How Can Property Managers Prepare Their Heat Network for Regulatory Changes?

Even though we don’t know all the details yet, the foundations for compliance are already in place, with clear guidance and frameworks available to help heat network operators meet future requirements. By taking proactive steps now, you can ensure a smooth transition and avoid last-minute disruptions.

It’s essential that you start taking steps towards compliance today. Fail to start now, and you’ll be forced to play catch up down the line. Here’s how we expect the compliance roadmap to look:

We know that compliance is expected to begin in late 2025. To help you avoid fines for non-compliance or worse, let’s break down the key frameworks and how they can help you to manage your compliance journey:

1. HNOG – The Heat Network Operators Guidance

The Heat Network Optimisation Guide (HNOG) is your essential resource for managing network performance, customer relations, and regulatory compliance. It outlines the standards for maintaining and operating heat networks effectively.

To build a strong foundation for compliance, focus on these five key areas:

• Conduct a site audit – Identify areas where your network may need improvement.
• Perform a technical analysis – Use audit findings to prioritise necessary upgrades.
• Root cause analysis (RCA) – Address underlying issues rather than just symptoms.
• Develop a business case – Secure stakeholder buy-in by highlighting the importance of investing in network improvements.
• Monitor common failures – Review the 16 key areas (found on page 5 onwards here) that often impact network performance.

By addressing these areas, you’ll be well-prepared to meet the upcoming regulatory standards.

2. HNTAS – Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme

The Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS) provides a standardised framework for ensuring quality and compliance in the design, construction, and operation of heat networks. Adopting HNTAS now will help you align with future regulations.

A critical component of HNTAS is adherence to the CIBSE CP1 (2020) Code of Practice, which sets the benchmark for heat network design and operation. Whether your network is new or existing, meeting these standards will be essential.

While the exact frequency of compliance assessments for existing networks is still being finalised, it’s clear that regular reporting and performance evaluations will be required. By integrating HNTAS into your operations today, you’ll be ahead of the curve when these requirements take effect.

3. Heat Trust – Prioritising End-User Protection

Heat Trust is a leading advocate for consumer rights within heat networks. While they don’t focus on technical operations, their voluntary charter provides clear guidelines on customer service standards, transparency, and fair treatment for end users.

Key areas covered by Heat Trust include:

• Transparent billing practices
• Accurate metering and HIU maintenance
• Effective complaint handling
• Clear performance expectations

Following Heat Trust’s guidelines not only enhances customer satisfaction but also prepares you for OFGEM’s likely consumer protection standards.

4. OFGEM – Driving Transparency and Accountability

As the regulator for heat networks, OFGEM will emphasise transparency, performance, and consumer protection. Expect requirements for frequent reporting, metering accuracy, and network performance evaluations.

OFGEM’s focus will likely align with Heat Trust’s standards, reinforcing protections such as:

• Emergency heat provisions
• Transparent communication with end users
• Safeguards for vulnerable customers

By understanding your network’s performance data and optimising metering systems, you’ll be well-positioned to meet OFGEM’s expectations and avoid hefty fines.

What do Property Managers Need to do Next?

So, this sounds like a lot, but it needn’t be overwhelming. 

Put simply, new regulations aim to:

• Protect consumers
• Promote transparency
• Improve network performance
• Accelerate decarbonisation

For property managers who already prioritise delivering a user-centric service, these changes will feel more like formalising best practices rather than a complete overhaul. However, there will be additional steps, such as registration, reporting, and documentation, to ensure compliance.

If your network is well-maintained, fully metered, and regularly audited, you’re already looking good. The key is to stay proactive and ensure your operations align with the frameworks outlined above.

What Next Steps Should You Take?

Heat networks have been unregulated for so long that the biggest shift will be OFGEM’s presence as a regulator. You’ll need to register, report, and verify your heat networks, which is something we’ve never had to do. 

To make this easier on yourself and your organisation, you can prepare in advance:

• Evaluate your network – Conduct a thorough audit and address any gaps.
• Optimise metering data – Ensure accuracy and accessibility for reporting.
• Engage stakeholders – Build a business case for necessary investments.
• Stay informed – Keep up with regulatory updates and guidance.

At CEP, we understand that preparing for new regulations is a little frustrating. We also understand that actually doing everything that’s required of you is serious work – you may not have the resources internally to handle it all. That’s where we come in. 

How Can CEP Help You Ensure Compliance?

Our specialist engineers can identify what interventions are needed, and what areas you’re already compliant in. 

If you’d prefer, we can handle the entire process, taking accountability for your heat network’s compliance to upcoming regulations, ensuring that, when they arrive, you’re fully compliant and not subject to any fines or penalties. 

Get in touch today. We’ll learn about your network(s) and advise on logical next steps.