/.
Up to 380 smart meters being installed at former Hallmark card factory
Midlands-based WilSon Energy, a leading provider of fully integrated Heating, Metering, Pre-Payment and Billing & Bureau Services for residential homes and commercial developments, has undertaken the first phase of a smart meter installation at a former factory in Bradford.
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In phase one, WilSon Energy has been appointed to install 150 smart meters on a private electricity network, as part of a complete renovation of the one-time Hallmark card factory, which is undergoing a major refurbishment into 380 residential units, to be known as The Printworks.
The developers delivering the scheme were experiencing issues with a lack of transparency around metering information, billing details and were not able to access charging and consumption data for electrical energy usage. Many tenants had previously complained about incorrect bills, queried energy usage and the management team were finding it difficult to manage billing.
As well as installing the private energy network and smart meters, the firm will support the landlord with a complete meter monitoring, billing and bureau service and a customer excellence team.
Andy Wilkinson, CEO at WilSon Energy, said: “WilSon Energy stepped in to offer support and find a solution to the challenges the property developers were facing in 2022. By putting in a private electricity network with dedicated smart meters, which provides access to an online portal with real time data, we can put landlords and tenants in control of their energy supplies and help with invoicing.
“Our dedicated billing and bureau team is on hand to support landlords and property managers with data to inform decision making, while the smart meter and Pay as You Go system offers tenants multiple ways to pay and top up credit through a committed customer service team and resident portal.”
A spokesperson from the property management company added: “With the previous system, deployed by a former contractor, we were not receiving management data, had issues with incorrect billing and lack of control over the energy supplier. Residents were understandably unhappy about receiving incorrect or sporadic bills. With support from WilSon Energy we are in a position to roll out the latest technology to residents which will provide a myriad of benefits, including accurate readings and a more cost-effective solution for utility bill management, ultimately helping our tenants to monitor and manage their energy usage.”
The first phase of installation is now complete, with the remaining dwellings in phase two to be fitted in mid 2023 when rest of renovations are due for completion.
For more information about WilSon Energy’s private energy networks and smart metering services, visit: https://wilsonenergy.co.uk/
WilSon Energy sees rise in demand for Pay as You Go metering services
Private landlords, social housing providers and local authorities with HMOs and small shared dwellings are turning to WilSon Energy to install Pay as You Go private energy networks in their properties to mitigate risk and control energy costs.
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East Midlands-based WilSon Energy, a leading provider of fully integrated heating, metering, pre-payment and billing & bureau services for residential homes and commercial developments, has seen an increase in demand for its complete metering and billing services for electricity supplies.
Andy Wilkinson, WilSon Energy CEO, said: “We’re finding private landlords and housing associations are looking for ways to save money and reduce the risk of non-payment from tenants. For years, there have been low interest rates which are now rocketing. That, combined with the rising cost of energy, means property owners and landlords need to find ways to manage or reduce costs on infrastructure and mitigate risks of defaults on electricity payments by tenants.”
The Pay as You Go private electricity network service from WilSon Energy is suitable for new build developments or could be retrofitted into private network properties where the existing metering supply is on a post-pay basis. It could also be implemented into a house converted into an HMO or into three or four separate flats.
The service is designed to help landlords to save money and mitigate the risk of non-payment or tenants defaulting on energy bills. By providing an end-to-end solution and managing the full metering and billing process, it provides property managers with a fully automated system and a dedicated point of contact within the WilSon billing team.
Andy adds, “By working with us to install a private electricity network, landlords benefit from a full billing and metering service where we can help find the best deal from energy suppliers and validate bills to make sure they are correct and they are getting the best value for money”, says Andy. “With smart metering, we can automate the process and set up monthly billing based on what has been used. We have done this for a long time with multi-utilities and heat networks, but now we are seeing a growth in demand for electricity.”
“It is not only the landlords who benefit from a private network and Pay as You Go electricity. Tenants are put in control, can set a budget and also benefit from better rate tariffs than they would get from traditional pre-pay meters, as the energy price is generally lower. Unlike the main energy suppliers in the market, there is no premium for having a Pay As You Go meter on a private network.”
For more information about WilSon Energy’s end-to-end utility metering services, visit: https://wilsonenergy.co.uk/.
