The Energy Act 2023 strengthens oversight of communal heat networks, introducing greater accountability, transparency, and consumer protections for residents.
With over 100 heat networks in its portfolio and 450 members of staff involved in managing these systems, property management company The FirstPort Group recognises that preparation is essential. This starts with equipping its colleagues with the knowledge and tools needed to ensure compliance with the legislation.
To support this, the organisation has launched a comprehensive training programme designed to provide the skills and confidence needed to navigate the transition.
Why the Energy Act matters
Heat networks form an essential part of many residential developments, supplying heating, hot water, and sometimes cooling to multiple homes via insulated pipes, using fuels such as gas, electricity, or biomass. Under the Energy Act 2023, owners and operators of heat networks must register them with Ofgem by the end of 2025. These systems will then fall under the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS) from early 2026, setting clear standards for monitoring, performance and compliance.
As part of this rollout, the draft Heat Network Technical Standard (TS1) has been published, replacing previous voluntary guidance and setting out mandatory requirements to ensure every heat network meets rigorous technical and sustainability benchmarks.
Leading FirstPort’s dedicated Energy Team is Stuart Wilcox. He explains:
“For property management companies, the Energy Act means rethinking how we operate, monitor, and communicate with residents about heat networks. This includes making sure we are meeting the required standards and are clear and transparent when it comes to billing and communication with our residents. Therefore, we must build confidence and capability across our teams to ensure we meet these new standards while continuing to deliver a reliable, resilient and transparent service for our residents.”
In-person learning
To support colleagues through this transition, we have launched a series of in-person training sessions focused on the practical realities of the Energy Act. These sessions allow colleagues to:
- Learn directly from subject-matter experts
- Understand the Act’s requirements and implications – including new consumer safeguards such as pricing oversight and complaint handling
- Explore real examples of energy centre challenges and solutions
- Ask questions specific to their developments and responsibilities
This programme has included dedicated workshops, giving teams the chance to break down complex regulatory requirements and discuss how FirstPort can help clients achieve compliance and ensure customers fully understand what the changes mean for them.
Digital training
Recognising that heat networks can be highly technical and sometimes difficult to visualise, FirstPort’s Learning and Development team have also launched an innovative digital training module.
This virtual learning experience uses 360° interactive videos of heat networks to guide colleagues through:
- The inner workings of heat networks
- How different assets interact within a heat network
- What good performance looks like and ensuring compliance with performance standards
- Key components and measurements for a heat network
By transforming a complex engineering topic into an accessible, visual journey, the module gives colleagues the ability to learn at their own pace and revisit content whenever they need to.
Next steps
The Energy Act marks a shift towards greater performance standards, consumer protection and accountability across heat networks. The latest Heat Network Technical Standard consolidates industry best practice into a single, streamlined framework, setting a clear roadmap toward higher standards and efficiency, alongside integrated consumer protections that will ensure fair pricing, transparent billing and robust complaint handling.
By investing early in colleague training through both digital and hands-on learning FirstPort is strengthening its ability to:
- Deliver reliable services for residents
- Support clients in meeting new legal obligations
- Identify opportunities to improve system efficiency
FirstPort is also holding face-to-face sessions with clients, including RMCs and developers, to walk through the new requirements and outline how we can support them in delivering their obligations.
Stuart explains:
“This legislation isn’t just about reporting, but utilising the data to drive efficiencies, resilience, and the transparency required for our customers, ensuring we uphold their rights under the Act’s consumer protections. Through training and collaboration with clients, we’re ensuring everyone understands their obligations and how we can support them.”
The ongoing training helps FirstPort colleagues to build this knowledge while preparing them to support clients through the regulatory journey – from registration with Ofgem to ongoing compliance under HNTAS.
