Ofgem’s heat network rules, in one place.
Ofgem became the regulator and the authorisation conditions took effect
Deadline for existing operators and suppliers to register with Ofgem
Getting started
- Heat networksOfgem
Ofgem's main heat networks page: what counts as a heat network, the difference between operators and suppliers, and links to everything else.
- Policy guidance and resourcesOfgem
Ofgem's own index of its heat network guidance documents. The best single page to bookmark.
- Heat networks compliance approachOfgem, 23 January 2026
How Ofgem plans to supervise the sector in the early years of regulation.
- Help and supportOfgem
Who to contact at Ofgem, before and after you register, and what they can and can't help with.
Registration
- Who should registerOfgem
Which networks must register by 26 January 2027, and how to name an operator, a supplier and a regulatory contact.
- Registration guidanceOfgem, 23 January 2026
The detailed rules on registering, including who counts as the operator or supplier and how deemed authorisation works.
- How to prepare for registrationOfgem
The practical steps: requesting access, setting up a GOV.UK One Login account, and adding others such as managing agents.
- Register or sign inOfgem
Where you request access to Ofgem's digital service and register your networks.
- What happens after registrationOfgem
Your duties once registered, including keeping details up to date and telling Ofgem about significant changes.
- Energy Ombudsman: heat network suppliersEnergy Ombudsman
Suppliers must also join the Energy Ombudsman's complaints scheme, separately from registering with Ofgem.
Consumer protection
- Consumer protection guidanceOfgem, 13 January 2026
Treating customers fairly: contracts, quality of service, billing and back-billing, and support for vulnerable customers, including the Priority Services Register.
- Fair pricing and cost allocationOfgem, 13 January 2026
How to set fair prices, and which costs you can and can't pass on to customers.
- Financial resilienceOfgem, 13 January 2026
What you need in place to protect customers if your business gets into financial difficulty.
Reporting and enforcement
- Regular data reporting guidanceOfgem, 10 March 2026
The data you must send Ofgem each quarter and each year, and when it is due.
- How to prepare for data reportingOfgem
Practical steps to get ready for your first data returns through Ofgem's digital service.
- Enforcement guidelinesOfgem, 20 February 2026
How Ofgem investigates suspected breaches and decides what action to take.
- Penalty policyOfgem, 20 February 2026
How Ofgem decides the size of any fine.
Legislation and standards
- The Heat Networks (Market Framework) (Great Britain) Regulations 2025legislation.gov.uk
The law that introduced heat network regulation and made Ofgem the regulator.
- Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS)GOV.UK (government), updated 16 February 2026
The government's technical standards scheme that heat networks will need to meet.
- Heat networks metering and billing regulationsGOV.UK (government), updated 11 February 2026
The existing metering and billing rules, which still apply.
Not sure what applies to you?
We can help you get ready.