Heat network regulation came into force this week, meaning operators and suppliers need higher standards on customer service, billing transparency and pricing fairness. Regulation of the sector is being dealt by Ofgem, which also oversees the gas and electricity markets, while operators have one year to register. Heat networks supply heating, cooling or hot water from a central source to multiple homes or businesses. Laurence Lacey from national law firm Clarke Willmott said: ““The regulation of district heat networks is a huge shift in the legal and operational environment for the sector. In Scotland, similar standards are being introduced under the Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021.