Heat networks regulation: consumer protection

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:

• visit the gov.uk consultation page
• visit the Ofgem consultation page

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.