How to register a heat network with Ofgem

Who needs to register

Operators and suppliers of existing heat networks are "deemed authorised" and must register each network. The service is called "Comply with heat networks consumer protection regulations".

The operator registers first. During registration, the operator confirms whether it also supplies heat on the network, or names the organisation that does. Any separate supplier is then invited to complete its part. Ofgem says suppliers can't complete registration until they are invited.

Each heat network is registered separately. A network that supplies two or more buildings is one district heat network and is registered once.

Before you start

Gather the details below before you log in. Our free registration checklist puts them on one page.

• Who operates and who supplies the network.
• Your regulatory contact's details.
• Your organisation's details and structure.
• Financial resilience indicators from your latest accounts.
• The network's technical details and customer numbers.
• Your complaints procedure, Priority Services Register and continuity plan, in place.
• The people with significant managerial responsibility or influence, for the fit and proper declaration.

Step by step

1. Confirm the roles. Decide which organisation is the operator and which is the supplier. In leasehold blocks, Ofgem says the operator is typically the freeholder, but the role may shift to an RTM or residents' management company.
2. Choose your regulatory contact. Ofgem says this should ideally be the most senior person with responsibility for the network's operations and regulatory compliance. The regulatory contact remains ultimately responsible for making sure the information submitted is accurate and complete.
3. Enter your organisation's details. These are given once for the organisation: its type, company details, organisational structure (including any parent company) and financial resilience indicators.
4. Add the network. Give its location, the number of buildings it supplies, the number of embedded communal networks (for district networks), the type of energy source and technology, and its heating capacity.
5. Add customer information. Give the number of domestic and non-domestic customers, whether any non-domestic customers are small or micro businesses, and the number of customers in vulnerable situations.
6. Confirm your consumer protections. The operator and supplier jointly confirm that a complaints procedure is in place. The supplier confirms that a Priority Services Register, or an equivalent, is in place and working. You also confirm that a continuity plan is in place.
7. Make the fit and proper declaration. You complete an SMRI declaration unless your account already has a current one. Ofgem's SMRI declarations expire after 3 years.
8. Check and submit. You declare that the information is correct to the best of your knowledge. The digital service checks that all required fields are complete.

After you submit

Ofgem says registration does not involve an assessment or approval. Once you submit, registration of that network is complete, and no further action is needed unless Ofgem tells you otherwise. You receive an email acknowledgement with a unique ID for the network. Keep it for your records and use it in correspondence with Ofgem.

Registration is not the end of it. The authorisation conditions continue to apply, including yearly financial resilience reporting and a yearly confirmation that your continuity plan is in place and up to date.

Mistakes to avoid

• Leaving it until January. Getting the documents and figures together usually takes longer than the form itself.
• Assuming your managing agent registers in its own name. The registration is for the organisation that operates or supplies the network.
• Registering before the complaints procedure, Priority Services Register and continuity plan are actually in place.
• Losing the confirmation email. You'll need the unique ID later.

Questions

Is registration an approval of our arrangements?

No. Ofgem says registration does not involve an assessment or approval. The authorisation conditions still apply, and Ofgem can take enforcement action if they are breached.

Our boiler heats two buildings. Is that one registration?

Yes, if it is one network. A network that supplies two or more buildings is a district heat network and is registered as one network.

The operator and supplier are different organisations. Who goes first?

The operator. Once it has submitted its part and named the supplier, the supplier is invited to complete its section.

Who should be the regulatory contact for a small RMC?

Ofgem says ideally the most senior person with responsibility for the network's operations and regulatory compliance. For many small companies that is a director.

Sources

• Ofgem: Heat networks registration guidance (January 2026)
• Ofgem: Comply with heat networks consumer protection regulations
• Ofgem: Heat networks regulation financial resilience guidance (January 2026)

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