Heat networks regulation: authorisation conditions

Details of outcome

We received 21 responses from a range of stakeholders. In general, stakeholders welcomed the publication of the authorisation conditions as a full set.  

As a result of feedback, we have made some amendments to the authorisation conditions which are detailed in our decision document.  

We are now publishing a notice under Regulation 18.2 of the Heat Networks (Market Framework) (Great Britain) Regulations 2025 that these authorisation conditions will come into effect from 27 January 2026. 

A full list of the updated authorisation conditions is included in the appendix of the decision document alongside a marked version showing the changes made to the draft authorisation conditions. 

Read the full outcome

Original consultation

Consultation description

Authorisation conditions will create regulatory obligations and apply to authorised persons undertaking regulated activity on heat networks. 

We are now seeking views on the full set of authorisation conditions, which were previously consulted on in the below consultations. 

We are seeking views on the wording of the authorisation conditions, and how these authorisation conditions are presented.

Background

The Energy Act 2023 named Ofgem as the future regulator for heat networks in Great Britain. Our most recent Forward Work Programme outlines the work we are doing in 2025 and 2026, including how we are preparing for our new regulatory responsibilities for heat networks and beginning implementation of the new regulatory regime in January 2026. 

This consultation builds on these previous consultations:   

• Heat networks regulation: implementing consumer protections consultation, published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and Ofgem in November 2024, and the government response published in August 2025  
• Heat networks regulation: authorisation and regulatory oversight consultation, published in November 2025, and our response, published in August 2025
• Heat networks regulation: fair pricing protections consultation, published in April 2025 and our response, published in September 2025
• Heat networks regulation: authorisation conditions and guidance on measures to mitigate the risk and impact of financial failure consultation, published in August 2025, and our response, published in November 2025
• Heat networks regulation: authorisation conditions for registration, nominated operator and notification of changes consultation, published in August 2025, and our response published in November 2025

Who should respond

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

• heat network operators
• heat network suppliers
• energy services companies
• housing providers
• consumer groups
• asset owners
• metering and billing agents
• trade associations 

We would also welcome responses from other stakeholders and the public.  

How to respond

This consultation closed on Monday 1 December 2025.