Heat Network Zoning and the Energy Management Sector
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) consulted on proposals for Heat Network Zoning in 2023. The consultation sought views from a diverse range of stakeholders across the heat network sector, local government, supply chain and wider industry. In January 2026 the department published their response to the heat network zoning consultation.
From 2026, heat network zoning may affect energy management professionals if they - or organisations they work with – have certain types of buildings located inside designated heat network zones.
Through zoning, these designated areas will require certain building types to connect to low-carbon heat networks, unlocking their access to cleaner, more cost-effective heat. These building types include:
- New buildings approved after a zone is designated
- Non-domestic buildings with annual heat demand over 100MWh
- Properties already using communal ‘wet’ heating systems
Heat network zoning webinars
On the 4th of February 2026 DESNZ will be hosting the first in a series of webinars where they will present an overview of heat network zoning and explain their plans in more detail. To reserve a place at this MS Teams webinar, please register here.