Tai Tarian – Llwynon Complex, Neath Port Talbot

Background:

A water pipe feeding the outlying properties from the communal system stored in the central complex failed. This was deemed to be beyond economical repair; therefore, a decision was made to utilise a green energy heating source and achieve an improved EPC rating to those properties affected. We evaluated the systems on offer and wanted to move away from fossil fuel reliance and we selected Dimplex Quantum electric storage heaters along with Solar PV and a Santon hot water cylinder.

Project learning:

Tenant communication is key; Ahead of any new heating system install, the organisation puts emphasis on engaging with tenants to introduce them to the new system and have product representatives on-hand to answer any queries that tenants may have and alleviate any concerns. – Educating and assisting tenants with the different energy tariff’s available to them is key and that tenants would benefit more by switching to an Economy 7 tariff, particularly the British Gas Dimplex Tariff, where they would benefit from a cheap off-peak rate whilst the storage heaters stored the power during those hours. – The importance of tenants having Smart Meters installed to ensure they have access to all of the best tariffs prior to install of new heaters.

Project innovation:

As part of the project iOpt environmental and energy monitoring was installed to conform with Welsh Government monitoring requirements. iOpt sensors has allowed the organisation to ensure the storage heaters are reaching the required temperature programmed by the tenants. Through iOpt, the organisation can also view energy usage for each property, ensuring the heaters are storing energy within the times set in the British Gas Dimplex tariff (12:45 – 06:30 am). We recognised from the onset of the project that changing a heating source is significant for people and that support and guidance for correct and optimum use was key to affordable warmth; Therefore, we created a helpful handout guide for the tenants involved, detailing how to get the best performance out of their new heaters whilst ensuring they were used in an efficient manner. The guide also included a handy ‘Q & A’ feature to answer some common questions associated with this type of technology.

Challenges:

A particular challenge, for various reasons, with the implementation of this system was encouraging contract holders at the Sheltered Complex to switch energy provider’ to the ‘British Gas – Dimplex Quantum’ tariff which was an essential to benefit from the low-cost off-peak energy. Through the partnership between British Gas and Dimplex, contract holders would benefit from cheaper rates than the standard economy 7 tariffs offered by other energy suppliers. – Not all tenants wanted to change their tariff, several tenants had preference to stay on a standard tariff with their existing supplier. We worked closely with those who did not want to switch, and looked at ways where we could reduce their energy consumption, whilst maintaining a comfortable temperature in their property. – Tai Tarian has worked closely with iOpt and our Data Protection Team to ensure a privacy policy was created in line with GDPR requirements to enable the organisation to view the data captured by the environmental and energy sensors.