In the race to decarbonise the UK’s heating systems, developers of all sizes are being swept into a tide of rapidly changing regulations.
Central to this shift are the Heat Networks (Metering and Billing) Regulations 2014, and the upcoming changes under Ofgem’s new regulatory framework, which started to be phased in on the 1st April 2025. Regulations are planned to launch in earnest on the 27 th January 2026, and are
expected to be in full force by 2027.
For small to mid-sized developers, especially those working on new builds, refurbishments or communal living spaces like flats, student housing, or care homes, the implications are significant. While there are clear sustainability and market benefits on the table, there are also upfront costs,
planning headaches, and long-term responsibilities to contend with.
Let’s break down what these regulations mean for smaller developers, and how you can navigate
them strategically.