DESNZ Heat Network Zoning Legal Services Contract

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has awarded a contract for the provision of specialist legal services to support the development and implementation of the Heat Network Zoning Programme in England.

The contract will provide expert legal advice on the development and operation of heat network zones and associated procurement frameworks. The services comprise two principal workstreams:

Heat Network Consents Legal Support - providing legal advice on the design, implementation and ongoing operation of heat network zoning consents, including statutory powers, governance arrangements, regulatory requirements, and compliance with primary and secondary legislation.

National Heat Network Connections Framework Legal Support - providing legal support for the development of compliant approaches to heat network connection and supply arrangements within heat network zones, including advice on procurement and commercial delivery models and the application of the Procurement Act 2023.

The contract will support DESNZ to facilitate the delivery of heat network zoning and the expansion of heat networks as a key component of the UK's transition to low-carbon heating.