WilSon Energy expands team with a raft of new appointments
Midlands-based WilSon Energy, a leading provider of fully integrated heating, metering, pre-payment, billing and bureau services for residential homes and commercial developments, has announced the expansion of its team with six new appointments.
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The appointments follow a period of sustained growth for the Newark-based business, leading to a proactive recruitment drive to meet customer demand.
In addition to several new client wins, WilSon Energy has seen increased demand for its support with billing and bureau management services. Earlier this year, the firm also secured a large-scale Heating Interface Unit (HIU) service and maintenance contract for a major utility provider.
The six new recruits will be working across the whole business.
Joining the customer support team is Adam Waby, who returns to the business, focusing on supporting our field engineers and internal technical support, as well as Emma Tomlinson. Emma also previously worked at WilSon around five years ago in the billing and bureau department has now returned to the business with renewed enthusiasm after getting married and having two children.
Sami Zaqiri has been recruited to the role of field service engineer. Having worked extensively has an HIU service engineer for several years, Sami has in-depth sector experience as well as general plumbing and heating knowledge. James Hawley has also joined the business as a field service engineer and similarly to Sami, has also worked in this area extensively, after a career in the military.
Shannon Haywood has joined the post pay billing and bureau team again bringing with her a wealth of customer service skills. Chris Rathore has taken up a sales role and is responsible for new billing and bureau and pre-payment contracts. In addition to this he works extensively with new utility connections, fiscal meters and energy procurement.
Finally, Steve Burn moves to head of mechanical and electrical project management. For the last couple of years, he has worked successfully delivering a number of multi-utility projects in the residential sector.
Andy Wilkinson, CEO at WilSon Energy, said: “WilSon Energy has seen significant growth in the last 12 months with new contract wins in Heat Network and District Heating schemes across a wide portfolio of residential and commercial developments. We have also seen growth in our Energy Billing and Bureau solutions and these appointments are testament to that success and our proactive approach to meeting customer demand for our extensive range of services.
“We are pleased to bring these new staff members on board at an exciting time for the business and wish them a long and rewarding career with us.”
For more information about WilSon Energy and its integrated heating and billing solutions, visit: https://wilsonenergy.co.uk/billing-and-bureau-services/.
WilSon Energy gets green light to retrofit cutting-edge metering technology into 250 homes
Midlands-based WilSon Energy, a leading provider of fully integrated Heating, Metering, Pre-Payment and Billing & Bureau Services for residential homes and commercial developments, has won a new contract to deploy the latest LoRaWAN technology as part of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI).
The project will see a network of 250 residential properties in Stevenage benefitting from WilSon Energy’s implementation of the latest cutting-edge heat metering technology.
LoRaWAN is communications protocol that wirelessly connects “things” to the internet in regional, national, or global networks. Its popularity is growing in the residential property space as it is an easy-to-deploy, simple-to-manage, resilient, robust and cost-effective solution for managing heating, cooling, electricity, water and gas metering.
Together with Axioma Metering, the project will feature Qalcosonic E3 smart ultrasonic heat energy meters with LoRa modules operating within WilSon’s intelligent data management platform solution.
Andy Wilkinson, CEO WilSon Energy, said: “With this partnership we are able to provide customers with a one-stop shop solution; the smart heat energy meter, LoRaWAN network and IoT platform”.
Through the collaboration, the WilSon platform will allow building administrators to monitor and analyse data; use the data for billing; generate balancing, consumption and leakage reports; as well as receive customisable alerts. This includes immediate notifications of any water leaks in order to prevent damage to their infrastructure and avoid un-billed cases.
A spokesperson from the property management company added: “With the previous system that was deployed by a former contractor, the project has been inherently troubled with many issues over the last few years. Residents have been understandably unhappy about receiving incorrect bills or not being billed at all due to technical issues. With WIlSon Energy on board we are now able to rectify this”
“We’re looking forward to working with the WilSon Energy team to roll out the latest technology to residents at our Stevenage development. The implementation of this smart metering will provide a myriad of benefits, including accurate readings and a more cost-effective solution for utility bill management. This will ensure accurate billing and help our residents monitor and manage their energy usage.”
Ultrasonic measurement is considered the most reliable way of measuring the hot or chilled water flow by providing accurate consumption reporting, as the data is collected automatically, while residents can monitor their energy usage with the help of a mobile App.
