In this episode of Heat Networks with Chirpy Heat, Client Relationships Consultant Millie Hurault explores how housing providers can get their heat network priorities right for the 2026–27 financial year. The discussion builds on Chirpy Heat’s recent free webinar on the same topic, where housing providers shared their experiences, concerns and practical questions as regulation continues to evolve.

With Ofgem now formally regulating heat networks, the HNTAS technical standards consultation recently closed, and further consumer protection requirements expected soon, the sector is firmly in its preparation year. As Millie explains, January 2027 will come around far quicker than many expect — making now the time to get organised, rather than scrambling later.

A central message from both the podcast and the webinar is that compliance isn’t just about meeting a single deadline; it’s about preparing for ongoing business change. Day‑to‑day operations will shift, particularly around data reporting, complaints handling and customer communications. From October, around 40–50 new data metrics will need to be reported via the Ofgem portal, many of which social housing providers have never collected or reported in this way before.

During the webinar, Millie and Heat Network Consultant, Charlotte Button, ran an interactive exercise asking attendees to describe how they felt about the year ahead. One word came up more than any other: “overwhelmed.” That reaction is completely understandable. Heat networks are now a regulated service, and many organisations are adjusting to thinking about them as a distinct area of the business for the first time.

Rather than tackling everything at once, Millie emphasises the importance of understanding your starting position and breaking the task down into manageable sections.

• Know your baseline
  Understand your current compliance position and heat network portfolio — how many networks you have, what metering is in place, and where gaps exist.
• Get your data organised early
  Identify what information you already hold and what will require new processes or systems, particularly ahead of reporting opening in October.
• Break compliance into themes
  Tackle customer service, complaints, metering and billing, and technical requirements separately, focusing on the basics first before building best practice.
• Prioritise clear customer communication
  Use plain language, avoid jargon, and consider FAQs to help residents understand what regulation means for them.
• Prepare for registration
  Take time to understand what Ofgem requires, including SMRI responsibilities, and work with internal teams and contractors early.

 

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Ofgem registration support

If this feels overwhelming, that’s completely normal, and it’s exactly why Chirpy Heat provides tailored support, including for Ofgem registration.

Chirpy Heat’s end‑to‑end Ofgem Registration Service offers:

• Heat network registration training
• SMRI identification support
• Heat network register and data gathering support
• Expert data validation and gap analysis
• Managed upload and submission of data to Ofgem via the Chirpy Nest online registration platform

Whether you need support with training, data gaps or submission itself, register your interest in Chirpy Heat’s end‑to‑end Ofgem Registration Service now. Take the pressure out of meeting the January deadline and move towards compliance with confidence. Read more about the service here.

> Register your interest now

If you have any immediate questions about Ofgem registration or additional details to share, feel free to email [email protected] or call 0203 8272 064.