12 months goes faster than you’d think 🏃♂️⏰😳
Spring 2026 might feel like a long way off - but for councils and housing associations operating heat networks, it’s really only around the corner. With OFGEM set to regulate the heat network industry from 2026, the time to prepare is now.
This shift will impact budgets, internal structures, and operational responsibilities, and waiting too long to act could leave organisations struggling to accommodate and prioritise it.
At DR HIU Servicing Ltd, we have partnered with Billing providers, Data Analysts and CIBSE Heat Network Consultants - to ensure a holistic approach. We’re already helping housing providers to navigate and best prepare for what’s coming.
Whether you’re running a single network or managing multiple schemes, here’s what needs to be on your radar:
🗝️Multi-stakeholder steering teams: Collaboration will be key. You’ll need input from operations, finance, compliance, residents, and independent advisors to plan effectively.
👨💼👩💼New roles, new responsibilities: Heat Network Managers and Compliance Leads may become essential.
📊 Clarity and accountability: OFGEM will expect clear evidence of responsibility across the heat network’s lifecycle. Now is the time to define your internal accountability pathways.
🔍 Base-level feasibility and optimisation studies: Understand where you are now. These studies will give you the data needed to build robust compliance and performance strategies.
🤝Work with independent partners: Objective guidance and audits are vital. DR HIU can help you assess and prepare your networks without bias.
💯 A joined-up performance and optimisation strategy: Not just for resident satisfaction and efficiency — but now also for compliance. These will be inseparable going forward.
DR HIU Servicing Ltd & our partners are ready to support your organisation on this journey - from technical optimisation and resident experience, to compliance and strategic planning.
Spring 2026 is coming fast.
Let’s make sure you’re ready for it.