The council’s cabinet agreed to provide an additional £1.2 million in funding to develop a scheme that works for residents
Westminster City Council is taking significant steps to update, replace, and improve the Pimlico District Heating Undertaking (PDHU), a network that serves thousands of residents in the area. The council’s cabinet has outlined the next phase of plans aimed at addressing the challenges posed by the ageing heat network.
The PDHU, owned and managed by the council, supplies heat to over 3,000 homes, 50 commercial premises, three schools, and a post office. As the oldest district heating system in the UK, it has faced numerous issues due to its age, including frequent leaks, high repair costs, and poor insulation. The maintenance of the network now costs £3.5 million each year, with additional expenses for insurance.
In recent months, the council has been engaging with local families and businesses to understand their concerns and gather feedback on the existing network and potential replacements. This consultation process has been crucial in shaping the next steps of the project, ensuring that the needs and opinions of residents are at the forefront of decision-making.
The council’s cabinet agreed to provide an additional £1.2 million in funding to develop a scheme that works for residents. This funding will be used to explore and develop several options for the future of the heat network, with a focus on long-term solutions that keep energy bills low and minimise construction and maintenance costs.
Local Energy Source
This option is similar to the existing system, where heating and hot water would be provided to PDHU customers from a centralised source of locally generated heat. The hot water would be distributed through a network of pipes into individual dwellings.
Direct Electric Heating
Under this option, the existing heat network would be decommissioned. Instead, heating and hot water would be provided independently to each dwelling or property, eliminating the need for hot water distribution through underground pipework or communal areas.
Third Party Energy Source
This option is similar to the existing system but involves purchasing heating and hot water from a third party at an agreed price. The hot water would still be distributed through a network of pipes into dwellings. In response to feedback from residents, the council has also agreed to explore the feasibility of a non-system solution. The shortlisted options will be developed further, with ongoing involvement from residents to ensure their voices are heard throughout the process.
Liza Begum, Cabinet Member for Housing at Westminster City Council, emphasised the importance of getting the project right for residents. She 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.”
Begum added, “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, which is 70 years old and past its design life, has been a source of frustration for residents due to daily leaks and repair issues. Addressing these problems is a top priority for the council, as they aim to provide residents with a reliable, low-cost, and efficient energy supply.
The council’s commitment to engaging with residents and exploring every possible solution demonstrates their dedication to improving the quality of life for those living in Pimlico. With the additional funding and the development of various options, the council is taking significant strides towards finding a sustainable and effective solution for the future of the heat network.
