| From the 18th Dec 2014 the UK government proceeded with including the Heat Network (metering and billing) as part of their overall heat strategy. Relevant regulations will contribute in raising consumer awareness and provide control of their heating energy consumption identifying as well efficiency levels and any potential major heat losses in the residential/commercial premises regarding both the private and public sector. Relevant regulations are aimed to heat suppliers, a role most property owners and developers are unaware that it consists part of their responsibilities. Heat suppliers are expected to notify the National Measurement Office (NMO) by April 30th 2015. By 31st December 2016 suppliers are required to install individual meters or alternatively heat cost allocators and thermostatic valves to radiators if 'technically feasible' and submit an appropriate study supporting their actions. Thus property professionals need to be aware of the following definitions and check right away whether they need to comply:
| Communal /District heat networks The distribution of thermal energy (steam, hot water, chilled liquids) from a central source to more than one building occupants for heating /cooling and DHW purposes (NMO may confirm specifically under which definitions a multi let office or retail building fall under). Heat supplier A person supplying and charging for supply of heating /cooling and DHW to a final customer through a communal heating /district heating network. Furthermore contracts with third parties must be reviewed to ensure who the statutory obligations are with. Relationships with superior landlords should also be considered, as two heat suppliers might be the case where heat is provided by the superior landlord while the charging mechanism is through the leases. |
A rough figure exceeding 400,000 residential units have currently communal heating whereas commercial building figures are not known. | 
