The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) delivered the findings of its initial study into heat networks on Thursday 10 May. The study found that while for many, heat networks offer prices which are the same or lower than people on a gas or electricity tariff, some customers – mainly those living in privately owned or rented properties – pay more for their heat through a heat network and all heat network customers “aren’t getting the same levels of protection that gas and electricity customers receive.” Three main areas of concern were identified as property developers trying to cut the upfront costs of development, monopoly of supply and low transparency. Rachel Merelie, CMA Executive Director, Markets and Mergers, commented: “Our current view is that regulation is now needed”.