In addition, the advanced metering infrastructure can lower billing costs and minimise errors by eliminating the traditional drive-by/walk-by meter data collection, as all meters are equipped with LoRa modules permitting data to be transmitted to the system effectively and without the possibility of intervention.
Dan Mayfield, Wilson’s support and operations manager explained, “Working together in the market like this, enables us to have a strong focus and accelerate the development of our IoT platform”.
WilSon Energy is carrying out the full mechanical and electrical installation of all metering devices and central concentrators. The project will enable the property management company to experience the benefit of the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) for the first time.
For more information about WilSon Energy’s smart metering services, visit: https://wilsonenergy.co.uk/.
WilSon Energy doubles up community support with latest sponsorship deal
Newark-based WilSon Energy is proud to confirm its sponsorship of local double board darts team RHP Darts of Hazzard.
The agreement will see WilSon Energy sponsor the team’s shirts and a range of equipment for the next double board darts season, which started last month. The new shirts will also promote the team’s familiar catchphrase, “Nobody likes to see that”, which is often expressed when a dart doesn’t go the team’s way.
Having originated in France, the traditional game of darts, often played in pubs, has morphed into various UK regional forms over the years. While many have died out over time, one form that has survived, is actively used in the Newark-Upon-Trent pub league, where the game is played on a doubles dart board of the Lincoln format.
In contrast to a traditional board, a double dart board has no different coloured segments or trebles and the bullseye doesn’t have the twenty-five-point surround.
The RHP Darts of Hazzard, whose home turf is the RHP Sports and Social Club, are regular competitors in the Newark and District Double Darts League, taking on other regional teams in a series of seasonal fixtures.
Andy Wilkinson, CEO at WilSon Energy, said: “We’re really pleased to be supporting the RHP Darts of Hazzard with this latest sponsorship deal.
“As our local team, we’re fully behind them and are looking forward to cheering them on into this double board darts season and beyond.
A spokesperson for RHP Darts of Hazzard, said: “It’s great to have WilSon Energy’s backing as we start our summer season campaign.
“We’re proud of our kit and this local support is so helpful as we aim to move up the league table. Watch this space!”
You can follow the team’s progress on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/newarkdarts
Energy Secretary urged to reconsider heat networks as integral to energy strategy
Midlands based WilSon Energy, a leading provider of fully integrated Heating, Metering, Pre-Payment and Billing & Bureau Services for residential homes and commercial developments, has written to the government to request an urgent rethink on heat networks, following the publication of its energy strategy.
Heat Networks (also known as District Heating Schemes) are a rapidly growing part of all multi-tenant developments across the UK as they offer significantly improved safety and environmental performance over localised gas boiler systems.
In a joint letter to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the Minister for Energy, Clean Growth and Climate Change and Minister for Housing, WilSon Energy’s managing director, Andy Wilkinson, sets out the benefits of district heating systems to unlock the long-term potential of shared energy to reduce both costs and emissions.
Andy comments: “Like many others, we feel that Government has missed an opportunity to take a holistic approach. About one third of energy used in the UK is for heating and hot water, and we fully support that this needs to be greener, cheaper and more reliable.
“While it is positive that the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting heat pumps for individual homes, as these can help make the best use of electricity and reduce energy consumption by 50-60% for the same level of heating. However, much greater savings in electricity demand can be achieved at lower cost by the use of shared or community heat pumps, using ground-source or water-source technology.”
The letter urges government to implement a series of measures including re-introducing subsidies for heat networks using heat pumps and other renewables; changing planning regulations to ensure that heat networks are considered in all new applications; rolling out a landlord and developer education programme on the benefits of shared heating systems in multi-dwelling accommodation, plus extending energy cap protection to all consumers currently on heat networks.
Andy Wilson concludes: “The opportunities for shared heating infrastructure are huge, especially in redevelopment and decarbonisation of existing buildings into apartments and in integrated housing developments. There are also major opportunities in industrial and commercial applications. We believe the government needs to reconsider its approach to unlock the long-term potential of shared energy to reduce both costs and emissions.”
To read the full letter, click on the pdf…
For more information on heat networks visit: https://wilsonenergy.co.uk/.
View PDF
Are you Heat Trust compliant?
