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District heating gets more expensive: check and dispute the price increase

District heating customers can usually not switch providers, the grid is a local monopoly. All the more important is that price increases follow the agreed price adjustment clauses and are transparent and comprehensible. An intransparent or one-sided increase is open to challenge.

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Price changes in the district heating supply must follow the contractually agreed price adjustment clauses, which are based on cost and market indices, and be shown transparently (District Heating Ordinance).
A price increase that does not follow the agreed clause or is not comprehensibly disclosed, you can dispute. Intransparent or unreasonable clauses are open to challenge.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the price clause

    Look in your contract: which price adjustment clause (indices, calculation) is agreed?

  2. 2

    2. Recalculate the increase

    Compare the increase with the clause and the named indices, does it fit the agreement?

  3. 3

    3. Demand transparency

    Demand a comprehensible breakdown of the price components and the calculation.

  4. 4

    4. Dispute

    If the increase does not follow the clause or is intransparent, dispute it in writing and pay the disputed part under reservation.

How to spot the scam

  • The increase is communicated without a comprehensible calculation.
  • It does not follow the contractually agreed price adjustment clause.
  • The price components are not shown transparently.

Frequently asked questions

Can I switch the district heating provider?

Usually not, district heating is a locally tied grid, often a monopoly. That is why it particularly matters that price increases follow the agreed clauses and are transparent, because you cannot simply move away.

When is a price increase open to challenge?

When it does not follow the contractually agreed price adjustment clause, is not comprehensibly disclosed, or the clause itself is intransparent or unreasonable. Then you can dispute the increase.

What can I do concretely?

Check the price clause in the contract, recalculate the increase, demand a transparent breakdown and dispute impermissible increases in writing. Disputed amounts you can pay under reservation so as not to fall into default.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.