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Heat networks: why you need to seek advice now before major regulation changes


In 2025, major changes are coming to the heat network sector, with the new regulations set to have a huge impact on the design, operation, and management of heat networks across the UK. Whitecode Consulting’s managing director Alex Hill underlines the importance of these new regulations and why building owners and managing agents need to seek independent advice to ensure their heat networks comply.


T


he Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS), will require all new-build heat networks, and existing legacy networks, to meet minimum technical standards and key performance indicators, such as efficient water flow temperatures and pipe insulation. Those that do will gain Heat Network Certification. Too often, there is little transparency when


it comes to heat network performance. These regulations are set to change that while strengthening accountability for anyone involved in the planning, construction, management and maintenance of heat networks. By developing the HNTAS and ensuring a minimum level of performance and reliability, low- emissions and reliable and affordable heat can be delivered to UK communities via heat networks.


How HNTAS will work


Under the new HNTAS regulations, both new and legacy heat networks will be required to demonstrate that they have achieved the mandated minimum technical standards. As the regulator, Ofgem will award a licence to a technical standards Code Manager. They will maintain the code documents, including any technical specification for what the heat networks must comply with, assurance procedures for how compliance is demonstrated, and assessor requirements on who can assess compliance. A pilot programme for the HNTAS is planned


for the second half of 2024, with the government likely to ask existing heat network operators and assessors to take part. Engagement throughout this programme will enable the government and Ofgem to ensure the requirements and assurance procedures work in practice.


Why the regulations are being brought in


It can often be the situation that well-intentioned contractors and managing agents muddle through the management of heat networks and aren’t fully aware of the necessity to maintain efficiency. Indeed, in the past, heat networks have been judged


20 July 2025


only by whether they are operational or not. These new heat network regulations are being


brought in to ensure that consumers are given greater protection, such as compensation if they lose access to heating, and better access to more reliable and energy efficient heat networks. Boosting consumer protections to keep pace with


a growing market, the new regulations will give customers similar rights to those living on traditional electricity and gas connections. Furthermore, vulnerable customers, such as the elderly or those living with health conditions, may have access to increased protections. It’s therefore imperative that anyone responsible


for the monitoring and management of heat networks, such as managing agents, considers the efficiency of the network, not just whether it works or not.


What the regulations mean for those responsible


The new regulation changes will have a significant impact on not only the owners of the heat network


but also building contractors and property owners. For instance, heat network owners, or building


owners with a heat network, will likely become the regulated party, meaning they will need to comply with any legally binding duties relating to the operation, management, and reporting of the heat network. Additionally, information on the efficiency of the network and how energy tariffs are calculated will need to be provided. There are many building owners that don’t have planned maintenance contracts, meaning they’re more reactive than proactive when it comes to issues with their heat networks. This exacerbates the need for efficiency of the network to be written into the contract, especially with the new regulation changes coming into effect next year. The new regulations will also give building


users and tenants the ability to investigate what legislation is in place and whether the owners of the building are complying. With that in mind, it’s important that anyone responsible for the heat network is prioritising the maintenance and governance of the network. Not only will doing so


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