Gary Perry, managing director at Altecnic, says: 'The need for regulation is overdue as the market has evolved rapidly over recent years. It will provide the specifier with clarity and improve the end user's experience with heat networks and is a vital next step if we as a nation are serious about decarbonising heat production for the home.

'Such regulation will also help to improve and remove the number of poorly performing systems currently in operation. It will provide the industry with a better understanding and informed specification will lead to better quality heat networks so that in addition to reducing energy, the end user has an efficient system that provides reliable heating and hot water even at times of maximum demand.

'We have been working for a number of years to increase the UK's knowledge base and promote good design practice. Ultimately a well-designed and installed system should benefit all parties, save energy, save on cost - both during installation and with future heating bills, and provide a reliable source of hot water.'

As part of its commitment to championing good design practices for district heating systems in the UK, Altecnic has developed a series of CIBSE approved CPD seminars.

And as an example of how the company is striving to developing technological advances to improve efficiencies from network heating systems its SATK32 electronic HIU has passed the BESA HIU test.

Utilising, motor driven, fast acting electronically controlled valves, the SATK32 ensures rapid response to apartment demand, exceptional efficiency, unique features while protecting the network from inefficiency and failure. The MODbus output also offers remote commissioning, configuration, fault finding and heat network interrogation.

Gary concludes: 'A good system needs to be designed correctly, installed properly and commissioned well to maximise efficiency and be reliable for the end user to maximise their comfort. If class leading products like the SATK32 are utilised then it really is a win win for all parties. Regulating heat networks will raise the standard and prevent sub-standard solutions from being commissioned. We would urge the industry to now move rapidly and implement regulations and police it, as suggested by the CMA, using Ofgem.'