WilSon Energy acknowledges the Heat Trust, the consumer champion for heat networks, in it’s call for all operators to join its scheme to get regulation ready. Heat Trust, launched in November 2015 is an independent, non-profit consumer champion for heat networks that holds the industry to account for the benefit of everyone involved.
Andy Wilkinson, CEO of WilSon Energy, commented. “Although only part of the overall heat network scheme relates to billing & bureau services that we carry out on behalf of our clients, this is delivered in accordance with all current industry regulations, so we also strongly recommend to them that they participate in the Heat Trust’s voluntary scheme for the benefit of their own clients. We have created a handy guide that gives advice on how we can help clients meet these standards throughout the process”.
Mebs Laljee, Business Development Manager of WilSon Energy adds, “Our billing & bureau services department is growing rapidly. We have recently introduced some significant changes in our operations, this follows major investment by the company in its billing platform and customer portal. We have secured another two heat network billing contracts this week, where clients have not renewed their existing contracts and have switched over from two other competitors”.
To all property managers or property owners that have identified a requirement for Metering and Billing, please get in touch for free impartial advice on how WilSon Energy’s technology and end to end billing solution can help and ensure that you are regulatory compliant before the end of September 2022 deadline.
Wilson Energy awarded a contract to supply & commission Heat Interface Units in exclusive development in London
Wilson Energy has been awarded a contract to supply and commission KaMo twin plate heat interface units and smart heat energy metering systems at Candela Yard, Tottenham Court Road, London, an exclusive development of one, two and three bedroom apartments.
Andy Wilkinson, CEO, Wilson Energy says, “Our client was looking for a provider who could offer an end-to-end solution. Wilson Energy won the contract as we are also providing billing & bureau services and ongoing service & support”.
Mebs Laljee, Business Development Manager, Wilson Energy, commented; “The main design principle of the KaMo HIU unit, is based foremostly on hygiene and hydraulic design principles and the flexibility to offer customised solutions”
The consultant preferred a unit that incorporated a PICV valve rather than a differential pressure control valve, which we were able to provide. The other requirements were for a compact design and low return temperature. The units supplied incorporated a first fix rail arrangement and flushing by-pass valve.
WilSon Energy has been supplying these units into the UK market since 2007, with major projects deployed across the UK.
Local energy business providing career opportunities for young people
Wilson Energy Limited, one of UK’s leading providers of fully integrated Heating, Metering, Pre-Payment and Billing & Bureau Services for residential homes and commercial developments, is an award-winning local employer dedicated to offering opportunities to give young people a step up in helping them to develop their careers.
A prime example is their most recent young employee, Josh Tooke, 19 years old, who started working for Wilson Energy in February 2021 in the Maintenance & Support department. Josh left college in 2020 and was looking for an opening to develop his skills in business. Josh works in the support team and his role includes arranging appointments for engineers, providing top-ups for residential customers, working onsite with some of the meter reading systems and providing customer quotes for spare parts. Josh says, “The most rewarding part of my job is helping residential customers on a daily basis. I deal with a lot of vulnerable customers, particularly the elderly. These people can be very lonely and sometimes they haven’t spoken to anyone all day so I will make time to have a chat with them and make sure they are okay”.
Andy Wilkinson, CEO, Wilson Energy commented; “Wilson Energy has provided many roles for young people over the years. It Is a project which is close to my heart, I want to be able to give young people the chance to help drive them in the right direction of their career paths. It is particularly difficult for young people right now, to secure positions that will help to develop their professional skills. It is really rewarding to see many of them who have been successful and gone on to be Directors of companies or to provide them with the confidence to start their own business. As a business, we have also been actively involved with many local schools in the area, providing work experience placements”
If you are interested in opportunities to work with Wilson Energy and think you have what it takes to be a valuable member of the team, please contact Andy Wilkinson, andy@wilsonenergy.co.uk.
Heat Network Cost effectiveness Assessment Tool
With the updated version of the Governments Heat network metering & billing regulations (2020), it is a legal requirement to undertake a metering cost effective assessment for most building types to ensure compliance with these regulations.
WilSon Energy can assist you in the process, by using the assessment tool to identify if there is a requirement to install metering or not. If deemed necessary, we can then recommend and if required, carry out installation/commissioning of suitable metering products and automatic meter reading systems to collect actual data for credit billing or operate on a Pay As You Go basis.
