From 27 January 2026, heat networks are regulated by the energy regulator Ofgem. If you are a housing provider that owns and/or operates a heat network, you will be in scope of the regulation.
Over the past two years, CIH has engaged closely with Ofgem on the development of the regulation. We have responded to relevant consultations and worked with our partners at the National Housing Federation, the Local Government Association, and The Heat Network to ensure regulation is deliverable, and does not overlap unnecessarily with housing legislation and regulation.
These pages are intended to provide an overview of heat network regulations and associated policy developments. It is not intended to serve as a definitive ‘how to’ or roadmap for achieving compliance, as this will be different for different organisations. However, it does include the key steps that housing organisations and professionals should be taking to work towards full compliance, along with links to further sources of advice and information.
These pages do not constitute legal advice and CIH recommends you seek expert advice from heat network consultancies or legal advisors to support you with compliance.
If you have any feedback or suggestions for how this guidance can be improved, please email policyandpractice@cih.org.
