With Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) Round 12 opening on 7 April 2026, now is a great chance to take a look at the key dates shaping the heat‑network landscape over the next two years. Understanding how these milestones fit together can help you plan upgrades, get to grips with compliance requirements, and make the most of available funding—without feeling overwhelmed.

Below is a simple walk‑through of the most relevant dates, starting off with some recent regulatory changes.

Where we’ve come from: key dates already passed

1 April 2025 – Start of the initial period

All existing and newly operating heat networks became deemed authorised, and consumer‑advocacy bodies began their roles.

27 January 2026 – Ofgem took over regulation
Ofgem formally became the heat‑network regulator, and the first set of authorisation conditions came into force.

This marks the real line in the sand for the move toward structured oversight and customer‑focused operation.

These milestones frame everything that follows—especially the expectations on operators and suppliers to demonstrate good practice and fair treatment.

What’s happening now: consultations and reporting

21 January – 15 April 2026 – HNTAS technical standards consultation
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s (DESNZ) consultation on the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS) runs until mid‑April. No immediate action is required, but the outcomes will shape future technical‑standards compliance.

Spring 2026 – Ofgem digital registration portal opens
Operators and suppliers will soon be able to start submitting required information via Ofgem’s online service.

Upcoming compliance deadlines you should know

Early 2026 – 26 January 2027 – Mandatory registration window
All operators and suppliers with deemed authorisation must register with Ofgem. Importantly, you must register even if not yet fully compliant—registration is about identifying your network, not proving perfection.

26 January 2027 – Registration deadline
This closes the first phase of the initial period and sets the sector up for full enforcement.

2027 – HNTAS Technical Standards launch
DESNZ plans to introduce mandatory technical‑standards requirements in 2027. These will have operational implications, but there is time to prepare.

The immediate opportunity: HNES Round 12

7 April – 22 May 2026 – HNES Round 12 funding window
With the HNES opening shortly, this is a valuable moment to review your networks and identify improvements that funding could support.

The next HNES funding round after this one will not be until August 2026, subject to budget availability. It is due to close October 2026.

You can read more about HNES, including information on eligibility and how to prepare, in our blog here.

Key dates at a glance

Past milestones

• 1 April 2025 – Initial period began – heat networks deemed authorised
• 27 January 2026 – Ofgem’s regulatory role formally began

Current and upcoming dates

• 21 January – 15 April 2026 – HNTAS technical‑standards consultation
• Spring 2026 – Ofgem registration portal opens.
• 7 April – 22 May 2026 – HNES Round 12 funding window
• August 2026 – October 2026 – expected HNES Round 13 funding window
• Early 2026 – 26 January 2027 – Mandatory registration window
• 26 January 2027 – Registration deadline
• 2027 – HNTAS Technical Standards launch planned

How Chirpy Heat can help

While there’s a lot happening in the heat‑network space, there is plenty you can do right now to get and stay compliant. Right now, the HNES Round 12 funding window is a huge opportunity for housing providers, and the Chirpy Heat team can help you shape a well‑evidenced, impactful application.

If you’d like to talk about support preparing a bid or discussing other ways Chirpy Heat can help then drop us an email at [email protected].

 

 

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