Security of Supply
Condition C2, Security of Supply, is one of the 29 Ofgem heat network authorisation conditions. It applies to operators of a heat network, and is set out at Section C, Condition 2 of Ofgem’s Heat Network Authorisation Conditions decision of January 2026. Registration with Ofgem closes on 26 January 2027.
What this condition requires
For each relevant heat network you operate, operate it in a manner intended to ensure a reliable and consistent supply, taking all reasonable steps to minimise the occurrence and duration of outages and other interruptions (2.1). This requires three specific things. Maintain the network in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations and good industry practice, and otherwise so as to minimise outages, including promptly repairing or replacing any components needing repair or replacement for any reason (2.1.1). Periodically review and assess network reliability in accordance with good industry practice, and promptly make any upgrades or modifications required so the network remains capable of a reliable and consistent supply (2.1.2). Monitor and report on network performance and on the reliability and consistency of supply to consumers, in accordance with good industry practice, addressing promptly any issues identified through that monitoring (2.1.3). Ofgem expects documentation relating to the operation and maintenance of a heat network to be retained digitally, in an easily accessible format, for at least five years.
Applies to
Every operator, for each network it operates.
Core requirement
The operator must operate each network for a reliable and consistent supply, with all reasonable steps to minimise outages. This is the principal hook for technical standards such as HNTAS and TS1 once operative.
Key obligations
2.1.1, maintenance to manufacturers' recommendations and good industry practice. 2.1.2, periodic reliability reviews and prompt upgrades. 2.1.3, performance monitoring and reporting, with issues fixed promptly.
Evidence Ofgem will look for
- A planned maintenance regime per network
- Current statutory inspection records and service history
- A reactive call-out and outage log feeding the quarterly quality of service return
Why this matters
Where a contractor performs maintenance, the operator needs the maintenance and outage evidence to exist and the gaps closed. Older plant and rising reactive call outs are where the exposure concentrates.
The condition in full
Reproduced from Ofgem’s Heat Network Authorisation Conditions decision, January 2026, Appendix 2.
Ensuring a reliable supply of heating, cooling or hot water
2.1 In respect of each relevant heat network operated by the authorised person, the authorised person must operate that relevant heat network in a manner intended to ensure a reliable and consistent supply of heating, cooling or hot water by means of that relevant heat network, taking all reasonable steps to minimise the occurrence and duration of any network outages or other events which cause an interruption to the supply of heating, cooling or hot water, including the following actions:
2.1.1 maintaining the applicable relevant heat network in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations and good industry practice and otherwise in a manner intended to minimise the occurrence and duration of any network outages or other events which cause an interruption to the supply of heating, cooling or hot water, including by way of promptly repairing or replacing any components of the applicable relevant heat network which are in need of repair or replacement for any reason;
2.1.2 periodically reviewing and assessing the reliability of the applicable relevant heat network in accordance with good industry practice, and promptly making any upgrades or other modifications which may be required to ensure that the applicable relevant heat network is and remains capable of providing a reliable and consistent supply of heating, cooling or hot water; and
2.1.3 monitoring and reporting in accordance with good industry practice on the performance of the applicable relevant heat network and the reliability and consistency of the supply to Consumers of heating, cooling or hot water by means of the applicable relevant heat network, addressing promptly any issues identified through this monitoring process.
Does this apply to you?
Section C applies to the operator of the network. If another party operates it and you only supply heat over it, this condition is theirs rather than yours. The registration checker works out your full set in a few questions. Registration closes on 26 January 2027.