Derwenthorpe has a District Heating scheme, which is designed to burn wood chip, and gas. It’s run by Veolia, and if you have a fault that means you’re not getting sufficient heat or hot water, then you should contact them. Veolia use a company called Switch 2 to handle billing for them (see below).
Faults
For all enquiries, breakdowns and problems, phone the Derwenthorpe help line (see below). This number is available to report emergencies 24 hours, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. Out of office hours, you will hear a recorded message about any known faults, and can hang on to report an emergency.
Pricing
Veolia set the prices, according to a strict formula. Prices are reviewed every March. Your standing charge will increase by RPI, while the energy cost is calculated to recover costs and allow a fixed profit margin. The calculation is checked annually by the residents association.
Billing
For billing enquiries, contact Customer Services at Switch 2 by phoning 0333 321 2010, emailing customerservice@switch2.co.uk , or using the contact form on their website.
Online billing is available through the Switch2 resident portal.
Efficiency
The system isn’t very efficient, It’s effective, and most people find that their houses are warm enough. But the system loses quite a lot of heat to the ground. We understand losses of 30% to 60% of the heat generated would be typical of a system like this. We’re trying to get better information from Veolia about system efficiency. Note that system efficiency does not affect your bills, which are calculated according to the heat that you actually consume, and the wholesale price of fuel.
Contract
Veolia have a 30 year contract with JRHT to operate the system, from 5th July 2013, to 4 July 2043.The contract specifies the charging formula.
