Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when she plans to bring Part 8, Chapter 1 of the Energy Act 2023 into force.

The Department consulted on heat network consumer protection requirements in 2023 and will respond to the consultation shortly. Heat network regulation will be introduced in three phases:

• In 2024 Ofgem will engage the market and develop their digital systems.

• In Spring 2025 the initial tranche of consumer protection requirements enter into force covering standards of conduct for heat network operators

• In 2026 all other protections enter into force including price benchmarking regulation.