CMA heat networks announcement “another step towards meaningful regulation”, says Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice has responded to the Competition and Markets Authority announcement on the regulation of heat networks.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive at Citizens Advice, said:

“Today’s announcement is another step towards meaningful regulation for consumers who have gone too long without adequate protections.

“While many heat networks work well and provide good value for money, too many people suffer with high bills, poor customer service and no clear way to resolve complaints.

“The number of heat networks is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, making the need for a regulatory regime that is fit for purpose even more important. Transparency over billing, protection from expensive bills and the same level of protections people enjoy for other energy services are essential to achieving this.”

Notes to editors

  1. Citizens Advice is made up of a network of local Citizens Advice in England and Wales, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and the national charity Citizens Advice.

  2. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers.

  3. Citizens Advice is the statutory consumer advocate for energy and postal markets. We provide supplier performance information to consumers and policy analysis to decision makers.

  4. The Citizens Advice Witness Service provides free and independent support for both prosecution and defence witnesses in every criminal court in England and Wales.

  5. Citizens Advice also offers Pension Wise appointments at 500 locations across England and Wales.

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  7. To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk

  8. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers.

  9. Last year we helped over 2.7 million people face to face, by phone, email or web chat. For full service statistics see our monthly publication Advice trends.

  10. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 23,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 service outlets across England and Wales.