Heat networks regulation: consumer protection

Closed 27 Oct 2023

Opened 4 Aug 2023

Overview

This consultation seeks views on consumer protection requirements around:

  • pricing
  • quality of service
  • transparency of information
  • consumers in vulnerable circumstance
  • the scope of the rules and how we should phase them in

It also covers Ofgem’s approach to implementing and enforcing regulation, including through guidance, market monitoring, compliance, and enforcement activity, as well as its approach to delivering the cost recovery regime after having established a policy approach during public consultation in 2021-2022.

We have published an Impact Assessment alongside the consultation document, which sets out the benefits and costs of introducing consumer protections and a license regime for rights and powers.

Consumer groups, the heat network industry (including prospective developers and investors) and local government are the key target audience for this consultation.

This is a joint consultation, run by DESNZ and Ofgem:

Read the consultation document on GOV.UK.

Why your views matter

We want the new market framework for heat networks to work well for consumers, investors and developers. We therefore welcome views from a range of stakeholders.

Audiences

  • Charities
  • Charity or social enterprise
  • Construction
  • Consumer organisations
  • Energy assesor
  • Installer
  • Large businesses (over 250 staff)
  • Local government
  • Low carbon technologies
  • Medium business (50 to 250 staff)
  • Micro business (up to 9 staff)
  • Small business (10 to 49 staff)
  • SMEs (small and medium businesses)
  • Trade bodies

Interests

  • Consumer rights
  • Distributed energy and heat
  • Economic growth
  • Saving energy