Since 27 January 2026, heat networks have been regulated by Ofgem with new standards and expectations for supplier and operators to put consumers at the heat of the network. However, three months in and organisations are still unsure of what exactly needs to be done in order to stay compliant.
The countdown to full heat network regulation is accelerating. With Ofgem’s new consumer protection framework coming into force in January 2026, residential landlords and operators will soon be subject to far-reaching requirements on transparency, pricing fairness, and service quality, all supported by enhanced enforcement powers and meaningful penalties for non-compliance.
The heat network sector is on the brink of major regulatory change — with consumer protection rules from Ofgem taking effect in January 2026, followed by new technical standards under the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS).
