Energy Ombudsman is urging heat network suppliers, also known as heat suppliers, to register with its service before new legislation for heat networks comes into effect on 1 April.

A heat supplier is any person or organisation that supplies and charges for the supply of heat to consumers through a heat network.

Energy Ombudsman says the upcoming legislation will allow heat network energy consumers to benefit from its service when attempting to resolve disputes they have with their heat network.

According to the energy regulator, Ofgem, as many as 66% of heat suppliers are social landlords, making this significant news for the housing sector.

As an independent and impartial service, Energy Ombudsman says it already provides fair dispute resolution between energy suppliers and consumers that builds trust and breaks deadlocks. It claims its independence and impartiality guarantees fair and unbiased decisions – driving trust and confidence, to ensure the best outcomes for all.

Ed Dodman, Chief Ombudsman at Energy Ombudsman said: “The new legislation comes into effect in April, and we are currently engaging with the sector to encourage heat suppliers to become members of our scheme as soon as possible. Signing up before the changes come into effect means that heat suppliers can ensure that any disputes raised to us regarding Heat Networks can be handled without confusion or delay.”

Any heat suppliers already registered don’t need to take any further action ahead of the new legislation. To check if a heat network, supplier or operator is a member of the scheme, click here