Heat network technical standards

From:: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Published: 21 January 2026

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Summary

We're seeking views on introducing technical standards regulations to the heat network sector.

This consultation closes at
11:59pm on 15 April 2026

Consultation description

This consultation seeks views on the introduction of regulatory heat network technical standards and a Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS) to help heat network developers, contractors and operators demonstrate compliance with those standards. In particular it seeks views on proposals regarding:

the scope of technical standards regulation
governance structure for the scheme
overarching technical, assessment and certification requirements
the role of assessors and certifiers in the scheme
enforcement, appeals and complaints
support and incentives to facilitate heat network compliance

We have also published:

an options assessment setting out the estimated benefits and costs of introducing the proposals outlined in this consultation
the draft Metering and Monitoring Standard (MMS) which is referenced in the consultation
the draft Code documents which are referenced in the consultation

We expect this consultation to be of particular interest to:

the heat network sector, including heat network developers and operators
local authorities and housing associations
heat network consumer organisations

Read our consultation privacy notice.

Documents