How to Limit Electrical Capacity Requirements for Heating

There are a number of ways to limit the electrical load needed for heating and hence minimise the cost of obtaining it.

For heat network strategies these include:

• Taking a heat supply from a nearby existing heat network, especially one which utilises waste heat (e.g. waste combustion or data centres).
• Do not have full boiler (electric) backup, but rather utilise, and maximise, thermal storage and heat pumps for peak demand
• Utilise gas boilers instead of electric for short term peak demands (keep in mind that carbon requirements may prevent this in many circumstances)
• Ensure peak demands are accurately assessed to avoid oversizing, using operational data wherever possible

In some instances, non-heat network strategies can have lower electrical load requirements than fully electric heat networks. Where individual heat pumps, are used it is important to utilise the latest diversified electrical demand data for the relevant dwelling sizes and thus prevent overdesign.