Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Heat Networks

Tuesday 2 June 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ofgem has been established as the heat network sector regulator.
  • The MP met with her constituents in Edinburgh.
  • The Minister is willing to discuss heat network regulation in Northern Ireland.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tracy Gilbert Lab Edinburgh North and Leith
Energy
Context

Heat networks have been unregulated, leading to consumer issues. The government has established Ofgem as the sector regulator.

Question

What steps is his Department taking to regulate heat networks?

Answer from Martin McCluskey

Ofgem has been established as the heat network sector regulator, delivering statutory redress, advice and advocacy to protect households. We aim to develop the regulatory framework further, with a consultation on mandating minimum technical standards recently concluded.

Answered
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Q2 Tracy Gilbert Lab Edinburgh North and Leith
Energy Environment
Context

The question builds on previous regulation introduced, focusing on transparency for constituents. The MP met with Ofgem.

Question

I thank my hon Friend for his answer. May I also place on the record my thanks to him for coming to meet my constituents from Saltire Street and Saltire Square, and for listening to what they said about the long-running issues that they have been facing with their district heating networks? I welcome the regulation that this Government have brought forward. Can my hon Friend confirm that data on pricing will now need to be reported quarterly to Ofgem, and that this will help increase transparency for my constituents and others?

Answer from Martin McCluskey

The MP met with her constituents in Edinburgh. Heat network suppliers will be required to submit pricing data quarterly to Ofgem, improving oversight.

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Northern Ireland Energy
Context

The regulation of heat networks is an issue beyond Edinburgh, specifically addressing how it applies to Northern Ireland.

Question

He's the one with the hair, Mr Speaker; I don't have any. I welcome the Minister's response to the hon Member for Edinburgh North and Leith (Tracy Gilbert). The regulation of heat networks is not just an issue for her constituency, as the Minister well understands. My request to him—he is one of the Ministers who always respond very positively—is that he makes sure that we in Northern Ireland are able to take advantage of the opportunity that the hon Lady mentioned, and that he gives us a good answer.

Answer from Martin McCluskey

The Minister expressed interest in Northern Irish politics. He spent this morning in a Delegated Legislation Committee, delivering a reduction in bills through the removal of the renewables obligation. The Minister is willing to discuss how heat network regulation might operate in Northern Ireland.

Not addressed: How heat network regulation applies specifically to Northern Ireland

How: Changed Subject Entirely

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