Heat and energy efficiency strategies: consultation analysis

4. Other Comments

Q39. Please set out any further views on issues covered in this consultation that you have not already expressed, providing evidence to support your views.

4.1. 41 respondents included a response to this question; this included one network, professional or trade body respondent that did not address any of the questions but, instead, gave general comments on draft regulations and a third sector respondent that provided a number of case studies and other information.

4.2. Several respondents commented on what they saw as omissions, or areas that need to be addressed, or where more detail is required:

• Clearer definition of the scope and reach of LHEES.
• Clearer definition of district heating.
• Types of measure that will be within the LHEES strategies.
• Funding and financing, including Renewable Heat Initiative funding, and a need to review all existing funding elements.
• Resourcing, including skills.
• Information on ownership.
• How the LHEES falls within SEEP.
• The need for business models.
• Involving existing energy service companies.
• More robust concession models.
• The need to recognise and support other sources of decarbonising heat such as energy from waste, heat pumps and biogas plants.
• Rates relief.
• Improving the fabric of homes to reduce heat loss.
• Education for the public on district heating.
• Information on VAT.
• Whether pilot schemes could be put in place.
• Conflicts between requirements to connect and mortgage requirements.
• The need for regulations to explicitly set out which parties they apply to.
• The need to include local heat networks as well as district heating.
• That there will be areas where the NHS would be better placed to lead than local authorities.
• The need to consider integrating LHEES into Local Development Plans.
• The potential for new developments to add a clause around local or Scottish employment or content.
• The need for appropriate baseline research.

4.3. A number of respondents provided industry-specific or business-specific information in relation to proposals in the consultation. A number of respondents offered to provide further assistance, advice or asked to be involved in the next stages. A further 16 respondents provided additional information, such as background information, thanks for the opportunity to comment or a summary of the main points in their response.