Heat networks regulation: consumer protection guidance​

Closes 17 Oct 2025

Back-billing

Summary

In this chapter, we provide draft guidance on the Back-billing authorisation condition.

Details

For this iteration of guidance, we have provided clear expectations and best practice, including where we encourage all authorised persons to avoid back-billing consumers for heating, cooling or hot water consumed more than 12 months prior to the date of the bill.

We have also provided some initial guidance on scenarios where existing tenancy agreements or leasehold contracts are in place and existing housing legislation will take precedence at regulatory commencement in January 2026.

Before you give us your views

You’ll need to read the full details in:

12. Do you find our proposed guidance on back-billing relevant to the corresponding authorisation condition, and useful?
13. Do you have suggestions for what we should consider including in a future iteration of the guidance on back-billing, to make it more useful?