Closed activities
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Heat networks regulation: fair pricing protection guidance
We are consulting on a fair pricing and cost allocation guidance framework for heat networks. This builds on our joint consultation with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) on implementing heat networks regulations for consumer protection (2024 implementing consumer...
Closed 27 October 2025
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Requirement to offer lower standing charge tariffs
We want your feedback on introducing new rules stating that energy suppliers must offer their customers at least one lower standing charge tariff option. Who should respond We would like to hear from: energy suppliers energy consumers and the public consumer groups ...
Closed 22 October 2025
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Heat networks regulation: consumer protection guidance
We are consulting on our draft guidance for consumer protections for heat networks in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). This consultation follows the heat networks regulation: implementing consumer protections consultation, published by the Department for Energy Security and Net...
Closed 17 October 2025
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Heat networks regulation: enforcement guidelines and penalty policy
We are consulting on our proposed enforcement guidelines and penalty policy for heat networks regulation in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). We are also seeking views on the use of fixed penalties. Who should respond We are seeking views from heat network...
Closed 6 October 2025
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Energy system cost allocation and recovery review
We are seeking views on whether there are fairer and more efficient ways of how we allocate and can recover energy system costs. As we transition to a cleaner and more secure energy system, the make-up of energy system costs are changing. We need to be able to share costs for a smarter and...
Closed 24 September 2025
We asked, you said, we did
Below are outcomes for some of the issues we've recently asked about. See all outcomes
We asked
We asked for views on three draft authorisation conditions under the forthcoming heat networks regulatory framework:
- Registration with the Authority
- Nominated operator
- Notification of changes
The consultation asked stakeholders views on whether the draft authorisation conditions accurately reflect the policy intent we have previously communicated. It also invited feedback on specific drafting issues.
You said
We received 18 responses from a range of stakeholders, including:
- operators
- suppliers
- housing associations
- consumer organisations
- trade bodies
Stakeholders broadly agreed with the drafting for each condition, with constructive feedback highlighting areas for refinement of drafting and issues to be addressed in guidance.
We did
We have decided to proceed with the Registration with the Authority and Nominated operator authorisation conditions, with some updates to drafting to address stakeholder feedback. These will be included in Heat networks regulation: authorisation conditions, a statutory consultation on all authorisation conditions scheduled to come into effect from 27 January 2026.
The Notification of changes authorisation condition will not come into effect in January 2026. We will engage stakeholders again prior to implementation.
We asked
We consulted on the proposed financial resilience provisions and relevant guidance for heat networks. We asked for views and feedback on:
- risks of failure and models in the sector
- the scope of the provisions
- authorisation conditions for financial resilience, material assets and continuity arrangements
- guidance for the authorisation conditions
You said
We received 31 responses from a range of stakeholders including:
- consumer advocacy groups
- energy network operators
- energy suppliers
- housing associations
- local authorities
- metering and billing providers
- property management companies
- trade associations
We have reviewed responses and considered stakeholder views. In general, stakeholders were supportive of our proposed authorisation conditions and their scope.
Whilst stakeholders were supportive of guidance, we did receive feedback on potential changes that could be included prior to their publication, as well as additional requests for support such as worked examples.
Our decision document provides a summary of responses to each consultation question and our accompanying responses and policy proposals.
We did
We have decided to proceed with the overall approach proposed in the consultation, including the introduction of authorisation conditions and the proposed scope of those conditions.
We have made changes to reflect stakeholder feedback. The authorisation conditions can be found in the appendix of the decision document.
We will publish an updated guidance document ahead of regulatory commencement in January 2026.
We asked
We asked for feedback on a new zero standing charge option within the energy price cap.
You said
We received responses from 51 organisations, including 15 from suppliers, 28 from charities and consumer groups and 8 from industry bodies. There were also over 10,000 responses from organised consumer campaigns and over 250 individual consumer responses.
Respondents generally supported giving consumers more flexibility and control, with consumer groups especially valuing a zero standing charge option for low-usage households.
However, concerns were raised about adding complexity, implementation challenges, and the need for transparent, fair cost allocation. Suppliers emphasised financial risks and called for evidence-based tariff modelling to guide future decisions.
View our summary of responses (PDF, 240.4 KB) for more details about what organisations said in response to our consultation.
We did
We are looking at introducing a requirement that energy suppliers must offer at least one lower standing charge offer. This should be available at all times and in all regions of the UK. It is subject to consultation and if implemented, the change would come into effect by January 2026.
We believe this approach will allow consumers to access more flexible and transparent pricing options quicker. It will also give suppliers the freedom to design tariffs that best meet their customers' needs.
Read about our next steps on the standing charges energy price cap variant.