Heat networks are set to play a key role in meeting carbon reduction targets and helping to create a sustainable energy future. Effective consumer protection is essential to the long-term success of the heat network sector. Satisfied consumers are the fuel for future growth.

Registration with Heat Trust provides assurance to consumers and investors that their heat supplier will meet best-in-class service standards in the sector.

Read this information sheet for an introduction to Heat Trust.

If you're a heat supplier, the following sets out how registering with us can support you.

Our Scheme's standards can apply to any GB heat supplier who contracts with domestic and/or micro-business consumers, whether metered or unmetered and regardless of the heat source used. Our Scheme doesn't cover cooling networks, but networks that provide heat and cooling can still register with us for the heat supply element. 

To register with our Scheme, you must be the entity who has the contract to supply the end consumers on the heat network. This entity could be a dedicated Energy Service Company (ESCO) or a building owner (e.g. a developer, private freeholder, housing association or local authority). We can't accept applications from that entity's subcontractors. Our Scheme can't cover bulk supply arrangements, where an entity supplies heat to a building owner but has no supply contract with the end consumers.

Each heat network must be registered with us individually.

Get regulation ready

Ofgem became the statutory heat networks regulator on 27 January 2026, but is phasing in its rules and functions and isn't expected to be fully operational until 2027. You can find out more about Ofgem's regulations here.

Heat Trust standards are the foundations on which Ofgem's formal regulations are built. We’re working with Ofgem and government to support a smooth transition. Registering with Heat Trust therefore gives consumers confidence and helps heat suppliers ensure that they're regulation ready.

Ofgem and DESNZ say: ‘The Heat Trust's established role in setting industry standards provides a strong foundation upon which the new regulation will build and their continued involvement will aid transition, ensuring continuity, and reducing risk of disruption for the sector and its consumers … [We] encourage parties to follow existing good practice, such as that set out by the Heat Trust.’

As the leading source of customer care expertise within the industry, we can help you prepare for the regulation ahead and future-proof your business to meet your responsibilities to consumers. We'll continue to support you and your customers through our Scheme until the point that equivalent Ofgem regulations are in place and enforced, which we expect to be in early 2027.

Reputation management

Heat Trust is here to support heat suppliers in providing best-in-class customer service. We can share our extensive experience and best practice to enhance your existing processes and help you do the right thing by your customers. By meeting a minimum standard of customer service and communications, resulting in more satisfied and informed consumers, your numbers of customer complaints should reduce.

All heat networks registered with Heat Trust are also independently audited. You'll benefit from an external auditor assessing the robustness of your policies and procedures, recommending improvements and highlighting best practice - helping you have confidence that you're ready for Ofgem regulation.