Following a rigorous tender and assessment process, Switch2 has been fully approved to supply heat metering and billing services and associated equipment for new and existing local authority community and district heating schemes. This will ensure that statutory obligations are met for the collection of accurate meter readings and provision of clear billing information and bills.
Although the contract has only been live for four weeks, six local authorities have already decided to become early adopters of the framework, which covers both domestic and commercial properties attached to local authority-operated district heat networks.
Switch2 Energy was assessed for technical and professional conformance, as well as cost, to ensure value for money and assure standards. The framework is expected to simplify and accelerate the procurement process, while promoting value for money and quality standards.
To enable quick and efficient delivery of projects, participating local authorities will be able to award heat metering and billing contracts directly with the approved suppliers, under pre-agreed terms and conditions – safe in the knowledge that a rigorous assessment and due diligence process has already been completed. For larger or more complex projects, they can run a mini-competition to select from three Framework-approved suppliers.
The Framework Agreement, which is compliant with Scottish and European Procurement Law, will run until July 31 2022.
To ensure sustainable contracts, the framework allows for call-off contracts for up to 10 years, in line with the average meter life span.