Heat Network Priorities for 2026–27: Preparing Now for Lasting Compliance, with Chirpy Heat’s Millie Hurault

In this episode of Heat Networks with Chirpy Heat, we are joined by Millie Hurault, Client Relationships Consultant at Chirpy Heat, to explore how housing providers can get their heat network priorities right for the 2026–27 financial year.

The conversation builds on Chirpy Heat’s recent free webinar on the same topic, where housing providers shared their experiences, concerns, and practical questions as heat network regulation continues to evolve.

With Ofgem now formally regulating heat networks, the HNTAS technical standards consultation recently closed, and further consumer protection requirements expected soon, the sector is firmly in its preparation year. As Millie explains, January will come around far quicker than many expect, making now the time to get organised — not to scramble later.

 

🔍 Key themes discussed in this episode

This episode focuses on the shift from seeing compliance as a single deadline to understanding it as ongoing business change.

Millie shares insight into how day‑to‑day operations will evolve, particularly around:

• Data reporting
• Complaints handling
• Customer communications
• Internal processes and governance

From October, housing providers will need to report around 40–50 new data metrics via the Ofgem portal, many of which have never been collected or reported in this way before.

Rather than tackling everything at once, Millie emphasises the importance of understanding your starting point and breaking the task into manageable sections.

 

✅ Millie’s key tips for 2026–27 priorities

1️⃣ Know your baseline

Understand your current compliance position and heat network portfolio:

• How many heat networks you operate
• What metering is in place
• Where gaps or unknowns exist

2️⃣ Get your data organised early

Identify:

• What information you already hold
• What will require new processes or systems
  Especially important ahead of reporting opening in October.

3️⃣ Break compliance into themes

Approach requirements separately by theme, such as:

• Customer service
• Complaints handling
• Metering and billing
• Technical and operational requirements

Focus on getting the basics right first, then build towards best practice.

4️⃣ Prioritise clear customer communication

• Use plain language
• Avoid jargon and abbreviations
• Consider FAQs to help residents understand what regulation means for them

5️⃣ Prepare early for registration

Take time to understand Ofgem’s registration requirements, including:

• SMRI (Significant Managerial Responsibility or Influence)
• What data you’ll need
• How to work with internal teams and external contractors

 

🛠️ Ofgem registration support from Chirpy Heat

If all of this feels overwhelming, you’re not alone — and support is available.

Chirpy Heat offers a tailored, end‑to‑end Ofgem Registration Service to help housing providers prepare with confidence, including:

• ✅ Heat network registration training
• ✅ SMRI identification and support
• ✅ Heat network register and data gathering
• ✅ Expert data validation and gap analysis
• ✅ Managed upload and submission of data to Ofgem via the Chirpy Nest online registration platform

Whether you need help with training, filling data gaps, or managing submission itself, Chirpy Heat can support you every step of the way.

👉 Read more about the Ofgem Registration Service
👉 Register your interest now

 

If you have any immediate questions about the Ofgem Registration Service or additional details to share, feel free to email client.relationships@chirpyheat.com or call 0203 8272 064.