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This article, How to Future-Proof Heat Network Data as ADSL Is Phased Out, is part of a series of technical insights from our in-house expert and Technical Project Consultant, Daniel Davies.

No fluff. No jargon. Just what you need to know to stay compliant, stay in control and keep residents informed.

Let’s Talk PPD: The Power of Non-Traditional Data

In the world of data collection, capturing data is the name of the game. But what happens when that data doesn’t come from a heat or water meter?

It’s easy to get tunnel vision chasing kilowatt-hour (kWh) and cubic metre (m³) readings – trust me, I live for it now. It’s a far cry from where I was five years ago, crawling through lofts wiring lighting circuits.

But as I’ve learnt, not all valuable data comes from traditional metering.

Not All Data Is Created Equal

Systems like PPD (Power Proportional Distribution) or VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) give us crucial insight into performance, demand, and efficiency – without delivering standard consumption values.

This kind of data isn’t about usage totals. It’s about system behaviour. It can show how efficiently heating or cooling is being delivered, flag flow issues, and even help predict faults before they happen.

Beyond Billing: Data That Empowers Optimisation

PPD and VRF data doesn’t just support billing – it empowers optimisation.

At Data Energy, we don’t just collect numbers; we help you make sense of them. Whether it’s traditional metering, smart diagnostics, or tackling complex VRF systems, we tailor data solutions that make your network more efficient, transparent, and compliant.

Ask Yourself: Are You Understanding the Full Picture?

So, the next time you’re reviewing your system, ask yourself:

Are we just billing accurately, or are we also understanding system performance?

If you’re unsure where to start or what’s possible, get in touch.

Got a Heat Network Challenge? Ask Daniel.

Have a question you’d love to see covered in a future post? Submit it below and Daniel might just take it on.

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