Unlike other meter distributors, we offer a full end to end solution, including a fully managed billing & bureau service, compliant with both the Heat network metering & billing regulations (2020) and the Heatrust.
For more information, please go to Regulations: heat networks (metering and billing)
To discuss your project further please contact a member of our team at: enquiries@wilsonenergy.co.uk
WilSon Energy installs ultrasonic smart water meters
Wilson Energy has installed MID billing standard cold-water meters and electricity meters across four sites of nearly 200 residential properties.
Each site was originally for commercial/retail use but have now been converted into 1 and 2 bedroomed apartments, all in city centre locations, bringing life and footfall back into the high street.
Ultrasonic smart water meter, QALCOSONIC W1, is designed for accurate measurement of cold and hot water consumption in households, apartment buildings, and small commercial premises. It is the first ultrasonic water meter with the integrated Narrow-Band-IoT (NB-IoT) technology in Europe.
Together with the single phase direct connected electricity meters, each meter is linked into a dedicated metering data collection platform with central data concentrator that transmits data with actual meter reads to WilSon Energy’s back office. We are now contracted with the property management company to deliver a third-party billing & bureau service to new residents moving in to their new homes.
Our client saved a substantial amount of money by creating a building network operator designed system as opposed to a district network system and was able to complete the project ahead of schedule and sell the properties faster.
Heat Interface Unit Delivery
Another phased delivery of KaMo twin-plate Heat Interface Units, on schedule to site for another project, comprising of 700 new homes.
The units are being supplied with sub-frame assembly, customised for the customers specification of 3no Top and 3no Bottom connections, together with a full suite of accessories, including first-fix rail, flushing by-pass and filling loops.
All units are fitted with ultrasonic heat energy meters and our combined credit/pay as you go smart metering system, pre-wired and ready to go.
WilSon Energy, a leading supplier of fully integrated heating systems, delivers complete solutions from energy source to bill.
HIU sub-frame assembly
In-house assembly of our patented designed HIU sub-frames allows us to offer the client a fast and customised solution for any HIU configuration. When delivered to the construction site, the cabinet is ready for installation according to customer specifications and connection orientation.
Available in two different versions, in-wall and onwall mounting, for most common system installations, the unit can be supplied for radiator connections and for underfloor heating (UFH). This can be in any combination of; six top, six bottom, three top and three bottom or four top and two bottom etc.
The sub-frame assembly is also available with optional first fix-rail and flushing by-pass valve.
The HIU can then be easily and quickly mounted on to the sub-frame, saving time and installation costs.
For more information, please contact enquiries@wilsonenergy.co.uk
HIU Guide
WilSon Energy Secures contract to supply heat interface units and smart metering systems
Wilson Energy has secured a contract for Lily House in Wembley, for the supply and commissioning of heat interface units and smart metering systems.
The project has utilised Wilson’s brand new design of the Type 4.1, heat interface units which are both WRAS approved and tested in accordance with the BESA test regime. Chosen for its low return temperature, compact design and easy installation with configurable connections, the unit has a two part lockable front cover and viewing window for the heat energy meter. A first fix installation was carried out by the contractor using a manifold rail and flushing by-pass unit.
The smart metering package provided to the client, includes heat energy meters, cold water meters and electricity meters, which measure the consumption used within each dwelling and is shown on the consumers ENE3 in-home display unit. The heating and hot water supply will operate on a Pay-As-You-Go basis, which is linked into WilSons’ new multi-lingual billing platform, customer portal and mobile APP.
The benefits of decentralised generation of domestic hot water
Securing decentralised water quality – hot water without the risk of legionella
A Comparison between a 2-pipe system with heat interface units and a conventional 4-pipe system with central hot water preparation.
Decentralised heating of domestic hot water
- Decentralised flow heating giving security to residential development heat network operating companies.
- Saving on domestic hot water and circulation pipes from the central heating system to the residential units.
- Low system temperatures in the building pipe-work network, as hot water pipes and circulation pipes are not required.
Centralised domestic hot water storage
- Large storage system subject to mandatory testing by residential development landlords and property owners.
- Increased effort for pipe network, as hot water pipes and circulation pipes are required.
- High temperatures in the building piping network in order to maintain drinking water hygiene and avoid the risk of legionella.
- *58 % energy saving with 2-pipe systems compared to central domestic hot water systems*
Further benefits
- No need to store domestic hot water in cylinders.
