The Heat is on: Everything you need to know about the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme

Whether you are a seasoned operator or just warming up to the world of communal heating, this blog is your go-to source for all things toasty.

As the UK cranks up the dial on energy efficiency, its not just the tea that’s getting hotter around here – so are the regulations! Today, we dive into the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS), a pivotal part of the government’s strategy to enhance the performance, reliability and efficiency of heat networks.

This initiative aims to standardize the construction and operational phases of heat networks, ensuring these systems are designed and built to high-quality standards, ultimately delivering better service and efficiency to end users.

The Energy Act 2023 provides the power for government to mandate heat network technical standards in Great Britain through regulations. To this end HNTAS is being introduced to help heat network operators demonstrate compliance with these requirements. HNTAS is due to launch in 2025 with aims to ensure that heat networks meet a minimum level of performance and reliability. These technical standards will apply to heat networks from communal to city wide district systems, including both new built and the -14000 existing networks.

The standards will replace the existing Heat Network (Metering and Biling) Regulations, as well as build on current voluntary engineering standards such as the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers Code of Practice.

For new networks an assessment pass will be required at three key points in a heat network’s lifecycle:

1. Before a network is allowed to start design;
2. Before starting construction; and
3. Before starting operation.

Thereafter, an assessment pass will be required after two years of operation to ensure that performance levels continue to meet requirements.

For existing networks, assessments will be required after a set period to ensure performance levels meet requirements. Existing networks will also be provided a transition period to get the right metering in place and performance thresholds will be set at a more permissive level.

Once a network achieves HNTAS certification it will be required to submit data to a digital portal to show continued compliance.

Under the Energy Act 2023, Ofgem will be the regulator of heat networks, it is expected that Ofgem will award a license to a technical standards Code Manager who will maintain code documents including:

1. Technical specification (what heat networks must comply with);
2. Assurance Procedures (how compliance will be demonstrated); and
3. Assessor requirements (who can assess compliance).

The government is planning a HNTAS pilot programme for the second half of 2024 and will seek existing heat network operators and assessors to take part to ensure that its requirements and assurance procedures work in practice.

Those interested in applying to take part in this scheme can do so at heatnetworks@energysecurity.gov.uk.

As the HNRAS continues to evolve, we will keep you in the loop with all the latest updates and insights – ensuring you’re always in the know and never left out in the cold. Stay tuned!

Steve Gummer is a Partner and Kamran Zaheer is a Junior Associate at Sharpe Pritchard LLP.

This article is for general awareness only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this page was first published. If you would like further advice and assistance in relation to any issue raised in this article, please contact us by telephone or email enquiries@sharpepritchard.co.uk