The Energy Act 2023 named Ofgem as the future regulator for heat networks in Great Britain. Their most recent Forward Work Programme outlines the work they are doing in 2025 and 2026, including how they are preparing for their new regulatory responsibilities for heat networks and beginning implementation of the new regulatory regime in January 2026. 

This consultation builds on these previous consultations:   

• Heat networks regulation: implementing consumer protections
   consultation, published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and Ofgem in November 2024, and the government response published in August 2025   
• Heat networks regulation: authorisation and regulatory oversight consultation
  , published in November 2025, and our response, published in August 2025 
• Heat networks regulation: fair pricing protections
  consultation, published in April 2025 and our response, published in September 2025 
• Heat networks regulation: authorisation conditions and guidance on measures to mitigate the risk and impact of financial failure
   consultation, published in August 2025, and our response, published in November 2025 
• Heat networks regulation: authorisation conditions for registration, nominated operator and notification of changes
   consultation, published in August 2025, and our response published in November 2025