HNES extension - Great news for the heat networks sector!

The Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) has been extended by a further two years, giving owners and operators more time to secure funding for upgrades that improve performance, reduce carbon, and protect consumers.

With new heat network regulations coming in January 2026, and HNTAS still in development, this extension creates a valuable window to:

✔️ Address performance issues
✔️ Improve system efficiency
✔️ Prepare networks for upcoming compliance
✔️ Reduce long-term operating costs

If you’re responsible for a communal or district heating scheme, now is the time to review your network and explore whether HNES funding could support necessary improvements.

But wait, there’s also an uncomfortable reality…

Not every scheme can afford its share of capital investment, even with grant support.

So where do those networks turn?

For many, the only viable route is to optimise what they already have:

🔧 Improving HIU performance
📊 Fixing metering & data issues
⚙️ Balancing & commissioning systems properly
💧 Addressing water quality & maintenance gaps
📉 Reducing avoidable heat loss & inefficiencies

Lower OPEX creates headroom.
Headroom creates options.
And options create long-term resilience.

In the run-up to regulation, doing nothing is no longer a strategy.