How to register a heat network with Ofgem: step by step

Registration is done online through Ofgem's digital service. It's questions, not document uploads, but it takes time to set up and to gather the answers.

1. Nominate a regulatory contact

Each operator and supplier names one regulatory contact, usually its most senior person responsible for the heat network. They must sign up with their own work email, not a shared inbox like info@.

2. Request access and wait

The regulatory contact requests access, giving their details, the organisation's name and type, and how many heat networks it has. Ofgem aims to confirm within 10 working days, so leaving this until January is a real risk.

3. Set up the account

They then create a GOV.UK One Login account with the same email, set up the organisation account, and complete a fit-and-proper declaration for everyone with significant managerial responsibility. At an RMC, that usually means the directors.

4. Add helpers

Once the account exists, the regulatory contact can add colleagues and third parties, such as an agent or consultant, to complete the registration for them.

5. Register each network

Each building is registered separately, in sections: introductory information, technical details of the energy centre, customers and metering, consumer protections, billing, and other suppliers. Where operator and supplier are different organisations, the operator goes first and then invites the supplier.

6. Join the Energy Ombudsman scheme

Anyone whose role includes supply must also register with the Energy Ombudsman's heat network supplier scheme.