Byker Estate Residents Express Discontent Over Increased Communal Heating Bills

Residents residing on a city housing estate have voiced strong objections to the “ridiculous” expense of heating their homes through their shared energy network. Those living on the Byker Estate in Newcastle receive their supply via a district heating system, which delivers unlimited heating and hot water for a fixed charge. Roberta Davidson, a resident of Low Fold, stated she “couldn’t believe it” when her weekly bill escalated from £27 to £53 this year, as this service is not covered by the energy price cap. Newcastle City Council explained that the price increase resulted from the government’s termination of the Energy Bills Discount Scheme, but noted that residents have the option to disconnect from the district heating system. However, Ms Davidson mentioned she is already struggling to manage her gas bill in addition to her £139 monthly electricity bill and cannot afford the installation of a boiler. “We are stuck paying a lot of money either way. I know one person who has changed and got an electric boiler put in, but it cost them £5,500,” the 66-year-old informed the Local Democracy Reporting Service. “It’s ridiculous. All I use my heating for is hot water to wash my dishes and to heat the radiators. I have an electric shower.” Newcastle City Council further stated that the government’s Energy Bill Discount Scheme had previously enabled a reduction in the system’s cost, but its conclusion in March led to a price increase. The council added that the government is developing proposals to ensure heat network customers receive enhanced protections, “at a level comparable” to those provided to gas and electricity customers. “Installing their own heat/hot water package also gives the property owner the flexibility of choosing their own energy supplier and tariff,” a council spokesperson commented. The spokesperson continued, “We will continue to work alongside Karbon Homes, the registered provider who manages all housing within the Byker estate, to ensure that any new proposals or changes to the system or how it is billed are fully communicated with all residents.”