Market regulation
Ofgem and heat networks
Ofgem's regulation is separate from zoning. It applies to existing heat networks everywhere in Great Britain, not only in zones, and has been in force since January 2026.
In force
The regulatory framework
The Heat Networks (Market Framework) (Great Britain) Regulations 2025 made Ofgem the regulator and set a launch date of 27 January 2026. From then, anyone supplying heat through a network must be authorised and meet Ofgem’s conditions. Existing networks were deemed authorised but must register.
| Item | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ofgem regulation of heat networks begins | 27 January 2026Ofgem became the regulator for heat networks in Great Britain on the launch date set by the Heat Networks (Market Framework) (Great Britain) Regulations 2025, with authorisation conditions applying from this date.27 January 2026 · The Heat Networks (Market Framework) (Great Britain) Regulations 2025, reg. 1 (legislation.gov.uk) | In force |
| Existing networks must register with Ofgem | By 26 January 2027Existing networks are treated as authorised but must still be registered. New networks must apply for authorisation after this date.26 January 2027 · Who should register a heat network with Ofgem (Ofgem) | In force |
| Metering and billing rules simplified | 27 January 2026Amendments removed several requirements in the 2014 metering and billing regulations, including some notification duties and requirements to fit heat cost allocators and thermostatic radiator valves.27 January 2026 · SI 2026/7 (legislation.gov.uk) | In force |
In force
Advocacy and complaints
| Item | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Citizens Advice and Energy Ombudsman roles begin | 1 April 2025Citizens Advice became the consumer advocate for heat network customers in England and Wales, and Consumer Scotland in Scotland. The Energy Ombudsman began accepting heat network complaints about issues arising from this date.1 April 2025 · Heat networks (Energy Ombudsman) | In force |
| Consumer advocate | Citizens Advice, for heat network consumers in England and WalesIf your home is on a heat network (Citizens Advice) | In force |
| Consumer advocate in Scotland | Consumer Scotland, from 1 April 20251 April 2025 · Greater protections for heat network customers in Scotland (Consumer Scotland, Apr 2025) | In force |
| Complaints | The Energy Ombudsman accepts heat network disputes, usually after 8 weeks with the supplierHeat networks (Energy Ombudsman) | In force |
Coming
What comes next
| Item | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed standards of performance | In development; no start date confirmedOfgem planned a policy consultation on guaranteed standards for heat networks in 2026. We have not found a published consultation or decision, so we give no date.Ofgem Forward Work Programme 2026 to 2027 (Ofgem, Mar 2026) | Not yet |
| Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS) | Planned launch in 2027, phased inThe scheme will be run by a Code Manager, initially the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, not by Ofgem. The consultation on technical standards closed on 15 April 2026 and no government response had been published at our last check.2027 · Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (GOV.UK, updated Feb 2026) | Pending |