Consultation outcome

Proposals for heat network zoning 2023

This consultation has concluded

Read the full outcome

Detail of outcome

This government response sets out how we have considered the consultation feedback in the policy design for heat network zoning, including:

  • the role of central and local government
  • zone identification
  • requirements in zones such as consumer protections and emissions
  • zone delivery - selecting developers and ensuring construction

Detail of feedback received

We received 156 responses to the consultation. A diverse range of stakeholders provided their views, including responses from:

  • 45 local authorities and 5 combined authorities
  • 12 heat network developers
  • 11 trade associations
  • 11 charities and interest groups
  • 9 heat suppliers
  • 8 housing associations
  • 5 supply chain companies
  • 5 housing developers

The categories for the remaining 44 respondents had fewer than 5 respondents each, so we have not listed them here.

Stakeholder responses supported most of our proposals.


Original consultation

Summary

We're seeking views on proposals for heat network zoning in England, to attract investment and give local communities access to cheaper, greener heat sooner.

This consultation ran from
to

Consultation description

This consultation provides detail on the role of central and local government, zone identification, requirements in zones (consumer protections, emissions, requirements to connect) and zone delivery (selecting developers and ensuring construction).  

Under zoning, central and local government will work with industry and local stakeholders to identify and designate zones where heat networks are the lowest-cost solution to decarbonising heat.

See our consultation privacy notice.

Documents

Heat network zoning: consultation

Impact assessment

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Updates to this page

Published 18 December 2023
Last updated 21 January 2026 show all updates
  1. Government response published.

  2. First published.

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