Activate emergency response plan
In light of the fact that the next few days are set to see one of the worst cold snaps in the southwest of the country since 2013, Veitur has activated its contingency plan for the district heating system. This plan includes, among other things, encouraging people to use hot water sparingly so that there is enough for everyone for heating their homes.
– people were urged to use hot water sparingly
See the announcement on the Veitur website.
In light of the fact that the next few days are set to see one of the biggest cold snaps in the south-west of the country since 2013, Veitur has activated its contingency plan for the district heating system. This plan includes encouraging people to use hot water sparingly so that there is enough for everyone's home heating. Based on forecast models, which use weather predictions to estimate usage, the district heating system in the capital region is expected to reach its capacity limits on Friday and over the weekend.
Around 90% of hot water is used for heating, and it is therefore extremely important that people are aware of how to use it as efficiently as possible.
People are encouraged to do the following:
- Have windows closed
- Do not open the front door for longer than necessary.
- Do not drain into hot tubs
- Adjust the ovens so they are hot on top but cold underneath.
- Avoid blocking radiators, for example with long curtains or furniture.
- Reduce the pressure on snow-melt systems
More tips for making better use of hot water
It is important to bear in mind that the cold days we have experienced recently have been in calm weather. Now, however, considerable wind is forecast, causing significant wind chill on top of the frost that is on the cards.
A significant increase in use
The district heating system is large and extensive and is in constant development, aimed at forecasts of population growth and the volume of construction. What was not foreseen in the long-term forecasts was the increase in usage per inhabitant in recent years. For comparison, the historical year-on-year increase in the district heating system has been 1.51 TWh – 41 TWh, but total consumption this year is 111 TWh higher than last year.
A great deal of work has been carried out on the district heating system in recent years to meet increased demand, For example, the heat plant at Hellisheiði Power Station, which produces hot water for the capital region, has been expanded, the system's pumping capacity increased, and boreholes in low-temperature areas have been rested during the summer to increase the available supply for the winter.
In response to the impending cold snap, Veitur is raising the temperature of the water supplied to users from the power stations and boreholes in the low-temperature areas of Reykjavík and Mosfellsbær, the system has been optimised to maximise its output and work is being carried out on new pumps that were purchased in the autumn and were intended to increase the system's pumping capacity. International specialists have been brought in for the task.
Hot water is a shared resource for all of us and, with a coordinated effort from customers, usage can be reduced so that the heating system can cope with the strain caused by the cold snap.
Photo: Frost needles on a district heating pipe. Photographer: Pálmi Símonarson.