Advice hub for consumers - District heating systems face transparency concerns.
The Consumer Center NRW has raised concerns over insufficient transparency in various district heating providers. Out of 30 district heating networks in NRW examined, one-third of them failed to clearly explain price changes, stated the Consumer Center in Düsseldorf on Wednesday.
"The remaining providers meet the minimum requirements for information, but gathering the necessary details often proves difficult andConsumer unfriendly," explained energy expert Christina Wallraf. "Only one in five of the inspected district heating providers go the extra mile to help consumers understand price fluctuations."
Board member Wolfgang Schuldzinski articulated the need for energy companies to disclose price index changes on their websites and cite their sources.
Consumers struggle to find information on network losses, states Consumer Center
Half of the providers have yet to offer comparative statements about network losses. These comparisons help consumers gauge the quality of the district heating system.
"Astonishingly, half of the assessed suppliers also fail to provide precise details on the energy carriers utilized for heating production," Wallraf added. "We need clear regulations put in place. These suppliers should publicly release comparable information on network losses while also sharing statements on the heat mix."
VZ NRW advocates for creation of a mandatory district heating register
The recent transparency platform released by energy producers was commended as a positive development by the board member. However, it relies on voluntary participation and currently doesn't disclose specifics on the energy carriers employed. "We call for the establishment of an independent, compulsory district heating registry, in which all district heating providers are required to submit verified data publicly," stressed Schuldzinski.
These insights were gathered in early May from 30 district heating networks, including major networks in the most populated cities and smaller district heating networks. On average, it cost 17.3 cents per kilowatt-hour from these networks, including foundation charges and other fees. Prices ranged from 10.5 cents to 28 cents. "Politically, we insist on full transparency and equitability in district heating so that customers willingly accept the system. When in district heating, consumers ae locked in and cannot switch between suppliers as easily as with gas suppliers," Wallraf asserted.
