Heat networks in the borough

The Energy Act 2023 and the Heat Networks Metering and Billing Regulations are introducing new protections for heat network customers. These regulations are being implemented in phases, with key changes taking effect by January 2027. These will affect residents living in buildings that receive heating or hot water from a heat network.

They aim to protect customers on heat networks in a similar way to how domestic energy customers are currently protected.

We are required by law to meet the new regulations and make changes to our services for the properties we manage.

The new regulations include:

• heat network operators, like the Council, will be treated as energy suppliers and regulated by Ofgem, the regulatory body for gas and electricity
• where heat meters can be installed, residents will be billed for the heat they use in their homes. See Upgrading your heat network
• if it is not currently possible to install individual heat meters in your building, heat suppliers are required to put a plan in place to correct this
• heat network customers will get clearer information about their charges and better consumer protections

The new laws will benefit residents by:

• making services more consistent. Heat meters are already installed in some homes, while other homes do not have them because of the age or design of the heat network. Under the new regulations, we will gradually install heat meters across all heat networks.
• making heating bills clearer and fairer. If a meter is installed in your home, you will pay for the energy you use instead of a share of the building’s total energy costs. 
• helping households reduce energy use by providing more information about how much heat they use and what it costs.
• providing better protections for heat network customers.

Find out more on the Ofgem website.

If you are not a council tenant or leaseholder

If you are on a heat network, contact your landlord or energy supplier to find out how the new laws may affect you.