Ofgem Regulation · Definitions
A relevant heat network is any system that supplies heating, cooling or hot water to more than one property from a shared central source. The definition under the Energy Act 2023 is broad — a gas boiler serving three flats qualifies.
If your heating system takes energy from a central point and distributes it to more than one property, it is almost certainly a relevant heat network. The type of fuel, the size of the scheme, or whether it serves a single building or multiple buildings does not change this. What matters is the structure: one source, more than one property served.
If your network meets the definition, you are now regulated by Ofgem under the Energy Act 2023. You must understand your deemed authorisation, meet Ofgem's authorisation conditions, and register with Ofgem by 26 January 2027.
A small number of exemptions exist. These are narrow and technical. If you believe an exemption may apply to your network, check the full Ofgem guidance before assuming you are out of scope — the consequences of wrongly assuming an exemption are significant.
Yes. If it serves more than one property from a shared source, it meets the definition of a relevant heat network and is subject to Ofgem regulation.
No. Gas, heat pump, combined heat and power — the fuel type does not affect whether a network meets the relevant heat network definition.