Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they anticipate that Ofgem, under its new powers in the Energy Act 2023, will produce regulations for heat networks and district heating.

The Government is launching the heat network market framework in January 2026 which will introduce an authorisation regime for suppliers and operators.

Ofgem have just launched a consultation on authorisation conditions, the rules and regulations heat network suppliers must adhere to. Ofgem aim for these to be in place in time for regulatory commencement.

The consumer advocacy and support functions carried out by the Energy Ombudsman, Citizens Advice and Consumer Scotland will launch ahead of regulation in April 2025.