HNTAS Code documents

The draft Code documents set out the proposed technical specifications and assurance procedures under the scheme for new build networks at the feasibility, design, construction and operation stages, and for existing networks at various milestones. These documents outline the minimum technical requirements which we propose heat networks need to meet and how compliance must be evidenced. Some requirements must be met in accordance with standards that refer to The Heat Network Technical Standard and the Metering and Monitoring Standard.

Heat Network Technical Standard 1 (TS1)

TS1 is the draft technical standard which sets out the proposed minimum requirements necessary for the proper design, installation, and operation of a heat network. The Code documents refer out to the standards in TS1. Once the Technical Feedback Process has concluded, the final version of TS1 will replace the Heat Networks Code of Practice CP1 (2020). TS1 marks the transition from a voluntary code of practice to a formal technical standard. While it builds on CP1’s foundations, TS1 introduces the requirements that will serve as the core technical reference for the forthcoming Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme under future regulations.

Metering and Monitoring Standard (MMS)

The MMS specifies the draft requirements for metering equipment and monitoring systems to capture, analyse and report heat network performance. Reliable metering and monitoring systems are fundamental for accurate measurement and reporting under the scheme. Requirements also support good outcomes for consumers, ensuring that data provided to end users is accurate, transparent, accessible, and handled in accordance with data protection principles.

This document builds on metering guidance in CP1 (2020). Once the HNTAS Technical Feedback Process concludes and the government publishes its response to the consultation, new legislation will replace the current Heat Network Metering and Billing Regulations with the HNTAS MMS.

Your opportunity to shape our approach to assuring technical standards for heat networks 

The Heat networks technical standards consultation is now open.

The consultation seeks views on the introduction of regulatory technical standards to the heat network sector and an assurance regime to help heat network developers, contractors and operators demonstrate compliance.

Views are sought on the proposed:  

• scope of technical standards regulation 
• governance structure for the scheme 
• overarching technical, assessment and certification requirements 
• role of assessors and certifiers in the scheme
• approach to enforcement, appeals and complaints 
• support and incentives to facilitate heat network compliance

We welcome your feedback to our proposals. Please submit your views by 15 April when the consultation closes.

To help you get the most out of the consultation, we are running a series of webinars and workshops. We have already run the first of these, providing an overview to the consultation and you can sign up to rest below. If you have any questions relating to the consultation or would like to speak with a member of the team directly, please contact us at heatnetworks@energysecurity.gov.uk.