The landscape is changing fast. Heat networks are shifting from a partially regulated market to a fully regulated regime, bringing new responsibilities around consumer protection, governance, data reporting, tariffs, performance standards, and ongoing compliance.

For many providers, the challenge isn’t whether compliance is necessary — it’s how to begin.

That’s exactly what we cover in the latest episode of the Chirpy Heat Podcast, where we speak to Josh Davis, Director of Delivery, about the practical first steps for building a structured, confident approach to heat network compliance.

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The Big Shift: What’s Changing on 27th January?

Josh explains that the regulatory framework for heat networks is moving from a limited set of obligations — like metering, billing, and cost-effectiveness — to a more comprehensive regime overseen by Ofgem.

From January 27, the focus is primarily on consumer protection, but this is just the start. Providers should also be preparing for:

• Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme
• Ongoing consultations and future obligations
• Heat network zoning administered by local authorities

 

The message is clear: heat networks are now becoming a regulated utility, and providers need a clear plan to keep up.

The Four Core Steps to Building Compliance Momentum

Josh outlines a simple, practical framework that helps providers move from feeling overwhelmed to building a clear compliance roadmap.

Understand & Plan
Start by assessing your current position against existing and upcoming regulations. Build a roadmap with clear responsibilities, deadlines, and priorities.

Portfolio & Data Review
Know every network you operate — from leasehold to general needs, supported housing, gas, and heat pump networks — and identify every data source while assessing data quality.

Policies & Processes
Review what you already have, update what’s outdated, and create what’s missing.

Tariffs & Pricing
Ensure transparency and fairness, and align your approach with regulatory expectations.

Where Should You Start?

Many housing providers ask whether these steps must be completed in order.

Josh’s advice is clear: There is a natural sequence — and the first two steps must come first. Once you understand your baseline, you can build policies and set tariffs in parallel.

Advice for “Day One” Providers

If you’re just starting out, Josh recommends a very practical first action: Start with the consumer protection authorisation conditions.

He suggests taking the document and going through it with a highlighter:

• Highlight each requirement
• Note whether you already meet it
• Identify gaps
• Map out responsibilities and stakeholders

This becomes your practical playbook for compliance.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

The key message from Josh is simple: Don’t wait. Start building your data foundation now. Ofgem reporting will open in Spring 2026, and reporting will need to be backdated to April 2026. You can’t backdate work you haven’t started — so the time to act is now.

How Chirpy Heat Can Help

If you’re unsure where to begin or need support through the compliance journey, Chirpy Heat can help with:

• Regulation Readiness Review – Benchmark your current position against current and upcoming requirements.
• Compliance Roadmap – Create a detailed plan covering what you have, what you need, and how to get there.
• Data Readiness – Define KPIs, build data foundations, and prepare for reporting.

 

If you’d like support getting started or want guidance through each step, contact the Chirpy Heat team: [email protected]

We’re here to help you build confidence, clarity, and compliance — one step at a time.

 

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