Bristol heat network tariffs 

Vattenfall is working with Bristol City Leap to provide a reliable, all-inclusive service for heat network customers at a fair price. Each year, we will review our heat charges and publish our tariff. 

The heat tariff consists of two parts: 

  • Heat Charge: This is a variable charge per kilowatt hour (kWh) of heat consumed. Automated meter readings ensure accurate billing based on actual usage. The heat charge covers the cost of fuel (electricity, biomass, and gas) required to generate heat for the network. 
  • Service Charge: This is a fixed annual cost calculated based on the connection capacity. It covers operations, maintenance, asset replacement, staffing, regulatory compliance, and utility costs within the primary network. 

For the 2025/2026 financial year, the annual tariffs for new bulk supply connections to the Bristol city centre networks are: 

  • Variable Heat Price: 10.1p/kWh 
  • Fixed Service Charge: £97.35/kW 

View across the river in Bristol to the Castle Park Heat Pump Station

Why is a heat network connection right for me and my building? 

Buildings that currently use fossil fuels for heating, such as a gas boiler, will need to replace their systems to meet government and Bristol City Council decarbonisation targets.  

Heat networks present a forward-thinking solution for urban development in cities like Bristol. Recognised for their efficiency and sustainability, heat networks offer many benefits for developers, building owners, and operators. 

Transitioning to the Bristol heat network simplifies the heating infrastructure in new developments. By replacing individual boilers with a single heat substation, developers can significantly reduce procurement, capital, operational, maintenance, and replacement costs. This streamlined approach not only saves money but also simplifies the management of heating systems. 

Heat substations occupy far less space than traditional gas boilers, freeing up more area for lettable or saleable floor space. This efficient use of space can directly enhance the value of your development. 

The adaptability of heat networks to adjust the temperature and volume of heat delivery eliminates the need for oversized heating systems. This means lower installation and maintenance costs alongside improved operational efficiency, particularly during extreme weather conditions. 

By eliminating the need for gas boilers and the burning of fossil fuels in residential areas, heat networks contribute significantly to cleaner air and a healthier environment. They are a cost-efficient method for reducing carbon emissions, especially in buildings undergoing major refurbishments. This is particularly relevant for hard-to-treat buildings, such as listed properties or those with solid walls, making the heat network an ideal solution for achieving sustainability goals in Bristol. 

Heat networks are inherently future-proof, designed to meet and exceed current and forthcoming environmental standards. This ensures that buildings connected to heat networks are well-prepared for a future where traditional gas boilers are phased out, offering peace of mind and a clear path towards sustainability. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Vattenfall is a European leader in developing large, city-scale low carbon heat networks. They work in partnership with local authorities, real estate developers and housing associations to deliver reliable, low carbon heating to local communities across the UK, including Bristol.  

In January 2023, Vattenfall Heat UK acquired Bristol Heat Networks Ltd and joined forces with Bristol City Leap to achieve carbon neutrality in energy infrastructure by 2030.  

Vattenfall’s role in the partnership is to expand the existing heat network, establish new networks, and ultimately connect them to form a unified Bristol heat network. This network aims to supply low carbon heating and hot water to the equivalent of 12,000 homes by 2030.  

Yes, we do. The process is outlined in our heat supply agreement with each customer. The tariff review includes indices such as electricity unit rates, and inflation for specific elements of the heat charges.  

We benchmark heat network pricing with an alternative on site low carbon heating system such as an air source heat pump. This is referred to as the counterfactual and is detailed in each customer’s heat supply agreement.  

Bristol City Council’s planning policy stipulates that new developments must connect to a heat network. This decision was made as part of Bristol City Council’s ambition to reach net zero emissions by 2030. The Climate Change Committee has cited heat networks as the best decarbonisation solution for cities and is the only viable option in areas of electricity grid congestion and existing built environment, which are not suited for an individual air source heat pump. 

Yes, Vattenfall connect existing buildings along heat network routes. Hannah Moore Primary School, Temple and Avon Fire Station and the Central Health Clinic are all examples of buildings currently receiving heating and hot water from the Bristol heat network.  

If you’re interested in connecting, contact the Bristol business development team at bristolbusdev@vattenfall.com 

  1. Vattenfall’s Bristol business development team will ask you for information about your building or proposed scheme so that they can provide a high-level feasibility and connection proposal.
  2. Vattenfall will complete a detailed connection assessment including proposed buried network route, plant room design, heat demand capacity and a detailed programme.
  3. Connection fee and heat agreement are issued.
  4. Contracts are shared, and terms are signed.
  5. Customers are passed into the safe hands of the Vattenfall Delivery team, who will guide you through the Civil and Mechanical and Engineering (M&E) works. This includes the technical design of the buried network spine, collaborating with your stakeholders on the M&E specification and manufacturing, as well as granting plant room and conduit route access.
  6. Vattenfall install and commission the buried network and your individual substation.
  7. Vattenfall run final checks and then hand you over to our Operations team, who will be in charge of all maintenance and servicing.
  8. Sit back and enjoy heating and hot water hassle-free! Vattenfall’s customer experience team are on hand to help when you need us.