Application of general authorisation conditions
Condition A1, Application of general authorisation conditions, is one of the 29 Ofgem heat network authorisation conditions. It applies to every authorised person, and is set out at Section A, Condition 1 of Ofgem’s Heat Network Authorisation Conditions decision of January 2026. Registration with Ofgem closes on 26 January 2027.
What this condition requires
Sets which of the three Sections of the authorisation conditions apply to whom. Section A applies to every authorised person, for each regulated activity carried on. Section B applies to those carrying on supply, and Section C to those carrying on operating. Both Sections B and C are disapplied in relation to Industrial Heat Networks and Self-Supply Networks: where an authorised person also serves other relevant heat networks, the conditions are construed as not applying to the Industrial or Self-Supply activities. It imposes no duty of its own, but it decides which of the other conditions you carry.
Applies to
Every authorised person.
Core requirement
This condition allocates the three Sections: Section A to every authorised person, Section B to suppliers and Section C to operators, both carved out for activity only on Industrial or Self-Supply Networks.
Key obligations
Section A, every authorised person, for each regulated activity carried on. Section B, persons carrying on supply. Section C, persons carrying on operating.
Evidence Ofgem will look for
- A mapping of each network to the Sections that apply, driven by the roles held on it
- A schedule of any Industrial or Self-Supply Network
- Recognition that each authorised person is bound for every regulated activity it carries on, not only its primary role
Why this matters
The authorised person carries Section A on every network, and Section B or C according to whether it supplies, operates or both. A contractor delivering the service does not move the Section.
The condition in full
Reproduced from Ofgem’s Heat Network Authorisation Conditions decision, January 2026, Appendix 2.
These general authorisation conditions apply as set out below.
Section A The authorisation conditions included in this Section A of the general authorisation conditions apply to all persons authorised or treated as authorised to carry on a (All authorised regulated activity and apply for each such regulated activity carried on, except to the persons) extent otherwise provided in any such authorisation condition.
Section B The authorisation conditions included in Section B of the general authorisation (Supply) conditions apply to an authorised person who is authorised or treated as authorised to carry on the regulated activity of supplying heating, cooling or hot water to heat Section C network consumers by means of one or more relevant heat networks, provided that: (Operator) (a) such authorisation conditions do not apply to an authorised person who carries on the regulated activity of supply only by means of one or more Industrial Heat Networks and/or Self-Supply Networks; and
(b) where an authorised person carries on the regulated activity of supply by means of one or more Industrial Heat Networks and/or Self-Supply Networks in addition to carrying on the regulated activity of supply by means of one or more other relevant heat networks, such authorisation conditions shall be construed as if they do not apply to the authorised person's activities in relation to any Industrial Heat Network or Self-Supply Network.
The authorisation conditions included in Section C of the general authorisation conditions apply to an authorised person who is authorised or treated as authorised to carry on the regulated activity of operating one or more relevant heat networks provided that:
(a) such authorisation conditions do not apply to an authorised person who operates a relevant heat network only by virtue of operating one or more Industrial Heat Networks and/or Self-Supply Networks; and
(b) where an authorised person operates one or more Industrial Heat Networks and/or Self-Supply Networks in addition to operating one or more other relevant heat networks, such authorisation conditions shall be construed as if they do not apply to the authorised person's activities in relation to any such Industrial Heat Network or Self-Supply Network.
Does this apply to you?
Section A applies to every authorised person, so this condition applies to you regardless of whether you operate the network, supply heat over it, or both. The registration checker works out your full set in a few questions. Registration closes on 26 January 2027.