Property management company The FirstPort Group, which manages over 100 heat networks across the UK, has set up a dedicated Energy Team. The team will support clients in meeting the requirements introduced under the Energy Act 2023 – a landmark reform set to transform the management of communal heat networks and enhance service reliability for residents.
The Act, which began rolling out earlier this year, introduces mandatory registration, performance monitoring, and compliance standards for communal and district heat networks, which are systems that supply heating, hot water, and sometimes cooling to multiple homes via insulated pipes, using fuels such as gas, electricity, or biomass.
These changes are designed to give residents greater protection, including fairer and transparent billing, improved communication, and a more reliable service from heat network operators.
Ofgem has been appointed as the official regulator, requiring owners and operators – such as building freeholders – to register their heat network by the end of 2025.
The heat networks will be covered by Ofgem’s Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS), which sets clear standards for data capture, service quality, and transparency.
Property managers like FirstPort will play a critical role in ensuring compliance and the Energy Team will be essential in making sure these measures are fully implemented in line with the Act’s requirements, giving clients confidence that their heat networks comply with the new regulations.
To navigate this transition, FirstPort’s Energy Team brings together technical and financial expertise into one unified function, covering:
- Energy procurement
- Operational delivery
- Metering & billing services
- Customer services
- Technical oversight
The new Energy Team consists of:
Stuart Wilcox CEng MIET – Head of Critical Infrastructure
As one of the UK’s leading energy management experts, Stuart provides strategic oversight of critical assets across FirstPort developments.
Stuart said: “The Energy Act 2023 marks a significant shift in how energy centres are regulated and managed. At FirstPort, we’re committed to staying ahead of these changes to ensure our developments remain compliant, efficient, and future-ready.
“Expanding our specialist team enables us to deliver the high standards our customers expect while embracing the opportunities these reforms bring for smarter, more sustainable infrastructure.”
As part of Stuart’s work at FirstPort, he spearheaded the launch of its AI-powered smart buildings platform. During the pilot, the software identified more than 5,000 litres of water per hour being unnecessarily heated and unused. After adjustments, the system is projected to save homeowners over £26,000 annually.
Ana Poianu MSc – Energy Manager
Ana brings extensive experience to her new role, including three years within FirstPort’s technical team. Ana oversees sustainability initiatives, cost optimisation, and regulatory compliance.
Claire Barnett CPFA – Head of Energy Finance
Claire oversees financial planning and compliance for energy operations, ensuring cost-effective reforms. Her focus is on transparency, strong controls, and robust debt management to meet client and customer needs.
Janine Johnson – Smart Buildings Project Manager
Janine oversees the implementation of heat network regulatory requirements. Her role is key in ensuring the successful rollout of its smart buildings platform, which monitors the performance and condition of a building’s essential systems – from heat networks to lifts – in real time. Much of her work will be essential for compliance with the Energy Act.
With the Energy Act setting a new benchmark for heat network regulation, FirstPort’s Energy Team is not just responding to change, it’s driving it.
By combining technical expertise, financial rigour, and smart technology, FirstPort is ensuring its clients stay ahead of compliance while delivering smarter, greener, and more reliable energy solutions for residents across the UK.
