Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he plans to publish the public consultation on proposals for the regulation of district heating networks.

Heat networks are an important part of the Clean Growth Strategy and we expect them to play an important role in the long-term decarbonisation of heat. We are committed to this within a framework that protects consumers and supports market growth.

In December 2018, the Government set out our intention to introduce regulation of heat networks and published our priorities for the sector – protecting consumers; building investment and maximising the decarbonisation benefits of heat networks. This built on recommendations by The Competition and Market Authority.

We expect to consult on more detailed policy proposals later this year. Any subsequent legislation would be introduced when Parliamentary time allows.