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How are heat networks run?
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How are heat networks run?
As of January 2026, heat networks and the companies who run them are now regulated by Ofgem, in much the same way that Ofgem oversees electricity and gas suppliers.
New rules have been introduced to give heat network customers greater protection. These are designed to make sure you receive a good standard of service and support, bringing protections more in line with those already available to gas and electricity customers.
Heat networks are run by operators and suppliers.
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The operator is responsible for controlling and maintaining the heat network and the equipment needed to distribute heating and hot water to homes
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The supplier is responsible for supplying heating, hot water or cooling to customers connected to the network.
We are both the operator and supplier for most of our heat networks. We are regulated by Ofgem and required to deliver good customer services, transparent billing, fair pricing and a reliable service. We are also responsible for routinely inspecting, maintaining, repairing or replacing the heat network.
If you are an Aster customer and need to contact us about your heat network, please contact our Contact Centre on 0333 400 8222 or email contactcentre@aster.co.uk and our team will be able to help. You can find the name of your landlord on your tenancy agreement.
You can find more information about heat networks and their regulation on the Ofgem website.