More than 500,000 customers to receive Ofgem protection this week

"From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging."

"More than 500,000 customers on heat networks will finally come under Ofgem regulation this week. The previously unregulated industry involves firms heating multiple buildings from a central heating source, such as taking excess heat generated from a data centre or factory to connected properties through pipes. It comes under Ofgem's remit from January 27. New rules will bring heat network customers in England, Scotland and Wales more closely in line with those living on traditional gas and electricity connections."

"Ofgem will have powers to act if a heat network operator puts up prices unfairly or delivers poor service, with compensation available to customers who suffer an outage. Homes and businesses on heat networks will also see clearer, itemised billing and there will be greater support for vulnerable customers, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said. Some heat network customers have seen energy price rises of up to 450 per cent following the increase in gas prices."

A media outlet solicits donations to fund on-the-ground journalists, rejects paywalls, and covers topics including reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech. The outlet cites investigative work such as probing the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC and producing a documentary highlighting American women fighting for reproductive rights. More than 500,000 customers on heat networks will come under Ofgem regulation from January 27, bringing previously unregulated heat network users closer to protections enjoyed by gas and electricity customers. New rules grant Ofgem powers to act against unfair price rises and poor service, provide compensation for outages, require clearer itemised billing, and increase support for vulnerable customers amid steep recent price increases.

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