Jenner & Block’s London Public Law Team Secures Outstanding Result for Fornax
News
April 9, 2026
When Fornax Energy Limited came to Jenner & Block, the London-based startup was at a standstill. Ofgem, the UK's energy regulator, had refused to allow Fornax customers to benefit from a government subsidy supporting the installation of air source heat pumps, a refusal rooted in a misinterpretation of the relevant regulations. The consequences were severe: Fornax had been forced to cease installations entirely and could no longer attract the private equity investment it needed to survive and secure its future.
Fornax has been trying since March 2025 to have the Ofgem decision overturned, without success, despite being advised by another UK law firm. When Fornax could not afford to continue paying its previous firm, the company turned to Jenner for pro bono representation.
Jenner & Block's London Public Law team took on the matter and quickly assessed that Fornax had a strong case. They developed a litigation strategy and drafted a letter before action: a formal notice to Ofgem outlining the legal basis for challenging its decision.
With just one letter, Ofgem reversed its position, agreeing with Fornax's interpretation of the regulations. With the decision overturned, Fornax was clear to resume heat pump installations and once again positioned to attract investors.
The result was a testament to the power of clear legal analysis and precise, strategic advocacy, and the resolution allowed the business to move forward.
Fornax’s response to Jenner’s work captured this directly: “What particularly impressed me was the team's ability to balance aggressive advocacy with commercial pragmatism. They understood that as a startup, we needed not just legal victory, but a resolution that would allow us to move forward and grow our business. Their strategic approach delivered exactly that outcome. Having worked with several law firms, I found Jenner to be exemplary in adapting their counsel to our fast-moving, decision-focused culture while maintaining the highest legal standards.”
Joanna Ludlam, Lucy Blake, and Joshua Kell are members of Jenner & Block's London Public Law team that represented Fornax.
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© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.
News
April 9, 2026
When Fornax Energy Limited came to Jenner & Block, the London-based startup was at a standstill. Ofgem, the UK's energy regulator, had refused to allow Fornax customers to benefit from a government subsidy supporting the installation of air source heat pumps, a refusal rooted in a misinterpretation of the relevant regulations. The consequences were severe: Fornax had been forced to cease installations entirely and could no longer attract the private equity investment it needed to survive and secure its future.
Fornax has been trying since March 2025 to have the Ofgem decision overturned, without success, despite being advised by another UK law firm. When Fornax could not afford to continue paying its previous firm, the company turned to Jenner for pro bono representation.
Jenner & Block's London Public Law team took on the matter and quickly assessed that Fornax had a strong case. They developed a litigation strategy and drafted a letter before action: a formal notice to Ofgem outlining the legal basis for challenging its decision.
With just one letter, Ofgem reversed its position, agreeing with Fornax's interpretation of the regulations. With the decision overturned, Fornax was clear to resume heat pump installations and once again positioned to attract investors.
The result was a testament to the power of clear legal analysis and precise, strategic advocacy, and the resolution allowed the business to move forward.
Fornax’s response to Jenner’s work captured this directly: “What particularly impressed me was the team's ability to balance aggressive advocacy with commercial pragmatism. They understood that as a startup, we needed not just legal victory, but a resolution that would allow us to move forward and grow our business. Their strategic approach delivered exactly that outcome. Having worked with several law firms, I found Jenner to be exemplary in adapting their counsel to our fast-moving, decision-focused culture while maintaining the highest legal standards.”
Joanna Ludlam, Lucy Blake, and Joshua Kell are members of Jenner & Block's London Public Law team that represented Fornax.
Related Attorneys
Related Capabilities
Related Locations
© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.
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