Council moves closer to securing new operator for Wick district heating system

The Highland Council has moved a step closer to finding an operator to run the district heating scheme at Pulteneytown, Wick, currently operated by Caithness Heat and Power Ltd, a company owned and run by the Council.

Following a procurement exercise, the Council has identified a preferred bidder to provide a suitable renewable energy solution for the existing customers of Caithness Heat and Power.

Councillors were advised of the positive development at the full council meeting on Thursday 13 May and the 246 users of the heating scheme have been briefed in a letter from ChaP..

ChaP company secretary, Michelle Morris, who is Assistant Chief Executive of The Highland Council,  told users of the district heating scheme:  “At its meeting on Thursday 13 May, the Council agreed to select a “preferred bidder” to provide a suitable renewable energy solution for existing customers.  We will now write to the preferred bidder and also the unsuccessful bidder to advise them of the outcome of the procurement exercise.

“Because of procurement rules, we require to allow 10 days to elapse to allow for queries from the unsuccessful bidder before confirming the preferred bidder.  Subject to resolution of any such queries, we will advise you after that time of the preferred bidder’s identity. If all goes well over the next couple of months, the preferred bidder will sign a contract and immediately take over all of the responsibilities of the company.”