Recommendation 5

We congratulate the Department on its work on heat networks, including the consultation on heat network zoning. We support the rollout of heat networks across the country, the retrofitting of high-density housing, and the installation of heat networks in new build developments. However, we recognise the real concerns of consumers who are often given no choice but to receive their energy supply from one designated supplier. Whilst the introduction of the Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations has helped, we call on Ministers to urgently give Ofgem the mandate and resources to expand and enforce consumer protections in the heat network market, recognising the often monopoly status of some providers in certain areas of the country.