Legal knowledge for the District energy sector
We are delighted to present the upcoming Points of Connection webinars - a series of webinars, articles and newsletters to support anyone operating in, or coming into, the district energy sector to learn more about heat networks.
Registration pages for upcoming sessions can be found below each title.
Links to view recordings of previous sessions are available at the base of this page.
More sessions will be available for registration in due course.
Upcoming Webinars in this series
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Local Government Reorganisation and the Heat Network Sector
Tuesday 5 May 2026
This webinar will provide a concise overview of LGR, including affected authorities and timelines, and explore what these changes mean for heat network operators, suppliers, developers, and offtakers. We will cover the impact on existing projects, funding and contractual arrangements, alongside key strategic considerations, and practical steps to prepare.
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Heat Network Zoning Regulations – what do they mean for you?
Wednesday 10 June 2026
Following our recent session exploring whether 2026 is the year of the heat network, this upcoming webinar will focus on the latest developments in heat network zoning and updated legislation. We will provide a concise overview of the evolving regulatory framework, what it means for the sector, and the key considerations for those developing, operating or investing in heat networks.
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Heat Network Licensing and Planning – Navigating the Interface
Wednesday 8 July 2026
As the regulatory landscape for heat networks continues to evolve, this upcoming webinar will explore how the proposed installation and maintenance licensing regime interacts with existing planning frameworks. We will provide a practical overview of the key areas of overlap, potential challenges and what this means for those developing and operating district energy schemes.
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Structuring LA ESCOs and Heat Network Zones
Wednesday 23 September 2026
This upcoming webinar will explore key considerations for local authorities establishing and structuring ESCOs to deliver heat network projects. Focusing on zone development, shareholder arrangements and delivery models, we will prepare a practical overview of how to structure heat network zones effectively within an evolving regulatory landscape.
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Employment Rights Act and the Heat Network Sector
Tuesday 13 October 2026
This upcoming webinar will explore the relevance of Employment Rights Act for ESCOs and employers operating in the district energy sector. We will provide a practical overview of key employment considerations arising in the delivery and operation of heat networks, and what organisations should be aware of when structuring their workforce and managing risk. .
Useful Information for Delegates:
- There is no charge to attend any of our sessions
- Each webinar runs for approximately 45 minutes with 15 minutes for questions at the end, unless stated otherwise
- In order to attend a session, you will need to register for it in advance via the links below
- Some sessions in each series are recorded and may be available after the webinar
- Registration for any webinars that are of interest to you will place you on the list to receive these recordings
Please do pass our programme on to any colleagues in your organisation who may be interested in attending.
If there are any topics that you would like us to cover in the future, we welcome your suggestions.
We look forward to seeing you at the Points of Connection webinars.
Learn more about Points of Connection here.
Learn more about how we can support your district energy and heat network needs here.
Previous sessions in this series
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What do you need to know about the Procurement Act 2023?
Wednesday 4 June 2025
The Procurement Act 2023 came into force in February 2025 and brings significant change - both for entities bidding for public contracts and for organisations who are required to follow the procurement rules when awarding contracts.
Our partners Bethan Lloyd and Laura Brealey looked at the key points you should be aware of.
In this sessions they covered in particular:
- Are you a contracting authority – and what is the test?
- What exemptions apply - Teckal and utility specific?
- Which set of procurement rules apply during transition?
- Notices – the new requirements to be aware of
- Contract management and implications of the £5m threshold
Further information is available here.
Please note: this was not a Bevan Brittan hosted webinar
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The Employment Rights Bill 2024 - Key Changes for Employers
Tuesday 8 July 2025
On 10 October 2024 the UK Labour Government introduced the Employment Rights Bill. Cited as ‘the biggest upgrade to employment rights in a generation’, the Bill imposes challenges for all employers.
In this webinar, Bevan Brittan’s employment lawyer Charlotte Rose, provided an outline and update on the Bill and gave insight to assist your organisation in preparing for the anticipated changes.
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Property – is it more than just pipes?
Wednesday 24 September 2025
Our expert speakers, Harriet Murray Jones and Sarah Orchard, provided a practical webinar looking at the property aspects of installing, maintaining and connecting to the pipes in the ground together with the critical landlord and tenant issues that arise. They gave practical advice and examples to help you avoid potential pitfalls.
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Building regulations - key considerations for heat networks
Tuesday 14 October 2025
Louise Mansfield and Tim Kittow, Legal Directors in our Energy and Resource Management Group, hosted a practical and interactive session where they discussed a number of case studies and real life heat network installation examples to provide clarity around some of the common misconceptions. In particular our speakers covered:
- Does your project involve Building Works?
- If so, what approvals might you need and how do you get approval?
- Will the works comply with the technical requirements under the Building Regulations?
- Dutyholder and competence requirements under Building Regulations
- What is classed as a High Risk Building and what difference does it make?
- Construction Works (CDM) versus Building Works - key differences
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Managing customer data
Tuesday 11 November 2025
District energy projects inevitably involve the collection, use and sharing of information about individuals, to which the UK data protection regime will apply. An understanding of some of the key requirements of that legislation can help you to ensure that you understand the risks involved, and can put in place all the necessary contractual and other measures to mitigate those risks, and ensure compliance.
In this session, Vicki Bowles considered the key requirements that will apply, and demonstrated how these apply in the context of a district energy project, from the point of view of the developer.
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Strategies to avoid and resolve disputes in the district energy sector
Tuesday 2 December 2025
As the district energy sector continues to grow, so too does the potential for disputes between the parties involved in developing energy networks. In this webinar, which is the sixth in our Points of Connection webinar series, we will cover:
• Common causes of disputes
• How to resolve those disputes formally (to inform strategy for informal resolution)
• Protecting yourself pre and post contract
• Strategies to resolve disputes informally and detailing a claim -
Is 2026 the year of the heat network?
Tuesday 10 March 2026
2026 is likely to be a pivotal year for the heat network sector, with the expected introduction of a wide-ranging new regulatory framework which will aim to deliver on the Government’s net zero commitments. Organisations across the sector, from those providing potential heat sources through energy suppliers to end consumers, are likely to be affected and to need to prepare.
Bevan Brittan’s District Energy Team looked at the opportunities and challenges in the year ahead, including authorisation, licensing and compliance, heat network zoning, technical standards, and mandated heat sources.
