Monday September 1st 2025
Advice Direct Scotland and Extra Help Unit ()EHU) at Citizens Advice Scotland at the Midlothian Energy Limited (MEL) Energy Centre.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Advice Direct Scotland and the Extra Help Unit (EHU) at Citizens Advice Scotland visited the Midlothian Energy Limited (MEL) Energy Centre to get first-hand insight into heat networks.
It is hoped the site visit will help strengthen consumer advocacy by giving frontline charity staff insights into how heat networks operate.
Heat networks distribute heat from a central source to homes and businesses, cutting the need for individual boilers or electric heaters in every building.
Vattenfall Heat UK has joined forces with Midlothian Council to create Midlothian Energy Ltd to provide heating initially for the new Shawfair development which will have around 3,000 homes.
Jillian Edmund, energy project lead at Advice Direct Scotland, which runs energyadvice.scot, said: “It was incredibly valuable to see the site up close and witness the scale and ambition of the Midlothian Energy Centre.”
“Projects like this have the potential to reshape how communities across Scotland access sustainable heating.”
“It’s inspiring to see such forward-thinking collaboration between local government and industry.”
“For those of us working to help consumers, understanding the infrastructure behind heat networks is crucial.”
“It allows us to better support people and ensure their voices are heard as these systems are rolled out.”
“The visit gave us a real sense of the possibilities ahead and the importance of making sure no one is left behind in the transition to greener energy.”
Advice Direct Scotland, which provides dedicated support for heat network customers, particularly those facing complex or vulnerable circumstances, works closely with EHU to escalate cases requiring specialist intervention.
While both teams regularly engage with consumers, this marked one of their first joint visits to a live heat network site.
During the visit, MEL staff led a comprehensive tour of the energy centre designed to ensure customers receive reliable, efficient heating.
Before the site visit, members of the teams had a roundtable discussion at Vattenfall’s Edinburgh office, focusing on emerging consumer trends and upcoming regulatory changes.
MEL is developing low carbon energy projects valued at £145 million including a new flagship energy centre which opened in November 2024.
The site is the first in Scotland and Vattenfall says it could reduce emissions in Midlothian by up to 90% in comparison to individual gas boilers in every home.
Anyone on a heat network, who needs support or advice can access www.energyadvice.scot or call 0808 196 8660.
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