Influence of heat metering on district heating scheme consumption

The effect on a UK district heating scheme's energy consumption of charging by flat rate and by evaporative radiator meters has been estimated. Data drawn from three sites gave a conservative estimate of a 12 per cent reduction in boilerhouse consumption. The average figure observed was 21 per cent, with a possible reduction at design conditions in average weekly load of around 20 per cent. The sites consisted of largely three and four bedroom accommodation. The applicability of the conclusions to other sites will of course depend on local site circumstances.