Agenda: Heat Networks: Ready for Regulation 2025

HEAT NETWORKS: READY FOR REGULATION
9:20 AM																KEYNOTE: UK Heat Network zoning & planning update Update on the latest regulations on zoning & planning Hear the direction of travel for UK Heat Networks Consultation update and planned next steps Ludo Tolu, deputy director, heat networks policy, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero
9:40 AM																Update on the Heat Network market framework How will heat network consumers be protected by improving outcomes and standards Understand what to expect Helena Charlton, director of heat networks, Ofgem
10:00 AM																PANEL DISCUSSION: How to protect heat networks consumers within regulation What is the biggest challenge around protection of customers under upcoming regulation? How will pricing and fairness be ensured to protect customers along the heat network journey? How can we achieve consistent outcomes for customers given the diverse supplier arrangements across the sector? What should we be doing now to get ready? Alex Belsham-Harris, head of energy consumer markets, Citizens Advice Alistair Hill, Head of Energy Transition, Consumer Scotland Stephen Knight, chief executive, Heat Trust Jonathan Lenton, regulatory director, Energy Ombudsman Louise Shooter, Head of Heat Decarbonisation, Energy UK
10:40 AM																The impact of regulation and zoning on market expectations Rhianna Wilsher, Partner and Heat Networks Director, Freeths
10:55 AM																Refreshments, networking & exhibition

HEAT NETWORK ZONING, PLANNING & HNTAS
11:25 AM																PANEL DISCUSSION: Understanding and meeting requirements heat network zoning Zoning policy and impacts on wider areas What are the anticipated changes? How do you get existing buildings connected to heat networks? Roles, responsibilities, strategic coordination and collaboration between local authorities, private developers and energy providers Mike Tisdell, heat policy manager, ADE: Heat Networks Jim Gillon, service director, design and energy, Gateshead Council / Gateshead Energy Company Kate Ashworth, energy infrastructure lead – energy capital, West Midlands Combined Authority Stephen Hutchins, concession director, Bring Energy Ken Hunnisett, head of public sector, Triple Point Heat Networks Investment Management
12:10 PM																PANEL DISCUSSION: HNTAS & delivering efficient Heat Networks at an affordable cost Review of framework, how is it going to be paid, who is going to pay? How is it going to impact pricing and policy for customers (pricing and policy impacting) Remediation costs & reviewing efficiency requirements Mike Tisdell, heat policy manager, ADE: Heat Networks Ivan Horoshenkov, Strategy Director, Rendesco Charlotte Large, director of clean energy & heat networks, environment & communities, Westminster City Council Tom Brooke Bullard, principal policy manager, heat networks, Citizens Advice Gareth Jones, managing director, Fairheat
12:55 PM																Fork buffet lunch, networking & exhibition

BUILDING NEW HEAT NETWORKS & RETROFITTING EXISTING ONES
1:45 PM																Case study: Leeds PIPES, It’s not just pipe in the ground… Planning - Design & Specification Delivery - Overcoming Challenges Legacy - Benefits to the local community Andrew Wightman, project director, Leeds PIPES
2:00 PM																Case study: Silvertown Quays – pioneering the UK’s 5th generation heat network Hear about the first UK deployment of the Ectogrid, utilising a two-pipe system for heating and cooling Learn about the decentralised system supporting a mixed-use development that shares heating and cooling demands Understand how this Landlease-led project will provide a resilient, low-carbon energy system operational by 2027 Tony Poole, director, EON Energy
2:15 PM																Case study: Transitioning from an aging gas-based district heating system to a low carbon heat network Step by step guide for redesign and planning Managing structural limitations with network upgrades Optimise system performance using AI & remote monitoring Jim Gillon, service director, design and energy, Gateshead Council / Gateshead Energy Company
2:30 PM																Case study: Optimising network efficiency and reducing heat losses in older buildings with poor insulation How to retrofit preventing network losses Educating residential consumers on how to optimise usage Dan Perager, head of heat, energy & water, Notting Hill Genesis
2:45 PM																Questions & answers with previous speakers
3:00 PM																Refreshments, networking and exhibition

INNOVATION & TRANSITIONING TO LOW-CARBON HEAT SOURCES
3:30 PM																Permitting and consents for heat network technologies Understanding environmental regulations for heat networks Enhancing the application process for the deployment phase Mark Ellis-Jones, climate & energy manager, Environment Agency
3:55 PM																Shared Ground Loops, Ambient Loops & Networked Heat Pumps: Enhancing Heat Networks for a Resilient, Low-Carbon Future Ken Gordon, ground source engineering consultant

ENSURING CONSUMER TRUST WITH PRICING, METERING & BILLING
4:20 PM																UK CASE STUDY: Meeting Ofgem’s future standards with billing Supporting low-income households in managing payments Providing itemised bills showing standing charges vs. heat usage costs Flexible payment options for customers Paul Halpin, Divisional Head of Housing Services And Deputy Director, London Borough of Enfield
4:35 PM																INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDY Are there any learnings from the Danish model that could be applied to the UK heat network industry? Understanding centralised vs. decentralised heat approaches Municipally and cooperative-led heat networks vs. public and private sector-led developments impacting scalability & long-term investment security Kieran Sinclair, principal energy policy advisor, Royal Danish Embassy London
4:50 PM																Questions & answers with previous speakers
5:00 PM																Chairperson’s closing remarks and end of the Utility Week Heat Networks Conference James Wallin, Editor in Chief, Utility Week