Criticism of the district heating network: How does Habeck's new building energy law affect the heating market?

Criticism of the district heating network: How does Habeck's new building energy law affect the heating market?

According to a report by www.berliner-zeitung.de, district heating will be seen as an alternative to heat pumps in the future, as envisaged by the planned new Building Energy Act. The effects on the district heating network market and consumers are discussed, as the focus is on compulsory connection and price transparency.

The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations is calling for the district heating market to be made more consumer-friendly. In particular, fair prices and transparent price increases should be ensured. The complaints about non-transparent prices and incomprehensible price increases show that there are major ambiguities and problems with regard to district heating.

In addition to transparent prices, the abolition of compulsory connection and use is crucial for the acceptance of district heating in order to enable freedom of choice on the market. The Berlin basic supplier Vattenfallwärme points out that there is no compulsory connection in Berlin and that the company guarantees the necessary transparency in pricing.

If these demands are met, the heat supply in Berlin could represent a big step towards the heat transition. From the expert's point of view, however, the switch to climate-neutral heat supply will also be a challenge, as the focus is on price transparency and control. The upcoming discussions at the district heating summit in Berlin are crucial in order to send a “clear signal of departure” for the climate-neutral conversion and expansion of district heating supply. The planned reform of municipal heat planning is intended to help create investment security for those involved and advance the heat transition in Berlin.