Q&A with the Distribution Network Operators (DNO's) for Warm Homes Wave 3

1. Customer Impact and Resident Considerations: 

• The session acknowledged the need to minimise disruption for residents, particularly in vulnerable communities, during infrastructure upgrades such as digging for de-looping or substation works. 

• Emphasis on ensuring timely, clear communication with residents to mitigate concerns and plan for temporary solutions (e.g., power outages or generator use). 

2. Data Sharing and Forecasting Needs: 

• The need for better data sharing was a recurring theme. Housing providers were encouraged to share long-term upgrade plans, including boiler lifecycles, re-roofing schedules, and renewable energy adoption timelines. 

• Suggestions were made to leverage Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Wave 3 bids as a source of high-level data to give DNOs foresight into regional demand. 

3. Proactive vs Reactive Planning: 

• There was a focus on balancing proactive, long-term planning with the current reactive model. Housing providers called for DNOs to consider phased strategies to support decarbonisation while addressing immediate needs. 

4. Heat Pump and Solar PV Demand Insights: 

• Growing demand for heat pumps and solar PV was highlighted as a bottleneck for DNO capacity. Accurate demand data (e.g., heat pump sizing, solar PV capacity) was seen as essential to avoiding over-engineered solutions. 

5. Consistency Across DNOs: 

• Participants noted inconsistencies in policies and practices between DNOs, such as approaches to de-looping services. 

• The group supported national policy alignment and collaboration through the Low Carbon Technology (LCT) Steering Group to improve consistency and customer experience. 

6. Training and Skills Gaps: 

• Both DNOs and housing providers noted the need for technical skills to meet decarbonisation demands. Training programs and government-supported capability initiatives were suggested as potential solutions. 

7. Policy and Regulatory Drivers: 

• The 2030 deadlines related to EPC regulations and Decent Homes Standards are creating urgency for housing providers but often clash with DNO infrastructure capabilities. 

• Advocacy for regulatory clarity and financial incentives was recommended to align housing decarbonisation efforts with grid infrastructure upgrades. 

8. Innovation and Proactive Approaches: 

• DNOs discussed ongoing innovation projects, such as connection readiness indicators and Neighbour Green, which use data to streamline planning and reduce reactionary interventions. 

• Case studies of successful collaborations were suggested as a model for scaling innovation across the sector. 

9. Collaboration with Government: 

• Calls were made for stronger government support to integrate social housing needs into local energy planning frameworks. 

• A proposal to use DESNZ and Innovate UK platforms to share high-level data and create proactive strategies was discussed. 

Next Steps: 

1. Consolidating Data: 

• Jenny proposed using a centralised platform (e.g., Innovate UK) where housing providers can upload long-term upgrade plans, enabling DNOs to access data for strategic planning. Jenny will keep colleagues updated on this through the weekly updates from the Healthy Homes Hub. 

• Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) bids could also be used to provide high-level insights to DNOs. 

2. Stakeholder Coordination: 

• Neil and Jenny to understand how best to push for coordinated input from DESNZ, DNOs, housing associations, and local authorities to map overlapping priorities and create a high level unified decarbonisation plan. 

3. Proactive Collaboration: 

• Social housing needs should be included in local area energy plans to ensure alignment between housing providers and DNO strategies. 

• Housing providers were encouraged to share high-level data, such as re-roofing schedules or boiler replacement timelines, to help DNOs plan upgrades more effectively. 

4. Funding Alignment: 

• Advocate for greater alignment between government funding (e.g., SHDF) and infrastructure planning to prioritise areas with the greatest need. 

5. Regular Dialogue: 

• Ongoing workshops and discussions were recommended to refine processes and ensure consistent communication between all parties. Healthy Homes Hub will work with members and the DNO’s to understand when and how to do this 

This updated summary highlights the critical need for a coordinated, data-driven approach to upgrade the UK’s social housing infrastructure and meet decarbonisation goals effectively.