This consultation is seeking views on policy options for the development of a regulatory framework for heat networks to protect consumers, support market growth and develop low carbon networks.
In order to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, nearly all heat in buildings will need to be decarbonised. Heat networks are a crucial aspect of the path towards decarbonising heat.
This consultation sets out:
- measures to increase levels of investment in the sector, such as provision of market information and support for strengthening local approaches that will help generate additional demand certainty on projects
- policy options for establishing a market framework to deliver important consumer protections, equivalent to those offered to gas and electricity customers, as the market expands
- proposals relating to the choice of regulator, the regulatory approach, enforcement powers and step-in arrangements
- proposals for protecting consumers including on transparency, pricing and quality of service standards
- proposals for developing technical standards and certification and accreditation processes to improve the quality, cost and reliability of heat networks
- proposals for giving heat networks equivalent rights and powers (such as undertaker or statutory access rights) compared with other utilities
- proposals to drive decarbonisation of heat networks and use of waste-heat sources
This consultation from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy runs from 6 February to 1 May 2020.
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