History of the CHPA

The CHPA was founded as the District Heating Association in 1966 with the aim of publicising the social, health and welfare benefits of district heating.

Even in its early days, it worked closely with Government, and it has consistently provided a hub for suppliers, customers, policy makers and local authorities to share experience, make connections and build an active and responsible sector.

A great deal has changed since 1966: the environmental challenge of climate change has been recognised and has come to the forefront of political, public sector and commercial decision making. Technologies have developed and continue to emerge: gas-fired CHP is now accompanied by biomass, biogas, anaerobic digestion, energy from waste, fuel cells; a growing list of new and exciting systems. Even the Association's name has changed – becoming the CHPA in 1985.

Some things remain the same. The challenge of tackling fuel poverty and poor health caused by inadequate domestic heating is still with us. Energy prices are increasing and our future is one where fossil fuel supplies will be costly and scarce.

The work of the CHPA is therefore more relevant than ever in helping people to understand the many benefits of an integrated approach to delivering energy.

Front cover of a CHPA Journal from 1983 when the Association was still the District Heating Association.