Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill: call for evidence
SFHA has been invited to give evidence to the Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee at the beginning of September.
The Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill is a Scottish Government Bill introduced by Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson MSP on 2 March 2020.
According to the Policy Memorandum accompanying the bill, “the overall purpose of the bill is to encourage greater deployment of heat networks in Scotland, in order to help reduce emissions from heating homes and buildings.”
The document also states that “the bill will also contribute towards Scotland’s target to deliver 11% of non-electrical heat demand from renewable sources by 2020 and the Scottish Government’s target that 50% of all energy consumption come from renewables by 2030".
This is a lengthy but single purpose bill and one that touches on a range of policy areas e.g. renewables, energy efficiency, fuel poverty, land rights and property law (compulsory purchase and wayleaves), planning permission, and climate change.
The committee is particularly keen to hear from anyone, including communities and their partners, who have tried to set up a heat network in their area and the opportunities and challenges involved –and want to hear about experiences, good and bad.
As such, SFHA has been asked to give evidence on behalf of members and would encourage those of you with experience of heat networks to get in touch with us in order that we can represent this during the evidence session.
Please email enquiries@sfha.co.uk to share your thoughts or to ask any questions by 1 September 2020.