Great Places Secures HNES Funding for Heat Network Study at Fernbank House

Great Places has secured national funding to carry out a fully funded optimisation study of the heat network at Fernbank House in Blackburn.

The funding comes from the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES), which has awarded £15.6 million across England and Wales to improve heating and hot water systems for more than 10,400 residents.

At Fernbank House, home to 17 customers, the study will assess how the heat network is currently performing and identify opportunities to improve reliability, efficiency, and overall system performance.

This forms part of a wider national programme to improve existing heat networks, helping to reduce energy use and deliver more consistent heating for residents.

Commenting on the announcement, Lisa Sharples, our Energy and Heat Networks Manager, said:

We’re really pleased to have secured this funding to support our customers at Fernbank House.

These study findings will enable Great Places to plan and prioritise future investment across its heat network portfolio. This work is not just about reducing energy use, but about ensuring heating and hot water services are more reliable, efficient and cost-effective for our customers.

The findings from the study will help shape future investment, ensuring improvements are targeted where they will deliver the greatest benefit for customers.