Upcoming deadlines for heat network providers

The Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations 2014, as amended in 2015 and 2020, was introduced to drive energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions from heating as well as supporting fair and transparent billing for customers on heat networks. The Regulations are also part of the UK Government’s wider work to introduce a legislative Heat Network Market Framework by 2022.  

The Regulations place various responsibilities on anyone supplying and charging for heating, cooling or hot water (the “heat supplier”). Transitional arrangements were put in place for heat suppliers who already operate heat networks. 

As part of the first deadline of the transitional arrangements, by 27 November 2021 heat suppliers are to complete the determination of the building class for each building on all networks they operate. This is based on three classifications – viable, open or exempt. Where buildings are found to be within the open class, they also have to complete a technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness assessment (where meters or heat cost allocators are not already installed). 

For the second deadline, heat suppliers must comply with all amended and new requirements by the 1 September 2022. This will include installing heat meters in all buildings that fall into the open class where it is technically feasible and the results of the cost-effectiveness assessment confirm that it’s cost-effective to do so. 

Further details can be found on the UK Government website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/heat-networks) and in the more detailed guidance document.