Heat networks

About data reporting

After successfully registering a heat network, operators and suppliers must provide us with information on a regular basis. This is called regular data reporting and is separate from heat network registration.

Registration provides us with initial information about the authorised organisation and its heat networks.

Regular data reporting is the ongoing process of organisations providing specific information after registration. This takes place both annually and quarterly.

Not all reporting requirements apply to every heat network. The information you need to report depends on your role, the heat networks your organisation operates or supplies and any applicable exemptions.

Why Ofgem collects regular data

The information we collect through data reporting will help us understand areas such as:

• customer numbers
• customer debt and repayment arrangements
• customer pricing and billing arrangements
• financial resilience of heat network operators and suppliers
• quality of service provided to customers
• support for vulnerable customers
• consumer protections

We will use the information reported to help us:

• monitor compliance with regulatory requirements
• check whether customers are receiving appropriate protections
• understand how heat networks are performing and the different ways they operate
• identify emerging issues and trends across the sector
• identify where further guidance or support is needed
• inform future regulatory and policy development
• understand prices across the sector

Having accurate and timely information also supports our approach to compliance, meaning we can take a proportionate approach to regulation.

When regular data reporting starts

Your regular data reporting obligations will begin after you have registered your heat network. You must not submit regular data until we ask you to.

We will contact heat network operators and suppliers through a Request for Information (RFI). The RFI is a formal notice that tells you what information you must provide and when you must provide it. You are required to comply with an RFI as part of your authorisation conditions.

You can find out more in our information on how to report data.

Who is responsible for reporting data

Heat network suppliers and operators may both have reporting obligations. The information each organisation must report depends on:

• whether it is acting as a heat network supplier, operator, or both
• the type of heat network being operated
• the type of customers it supplies

You can find out more in our information on who is responsible for reporting data.

What data needs to be reported

Depending on your organisation’s role, you may need to report information at organisation level and/or heat network level. This will be covered in the RFI.

Reporting requirements can include information about:

• customers
• billing and pricing
• debt
• vulnerability
• operational performance
• financial resilience

You can find the detailed reporting requirements in our information on what data needs to be reported.

You should follow the instructions in the most recent RFI each time you complete a data reporting submission.

What to do if there are problems reporting data

We recognise that you may not always have access to every piece of information we request. There are options available in these situations. For example:

• using estimated information
• contacting relevant third parties
• requesting an extension

You can find out more in our information on what to do if there are problems reporting data.