Council sets out options for future of Pimlico heat network

• Council to explore every option to ‘get this right for residents’ 

Westminster City Council’s cabinet has set out the next steps in plans to update, replace and improve a heat network which serves thousands of Pimlico residents. 

In recent months the council has been meeting with and speaking to the families and businesses set to be impacted by this project – listening to concerns and feedback about the existing network and its possible replacements.

The Pimlico District Heating Undertaking (PDHU) is owned and managed by the council and supplies heat to over 3,000 homes, 50 commercial premises, three schools, and a post office.

The system, which is the oldest district heating system in the UK, is facing significant challenges due to its age, including frequent leaks, high repair costs, and poor insulation with maintenance of the network now costing £3.5m each year and more in insurance.

Following discussions with resident groups, taking on board their suggestions, as well as the views of others on the network the council has focused on possible solutions for further development and resident engagement. On Monday 31 March the council’s cabinet agreed to provide an additional £1.2m of funding to develop a scheme which works for residents.

The options being considered for further development include:

• Local Energy Source – Similar to the existing system, heating and hot water would be provided to PDHU customers from a centralised source of heat generated locally. Hot water is distributed into dwellings through a network of pipes.
• Direct Electric Heating – The existing heat network would be decommissioned. Heating and hot water would be provided independently to individual dwellings or properties, with no requirement for hot water distribution through underground pipework or within communal areas.
• Third Party Energy Source - Similar to the existing system, however heating and hot water would be provided to PDHU customers from a third party and purchased at an agreed price. Hot water is distributed into dwellings through a network of pipes.

In response to feedback from residents the council has also agreed to explore the feasibility of a non-system solution.

The short listed options will now be developed further, with residents involvement throughout.

Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Housing, Liza Begum said:

We’ve got to get this right for residents. That’s why the council is fully exploring every option, making sure we  find a long term solution which keeps energy bills low and minimises the cost of construction and maintenance.

“ We’re already working with local tenants, leaseholders and businesses who have helped shape the options we are developing. Their continued input is going to be vital if we are going to make the scheme work.”

“The existing network is 70 years old and past its design life. Addressing the daily leaks and repairs issues, which have such a negative impact on the lives of people living on our estates, is a top priority. We want all of our residents to have a reliable, low cost, efficient, energy.”

If residents have queries or feedback they can contact the council about the PDHU on: futureofpdhu@westminster.gov.uk

To read more about the options under consideration you can read the cabinet papers here : Cabinet Report - Future of Pimlico District Heating Undertaking PDHU Progress on initial Outline.pdf