Heat networks regulation: authorisation and regulatory oversight

Decision: published 8 August 2025

We asked

We asked for views and feedback on:

• our definitions for authorised heat networks 
• the processes for registration and authorisation application, the timescales and the information that will need to be provided 
• our proposals for managing and reporting changes to authorised heat networks
• the data that authorised persons should report to us on a regular basis and the reporting process
• our overall approach to audit, compliance and enforcement of the consumer protection rules authorised persons will have to follow 

You said

We received 65 responses from a range of stakeholders including 

• heat network operators
• industry representatives, 
• charities
• housing providers
• property management companies 
• billing agents.

We have reviewed responses and considered stakeholder views. The decision document provides a summary of responses to each consultation question and a brief overview of our policy proposals.

We did

We have decided to proceed with the overall approach proposed in the consultation including our approach to multiple operator heat networks, the registration and authorisation application processes, how changes to authorised heat networks will be managed and our approach to oversight, including monitoring requirements.

Our response outlines how we plan to take the proposals forward and the other publications that decisions will feed into. It indicates where we have made changes to our proposals, incorporating the feedback and evidence provided by stakeholders.

For policy areas that will be subject to further development and stakeholder engagement, we have indicated how this will be undertaken and signposted future consultations.

For more information on what we’ve decided to do and why, see our decision document on Citizen Space.

Consultation: published 8 November 2024

We are consulting on proposals for the authorisation and regulatory oversight of heat networks in England, Scotland, and Wales (Great Britain).  These proposals include how we will approach monitoring, audit, compliance and enforcement of authorised persons

Proposals relating to the technical standards for heat networks, including monitoring and compliance for adherence to the standards, will be covered in separate future consultations.

This consultation should be considered alongside the obligations proposed in our joint consultation with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) on the implementation of consumer protections.

Who should respond

 We would like to hear the views of people with an interest in heat networks and particularly welcome responses from:

• heat network operators and suppliers
• asset owners
• energy services companies 
• social housing providers
• building and estate asset managers
• local authorities
• metering and billing agents 
• consumer groups
• trade associations
• managing agents
• heat network consultants
• landlords
• heat network consumers

Background

The Energy Act 2023 named Ofgem as the future regulator for heat networks in Great Britain.

Our most recent Forward Work Programme outlines how we intend to develop a regulatory framework for heat networks which is proportionate, in line with our duties to protect consumers, and which supports:

• investment
• market growth
• meeting the government’s net zero targets 

This consultation builds on the approaches proposed in:

• our 2023 joint consultation with DESNZ on heat networks regulations for consumer protection
• the corresponding 2024 government response to that consultation
• the contents of the upcoming Heat Networks (Market Framework) Regulations 2024 Statutory Instrument

Why your views matter

Your feedback will help us develop new regulations to protect consumers and improve network reliability, while allowing growth in the sector.

How to respond

This survey closed on Friday 31 January.