Heat networks regulation: authorisation conditions for Registration, Nominated operator, and Notification of changes

Closed 22 Sep 2025

Opened 25 Aug 2025

Contact

Heat Networks

heatnetworksregulation@ofgem.gov.uk

Feedback updated 3 Nov 2025

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. 

View our consultation decision (PDF, 277 KB)

Published responses

View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.

Overview

We are consulting on 3 draft authorisation conditions for entities authorised to operate or supply heat networks in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales). 

A further 23 draft authorisation conditions were included in the Ofgem and Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) 2025 response to the joint consultation on implementing consumer protections for heat networks. 

Who should respond 

We would like to hear views from people with an interest in heat networks and particularly welcome responses from: 

  • heat network operators
  • heat network suppliers
  • other parties supporting operators and suppliers to meet regulatory obligations

Background 

The Energy Act 2023 named Ofgem as the future regulator for heat networks in Great Britain. 

Our most recent Forward Work Programme outlines the work we are doing in 2025 and 2026, including how we are preparing for our new regulatory responsibilities for heat networks and beginning implementation of the new regulatory regime in January 2026. 

Authorisation conditions will create regulatory obligations and apply to authorised persons undertaking regulated activity on heat networks. We are consulting on an updated version of the Registration authorisation condition, and the two new conditions for nominated operator and notification of changes. 

This consultation builds on the approaches described in: 

Before you start 

Read the 'Heat networks regulation: authorisation conditions for Registration, Nominated operator, and Notification of changes' consultation document. You’ll find it in the ‘Related’ section on this page. Please refer to it when giving us your views. 

Why your views matter 

Your feedback will help us develop new regulations to protect consumers and improve network reliability, while allowing growth in the sector.

What happens next

This consultation has now closed. We will now analyse the responses we have received before taking any relevant next steps.

Audiences

  • Heat network operators
  • Heat network suppliers

Interests

  • Heat networks