A reliable source of consistently good quality
fuel is critical for reliable operation of a wood fuel boiler, as
is maintenance of the system.
There are a number of different contract options. Fuel
suppliers, equipment suppliers and energy service companies (ESCos) will
all offer varying levels of service.
Heat (ESCo) contracts
The ESCo contract is a complete package where the company will
manage the entire installation and operate the system including
fuel supply and operation and maintenance. The customers simply
purchase metered heat at a fixed tariff.
This model reduces the risk, capital outlay and effort required
for the customer. In some cases the heating plant is owned by the
customer, and in others the ESCo owns the boiler and leases it to
the customer, with an option to buy the boiler back after a fixed
period of time.
Fuel contracts
These offer more price flexibility but require careful attention
to contract details to ensure reliability and quality of
supply.
Your suppliers will offer one or more of the following types of
contact:
- fuel-only
- installation services
- operation/maintenance services
The supply contract with depends on the level of control that
you want:
- Full control: you arrange your own fuel supply, boiler
servicing and maintenance, separately
- Reasonable control: you will arrange your own fuel supply but
have servicing arranged for you.
- Minimal control: you have fuel supply, monitoring and
servicing arranged by one supplier
Suppliers will deliver the fuel to a specified size and moisture
content. Payment can be based on weight or energy content but it is
advisable to base payments on kilowatt hours of heat supplied.
Example contracts
For example fuel/heat supply contracts go to the Carbon Trust website.