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.
Read also:
- In response to these transparency concerns, the Consumer Advice Center in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) has urged district heating providers to improve their disclosure of price index changes and energy carriers used in district heating production.
- The Real Estate sector in Düsseldorf, and across North Rhine-Westphalia, is advocating for alternative energies, such as district heating, as a more sustainable and transparent energy solution for consumers.
- Christina Wallraf, an energy expert from NRW, has emphasized the importance of transparency in district heating networks, suggesting that providers should release comparable information on network losses and heat mix to aid consumer understanding.
- NRW's VZ is pushing for the establishment of a mandatory district heating register, requiring all providers to submit verified data publicly, ensuring full transparency and equitability in district heating systems.
- District heating systems, while often infrastructure within larger real estate developments, must prioritize transparency to gain consumer trust and acceptance, as consumers are generally locked into these networks and unable to switch suppliers as easily as with gas providers.
- As part of North Rhine-Westphalia's energy transition, alternative energies like district heating networks must adhere to stringent transparency regulations to promote informed consumer choices and drive the adoption of sustainable energy sources.
