What's happening?
Through the Energy Act 2023 and Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021, Heat Networks are on the pathway to full regulation. The appointment of Ofgem as the regulator for heat and expanded technical and efficiency standards will bring wholescale changes to the industry.
This move to regulation is positive news, especially as heat networks are a key component of the UK Governments strategy to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Incoming Regulator of Heat Networks
Ofgem will be looking to implement a similar level of standards as they do for electricity and gas.
What you need to do?
Keep up to date with the latest Ofgem consultations on how heat networks could be regulated.
Consumer Advice Groups
April 1st 2025, The Energy Ombudsman begins supporting consumers with complaints. Citizens Advice and Consumer Scotland begin providing advice and support for consumers.
What you need to do?
Ensure your Heat Network customers are aware of these changes and review, or prepare to review your policies and processes around complaints.
Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES)
HNES is a government scheme funding upgrades to existing heat networks, helping improve efficiency, reduce heat loss, and lower costs for users in England & Wales.
What you need to do?
Look out for the latest funding round announcement’s and engage with HNES to review your scheme’s suitability.
Incoming Technical Standards
Heat network technical assurance scheme (HNTAS) will be introduced from design to ongoing maintenance to ensure a minimum level of performance and reliability for both legacy and new heat networks.
What you need to do?
Look out for the HNTAS consultation release. DESNZ are running a pilot scheme from Autumn 2024 to early 2025. Certification will need to be obtained once live.
Heat Network Zones
Under the Energy Act 2023, the UK Government has designated heat network zones to focus resources and investment where heat networks can have the most impact.
What you need to do?
Keep up to date with the latest heat network zoning news on how this will be delivered.
Further Reporting Requirements
It’s expected that Ofgem & HNTAS will require further data on customers, network efficiency and operators finances.
What you need to do?
Know your networks! Investigate whether you are missing any data for a fully metered network and if your customer records are up to date.
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Your Regulation Experts
Our team are consistently up to date and involved in new regulation related to utilities to ensure we’re providing a ‘regulation ready’ metering and billing solution, following comparable standards for primary utilities.