View PDF
Hybrid heat interface units for heating and domestic hot water
We are receiving a lot of interest in our Hybrid HIU, particularly for heat pump applications from specifiers and consultants. Our range of heat interface units are evolving to meet this challenge.
In the UK, networks will typically be designed around an output temperature of 45-50 degrees C, which will maximise the COP, minimising both CO2 and
electricity bills. The Hybrid unit works at these low temperatures (or lower, down to 35 degrees C).
Domestic Hot Water presents a particular problem. Although 45 degrees is hot enough for most uses (and building regulations limit tap water temperature to 48 degrees), stored hot water must be at a temperature of at least 60 degrees to kill off legionella. This is commonly achieved by an immersion heater in a domestic hot water tank, which takes up space and pushes up heating bills.
The Hybrid HIU negates storing domestic hot water in a cylinder which is clearly desirable both in energy efficiency terms and saving space, and instantaneous water heating offers one option to top up water heating if required.
With more than 1,000 units deployed and operational in the field, we clearly see many more opportunities in these low temperature networks.
WilSon keeps the heat on: private heat and utility billing during the pandemic
WilSon Energy provides utility billing and support services on behalf of property managers. Currently supporting over 25,000 homes across the UK, including pre-pay and post-pay tenants, WilSon Energy is also responsible for call-out support, maintenance and repair.
Coronavirus has made life difficult. Andy Wilkinson, CEO, explains: “It has been tough to keep the show on the road over the last few weeks. We started by setting up a virtual call centre, so that our team could work from home to respond to tenants, take payments over the phone and trouble shoot issues.”
That was just the first step. Next was making sure that the callout team were able to deal with emergencies, where a home visit is needed to maintain supplies. WilSon Energy equipped its engineers with PPE and training in social distancing and other protocols to reduce the risks and reassure customers during necessary home visits.
Andy says “We need to support our vulnerable customers, especially where customers may be self-isolating and are unable to leave their homes. We help customers get top-ups over the phone or through our online portal, or make other arrangements to pay, so they don’t have to worry about leaving their homes to keep on top of their bills”. In addition, WilSon Energy administers tailored credit facilities on behalf of property managers for customers who are facing payment difficulties.
Roseanne Dixon, Bureau and Billing Supervisor, calls all vulnerable customers on a weekly basis, to make sure they are OK and have no problems with their utilities. “It’s part of the job I really enjoy” says Roseanne, “especially when the occasional Thank You card or Easter card comes our way!”
As well as keeping existing customers connected, WilSon Energy has recently started supporting a project in Glasgow, working with property owners and the local council to help move homeless people into empty properties. The company coordinates registration, metering and funding for heating and hot water. Six homeless people have moved into a property this week. “We like this project” says Andy, “it’s really nice to see some positives coming out of the situation”.
WilSon Energy install smart metering system into commercial laundry site
WilSon engineers have installed our smart metering system at a commercial laundry site, providing site-wide automatic monitoring and targeting. Data capture of the main incoming supplies for gas, water and electricity and a sub-metering network, monitoring all energy and utilities across the site, with around fifty metering points, capturing all elements of the industrial process within the factory.
There are several makes of electricity meter installed in the switch room and at various local distribution boards around the factory and offices, which are providing a direct register read via an RS485 communication, linked to each of the data hubs installed.
The parallel communication system of the hubs provide both wireless radio and simultaneous power line data transmission, which gives a reliable and robust solution, across a site that is wide-spread, without the need for additional infrastructure. The client can view real time information on WilSon’s cloud based MDM (Meter data Management) dash board.
Keeping the heat on!
WilSon Energy are the only genuine, officially, appointed distributor for the UK of spare parts for KaMo and KVM Energy Heat interface units.
With over a decade of experience, our technical team has the knowledge of the various units sold over the last 15 years and a database identifying all sites and all first and second line spares. The majority of the KVM Energy units deployed are single plate (WK1/S) and KaMo units, in both single and twin plate versions. (WK-D).
We have increased our stock holding of spare parts during this uncertain time, to ensure that we have availability of most of the common items and that can be shipped immediately, on a next day delivery service.
Our trained engineers are currently available for any emergency repairs.
Please contact us at: support@wilsonenergy.co.uk
For more information, please click Single plate HIU’s
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