Today's market presents a host of opportunities and challenges for providers and users of CHP, district heating and sustainable energy services. As a sector, we are stronger working together; the CHPA provides the clear and consistent voice that Government needs to set policy, that industry needs to build consensus and that the market needs to stimulate investment.
Members of the CHPA realise a number of clear benefits:
Representation - The CHPA is widely recognised as the voice of CHP, district heating and sustainable energy services in the UK, bringing together key players on common issues and providing a vital avenue for communication with government at all levels.
Support - The CHPA offers an extensive range of support to its members, ensuring they remain up-to-date with the latest policy, market and regulatory developments affecting the industry.
Advocacy - The CHPA enjoys a strong influence as an advocacy group through its strong relations with government, parliament and opposition parties across UK, Scottish and Welsh administrations. The Association also has strong links at an EU level an makes use of a an extensive network of contacts in the public policy arena.
Research - The CHPA is resourced to assist Members in undertaking research in aspects of public policy and regulation affecting the CHP market and to provide an accurate signposting service.
Marketing & Market Intelligence - The CHPA works to actively promote the CHP, district heating and sustainable energy services sectors. This includes a particular emphasis on emerging market sectors and customer groups where a limited understanding of CHP and the procurement process can hamper market development. The Association seeks to support members’ marketing efforts by keeping a regular watch on the latest movements in the market and industry.
CCL Reform and Minimum Carbon Price - The present exemptions from the Climate Change Levy provide the principal incentive for fossil fuelled CHP operation and development. The CHPA led a coordinated campaign reaching across government, departments, industry groups and wider stakeholders, aimed at preserving the value of these incentives. This has culminated in the commitment in the Budget 2011 to provide relief for CHP from the new carbon price support tax, providing a platform for detailed engagement with the Treasury on this critical issue.
MCS Certification - The CHPA, allied with other trade associations, has lead activity aimed at diminishing bottlenecks in the Microgeneration Certification Scheme approval process. This work has resulted in quicker approval times for new microCHP products. The Association now chairs the microCHP Working Group.
RHI - Through extensive engagement with DECC and the Treasury, the Association secured a place for CHP systems within the Renewable Heat Incentive. Work is currently taking place to secure additional value for CHP, ensuring that renewable fuels will be utilised at the highest efficiency.
To find out more about the benefits of joining the CHPA, and the different membership packages available, contact Brian McGuire on 020 7976 4294 or brian.mcguire@chpa.co.uk.
Working with and for our members, the CHPA has successfully: