Last week, some 150 housing professionals joined Chirpy Heat for our free webinar exploring the government’s proposed Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS).
The session was delivered by Chirpy Heat director, Rachael Mills, and Chirpy Heat Technical Consultant, Hunter Beaumont-Orr, who walked through what the HNTAS consultation means in practice for housing providers, heat network operators, and project teams responsible for heat network performance and compliance.
With the HNTAS consultation open until 15th April 2026, attendees were clear: this is a moment of significant change for the sector.
Across the session, we unpacked why mandatory technical standards are coming, how they differ from the voluntary CP1 Code of Practice, what’s being proposed for both new and existing heat networks, and the practical implications for housing providers – from governance and documentation through to metering, performance thresholds, and long-term upgrade requirements.
The questions from participants showed just how much detail sits behind HNTAS, and how essential it will be for organisations to understand their data, their contracts, and their technical starting point.
A key area of discussion was the milestone-based pathway that existing heat networks will need to follow to achieve HNTAS certification. These milestones will shape organisational planning for the next decade, and the timelines differ depending on whether a network is, or is not, required to install customer meters.
Here’s how the proposed milestones map out:
All networks, regardless of metering status, must register with the scheme in 2027. This is the first formal step toward HNTAS alignment.
For networks required to install customer meters, this involves demonstrating dwelling-level metering, monitoring capability, and meeting threshold performance.
Networks not required to install meters must still provide full plantroom and network monitoring and meet performance thresholds.
All networks will need a Heat Network Improvement Plan, though timelines differ.
Additionally, pre‑2014 networks that were previously exempt will face a specific metering and monitoring obligation by 2031.
This certification requires networks to meet performance requirements – typically achieving heat loss of 200W/dwelling.
Networks not required to meter have until 2034 and must demonstrate full metering and monitoring capability.
The final milestone relates to operation and maintenance standards. Certification 2 ensures networks can demonstrate robust, ongoing compliance with technical and operational and maintenance requirements.
Across all milestones, supported housing, metering arrangements, and end‑of‑life network pathways sit as important considerations. The timelines may look long, but the work needed to meet them is substantial – and getting ahead now will make the journey far smoother.
To help housing providers understand their position and plan their response, Chirpy Heat has developed three dedicated HNTAS services.
A structured review of your current processes, data, and technical standards against HNTAS requirements.
You’ll receive a clear RAG rating for each regulatory area, giving you a grounded understanding of where you are today – and where to focus next.
We assess your existing technical contracts to identify gaps, risks, or areas needing alignment with the new technical standards.
Getting contracts right early will minimise dispute risk, reduce costs, and futureproof your compliance position.
Our detailed site surveys examine the technical condition of your heat networks, including assets, performance, data capability, and necessary rectification works.
You’ll leave with clarity on what’s required to work towards technical standards compliance—practically, transparently, and with confidence.
HNTAS represents one of the most significant regulatory shifts the heat network sector has ever seen. Whether you need help understanding the consultation, mapping your assets, evaluating risks, or building a realistic compliance roadmap, we’re here to support you.
Get in touch with the Chirpy Heat team at [email protected] to discuss how we can help you prepare.
Join the Chirpy Heat Insight Group – your essential hub for staying informed, equipped, and connected on the road to heat network compliance. This free, exclusive community, brought to you by our heat networks consultancy, helps housing providers stay ahead in managing communal and district heating. Members gain access to the latest regulatory news, communal heating systems advice, practical tools for strategic planning, insights on decarbonising heat networks, and guidance from Chirpy Heat’s experts and peers. You’ll also benefit from priority access to webinars and events aimed at supporting and guiding housing providers in sustainable heating solutions. Sign up today and receive a free Chirpy Bird for your desk – don’t worry, it’s not a real bird, just a cheerful companion while you manage your heat networks stress-free!
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