Heat Networks Regulation Goes Live Across Great Britain

On January 27, 2026, new consumer protection rules for heat networks across England, Scotland, and Wales officially took effect, marking a historic milestone in the regulation of this sector in Great Britain, according to Helena Charlton, Director of Heat Networks. These new regulations are intended to ensure that consumers are at the heart of how their heat network services are provided and will help improve consumer trust and confidence within the industry for the long-term.

While many customers currently receive a good level of service, many have endured problems over time, including unclear billing, inconsistent communication between service providers and customers, and a lack of clarity about how to raise complaints against a heat network operator. With the introduction of these new regulations, customers will gradually see improved levels of service, including the provision of clear and consistent billing, fair pricing, reliable supply of heating services, and user-friendly access to customer support - all of which are the norm in both the gas and electricity sectors.


Furthermore, the establishment of a regulated market in the heat networks sector will also promote investment and support innovation by providing a stable environment for the development of heat networks and thereby contribute to the decarbonisation of Great Britain and the integration into the broader energy system.


From April 2026, all existing heat network operators and suppliers must register on Ofgem’s new digital service and are encouraged to join the Energy Ombudsman Heat Network Supplier scheme to ensure effective dispute resolution.


Read more: Ofgem has announced that the regulation of heat networks is now in effect.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

For the UK to achieve a "just and fair" energy transition by 2030, there must be immediate political alignment.

Image
  The UK will not be able to achieve a "just and fair" energy transition by 2030, according to a new report from Robert Gordon University (RGU), unless there is immediate political alignment to support supply chain investments, jobs in the offshore energy industry, and the economic contribution of the workforce. Image Courtesy: RGU The “Delivering our Energy Future” report dissected north of 6,560 pathways for the UK offshore energy industry between now and 2030, of which, less than 15 or <0.3% meet the "just and fair" progress standards. It is presumed that the UK and Scottish political choices, rather than energy market economics , will identify the size of the supply chain and workforce.  To take note, the United Nations' definition of a "just and fair" change signifies:  "Guaranteeing that nobody is abandoned in the progress to low carbon and ecologically manageable economies and social orders". As per RGU, even these limited situation...
Read more

The Energy Sector Transition in the UK Gave Birth to the “Energy Skills Passport”

Image
  Leaders in the energy sector have come together to develop a prototype "Energy Skills Passport" that will allow training and experience in the area to be recognized across sectors. Image Courtesy: Popular Science The launch of the 'Skills Passport', a commitment in both the North Sea Transition Agreement and the Offshore Wind Sector Agreement, between industry and the UK government has taken place. Passport aims to show employees and employers how they can recognize skills and competencies in sectors such as oil gas and offshore wind. The ability for workers to move easily across all parts of the energy mix, from jobs in the oil and gas sector to specialist roles in wind and other energy transition sectors, would save the UK energy industry UK energy industry UK energy industry and help spread and accelerate the transition process.  “We are committed to make the transition easier for workers in the energy sector moving into renewable energy,” said Jane Cooper, Chi...
Read more

Exclusive: OEUK Calls for Windfall Tax Reform to Boost UK Energy Investment

Image
  The UK’s energy future stands at a critical crossroads, as leading industry voice Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) delivers a forceful ultimatum. The government must overhaul or abolish the existing windfall tax on oil and gas profits by 2026. Their message leaves no room for doubt. This tax, as it stands, is directly throttling essential investment. It is jeopardising livelihoods, crumbling national energy security, and effectively stalling the entire move towards a sustainable green economy . With a punishing 78% headline tax rate, the UK's fiscal regime is now among the most aggressive globally for offshore energy. While initially billed to capture "extraordinary profits" during market surges, OEUK points to stark new data from the Office for National Statistics. It reveals that companies actually investing in UK oil and gas are now seeing negative returns.  " Action is needed now ," declared David Whitehouse, OEUK's Chief Executive. " We must secure jo...
Read more