Heat networks market study

The CMA carried out a market study into domestic heat networks, to review how well the market works and if consumers are getting a good deal.

Case timetable

Date Action
23 July 2017 Final report published
6 December 2018 Statutory deadline
31 May 2018 Deadline for responses to update paper
10 May 2018 Publication of update paper
12 January 2018 Deadline for responses to the statement of scope
7 December 2017 Launch of market study

Contact

heatnetworks@cma.gov.uk

Final report

We have published our final report on the heat networks market as well as information for customers and business. We have concluded that the sector should be regulated and have made recommendations to government.

Responses to the update paper

Update paper

10 May 2018: The CMA has published an update paper on work to date in the market study into domestic heat networks, as well as a consumer research report commissioned from Kantar Public Ltd.

Responses to statement of scope

Heat Metering and Billing Regulations 2014 notification data

19 December 2017: On 7 December 2017, the CMA issued a mandatory notice under section 174 of the Enterprise Act 2002 to the Department for Business, Enterprise and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) requiring BEIS to produce data relating to heat network notifications to the CMA, to support the CMA’s market study into the heat networks sector. On that basis, BEIS has provided the CMA with a copy of the information provided by heat suppliers (including some personal data, which the CMA will use to contact heat suppliers) as part of the notification process. For more information see BEIS guidance on the heat network metering and billing regulations.

Launch of market study

7 December 2017: The CMA has launched a market study into heat networks. Heat networks involve the generation and distribution of heat to buildings and consist of district heating and communal heating. The CMA will examine whether the sector is working well for consumers.

We are inviting comments on the issues raised in the statement of scope, including from interested parties such as heat network builders, operators and suppliers and their representatives and from consumer groups.

Published 7 December 2017
Last updated 23 July 2018 + show all updates
  1. Final report and responses to update paper published.

  2. Update paper published.

  3. Further response to statement of scope published.

  4. Further response to statement of scope published in responses to statement of scope section.

  5. Further response to statement of scope published.

  6. Responses to statement of scope published.

  7. Added update on Heat Metering and Billing Regulations 2014 notification data.

  8. First published.