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NETWORK / 25 / APRIL 2018 that were not registered with the scheme. The Government will feed the results of the survey into the Competition Markets Authority's comprehensive 12-month study into heat networks, which was launched last year. This will look at whether cus- tomers are aware of the costs of heat networks both before and a•er moving into a property; whether heat networks are natu- ral monopolies; the impact of differing incentives for builders, operators and customers of heat networks and the prices, service quality and reliability of heat networks. Heat Trust fully supports the scope of the study which aims to ensure that households are getting a good deal. High-profile surveys such as this demon - strate the case for industry-wide standards on customer service and protection. While great strides are being made, our vision to ensure that all heat network customers have access to dependable heat supplies and excellent customer service depends on engagement with the whole sector. Heat Trust is currently consulting on plans for how the scheme could work for hous - ing associations, councils and developers, which are increas- ingly taking on the role of heat suppliers. Under current rules, heat networks are required to have a Heat Energy Supply Agreement in place with each customer before they can register with Heat Trust. These are not used by all heat suppliers and for housing associations and local authorities, heat arrangements are o•en captured in tenancy or leasehold agreements. The new plans would allow existing heat networks that do not use Heat Energy Supply Agreements to register with Heat Trust, providing that they clearly set out their commit - ments to specific service stand- ards, terms and conditions – for example, by creating a customer charter. Our consultation is cur- rently open, and we are seeking views from as many stakehold- ers as possible. Heat Trust believes that all networks should meet and provide monitoring against its standards and this should be a condition of schemes in receipt of public funding. It was pleased to see the Heat Network Task Force recommend a regula - tory framework that would see heat networks commit to meet- ing minimum customer service standards, in its recent report to Government. 2018 is set to be pivotal year for the heat network sector. The full Heat Network Investment Programme is due to launch later this year, the CMA will issue its interim report on its market study and the outcome of the Scottish Government consultation on licensing heat network operators and the dra• New London Plan are likely to be published. Government has also committed to respond to the Heat Network Task Force report. Attracting investment for new heat networks is key to build - ing on this momentum and the industry must work together to proactively raise standards. Heat Trust stands ready to support providers to take that journey. The essential reference tool for over 50 years ESHB17 front cover and spine v2.indd 1 20/03/2017 11:29 2018 ORDER NOW! Energy Supply Handbook 2018 Trusted in the industry for more than 50 years, the new and improved 2018 edition of the Energy Supply Handbook continues to provide essential, up-to-date information for industry leaders working in the UK energy supply sector, as well as exclusive editorial content. Order your desk-essential, energy Industry bible for: • Technical information • Network operator profi les • Innovation updates • Buyer's guide • Transmission and distribution maps • AND much more! PRE-ORDER TODAY AND SAVE £30 ON YOUR COPY Visit www.networksevents.online/ESHB2018 Or call 01342 332093 ESHB18-180x130ad-sales.indd 1 22/03/2018 11:59