Heat networks regulation: authorisation conditions for registration, nominated operator, and notification of changes

Heat networks regulation: authorisation conditions for registration, nominated operator, and notification of changes | Ofgem Please enable JavaScript in your web browser to get the best experience. BETA This site is currently in BETA. Help us improve by giving us your feedback . Close alert: Heat networks regulation: authorisation conditions for registration, nominated operator, and notification of changes Publication type: Consultation Publication date: 25 August 2025 Closed date: 23 September 2025 Status: Closed (with decision) Topic: Heat networks Show all updates Print this page Related links Heat networks regulation consumer protection - Government response Heat networks regulation: authorisation and regulatory oversight Heat networks regulation: implementing consumer protections Heat networks regulation: authorisation conditions and guidance on measures to mitigate the risk and impact of financial failure Heat networks regulation: enforcement guidelines and penalty policy Share the page Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Our consultation on 3 draft authorisation conditions for entities authorised to operate or supply heat networks in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales). Details of outcome 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 for views on whether the draft authorisation conditions accurately reflect the policy intent we have previously communicated. It also invited feedback on specific drafting issues. We received 18 responses from a range of stakeholders. They broadly agreed with the drafting for each condition, with constructive feedback highlighting areas for refinement of drafting and issues to be addressed in guidance. The updated draft authorisation conditions for Registration with the Authority and Nominated operator are 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. Read the full outcome Read the full outcome to this consultation on Citizen Space . Original consultation 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. 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 . This consultation builds on the approaches described in: our 2025 decision on heat networks authorisation and regulatory oversight the 2025 Ofgem-DESNZ joint response on implementing consumer protections for heat networks the Heat Networks (Market Framework) Regulations 2025 Statutory Instrument (HNMFR SI) (the regulations) 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. Print this page Related links Heat networks regulation consumer protection - Government response Heat networks regulation: authorisation and regulatory oversight Heat networks regulation: implementing consumer protections Heat networks regulation: authorisation conditions and guidance on measures to mitigate the risk and impact of financial failure Heat networks regulation: enforcement guidelines and penalty policy Share the page Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn All updates 3 November 2025: added details of outcome and link to outcome document on Citizen Space. Close