Heat Trust
Are heat networks regulated?
Swaffham Prior developed its renewable heat network ahead of national heat network regulation by Ofgem, which was announced in 2022. Ahead of this regulation, a heat network is not considered a ‘utility’ like gas, water or electricity by UK law.
- Pricing is not regulated at a national level. In Swaffham Prior, Cambridgeshire County Council has set heat prices to be comparable with oil, which was historically the dominant heating fuel in the village. This will ensure that customers who join, don’t pay higher energy prices for going renewable.
- Service standards are also not regulated by UK law.
The Swaffham Prior’s Heat Network is registered with consumer champion, the Heat Trust. The Heat Trust is an independent, non-profit consumer champion for heat networks that holds suppliers to account for the benefit of everyone involved. They set the standards to make sure customers are treated fairly, working with suppliers to deliver high-quality customer service. To find out more about the heat trust visit their website.
