Free tool
Timeline
Dates
12 May 2022
Heat Network Zoning Pilot
Announced28 towns and cities in England
Places that worked with government to test zoning methods. Being on this list does not mean a zone has been designated. The date is when GOV.UK first published the pilot page; the page was last updated in November 2025.
Source: Heat network zoning pilot (GOV.UK)26 October 2023
Legal powers for heat network zones
In forceEnergy Act 2023, Part 8, Chapter 2 (sections 226 to 237)
The Act gives the government powers to create heat network zones in England. It became law on 26 October 2023, but zoning cannot work until regulations are made under it.
Source: Energy Act 2023, Part 8 (legislation.gov.uk)18 December 2023
Second zoning consultation
In forcePublished 18 December 2023, closed 26 February 2024
Source: Proposals for heat network zoning 2023 (GOV.UK consultation)25 October 2024
First six places to develop zones
AnnouncedLeeds, Plymouth, Bristol, Stockport, Sheffield and two schemes in London, including Old Oak and Park Royal
£5.8m shared between them, with construction expected to start from 2026.
Source: Six towns and cities to pilot clean heating innovation (GOV.UK, 25 Oct 2024)1 April 2025
Citizens Advice and Energy Ombudsman roles begin
In force1 April 2025
Citizens Advice became the consumer advocate for heat network customers in England and Wales; the Energy Ombudsman began accepting heat network complaints.
Source: Heat networks (Energy Ombudsman)21 January 2026
Government response on zoning
AnnouncedPublished 21 January 2026
Sets out the policy design: which buildings must connect, exemptions, penalties and the roles of each body.
Source: Proposals for heat network zoning: government response (DESNZ, Jan 2026)21 January 2026
Warm Homes Plan
AnnouncedPublished 21 January 2026, including £1bn for heat networks this Parliament
Commits to introducing heat network zoning in 2026 and creates the Warm Homes Agency.
Source: Warm Homes Plan (GOV.UK, Jan 2026)27 January 2026
Ofgem regulation of heat networks begins
In force27 January 2026
Ofgem became the regulator for heat networks in Great Britain, with authorisation conditions applying from this date.
Source: The Heat Networks (Market Framework) (Great Britain) Regulations 2025, reg. 1 (legislation.gov.uk)27 January 2026
Metering and billing rules simplified
In force27 January 2026
Amendments removed several requirements in the 2014 metering and billing regulations, including some notification duties and requirements to fit heat cost allocators and thermostatic radiator valves.
Source: SI 2026/7 (legislation.gov.uk)30 March 2026
Call for zone opportunity areas
AnnouncedLocal authorities invited to submit zone opportunity areas by 29 May 2026
Source: Heat Networks Delivery Unit (GOV.UK)Expected 2026–27
Heat network zoning regulations
PendingNot yet laid before Parliament
The January 2026 response expected regulations to be laid in spring 2026, subject to parliamentary time. As of our last check no draft or made regulations appear on legislation.gov.uk, and ministers still describe them as coming soon.
Source: The role of heat networks in the energy transition (GOV.UK speech, Oct 2026)After regulations
Heat network zones designated
Not yetNone yet
No zone can be formally designated until the zoning regulations are in force.
Source: The role of heat networks in the energy transition (GOV.UK speech, Oct 2026)26 January 2027
Existing networks must register with Ofgem
In forceBy 26 January 2027
Source: Heat networks (Ofgem)2027
Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS)
PendingPlanned launch in 2027, phased in
Source: Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (GOV.UK)2035
2035 ambition
Announced7% of England's heat (27 TWh) by 2035
Source: Warm Homes Plan (GOV.UK, Jan 2026)2050
2050 expectation
AnnouncedAbout a fifth of all heat by 2050
Source: Warm Homes Plan (GOV.UK, Jan 2026)