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New measurement regulations from 2024

On December 29, 2023, several energy-related laws were amended, which fundamentally affect multi-unit buildings with central heating and district heating.

With this information sheet, we would like to help you understand the consequences of these changes in terms of design and construction work, and how to comply with the new legal requirements.

New regulations for buildings with central heating and the resulting tasks

§ Individual consumption meters or cost allocation devices must be installed in subunits (apartments, offices, etc.) for the purpose of accounting for heating and hot water.

§ In the case of a heating system with a single connection point and central hot water production, individually readable heating consumption meters and hot water meters must be installed.

§ In the case of a heating system with a single connection point and hot water production connected to each part of the building (per apartment, per office), individually readable heat meters must be installed.

§ In existing buildings with heating systems that do not have a single connection point for each part of the building, remotely readable heating cost allocators must be installed, and in addition, hot water meters must be installed in the case of central hot water production.

§ In the case of technically feasible and cost-effective investments, the operator shall, within one year of the cost-effectiveness assessment, ensure the installation and use of individual consumption meters or cost allocators in the building sections for the purpose of accounting for heating and hot water.

§ In the case of existing metering systems, consumption meters and cost allocators installed prior to the entry into force of the regulations that cannot be read remotely must be made remotely readable or replaced with remotely readable devices by January 1, 2027, at the latest.

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A large hospital building with a blue sky and white cloudy background.

New regulations for district-heated buildings and the resulting obligations

§ Determination of the heat consumption and fee allocation ratios for each part of the building used for heating purposes - primarily by using heating cost allocators and based on the heated air volume of the parts of the building (not applicable to unregulated [e.g., so-called "flow-through" single-pipe] heating systems). "flow-through" single-pipe systems).

§ The sum of the heating cost allocation ratios must be 100%.

§ Heating cost allocators may be used if:

  • the heat output of all heat emitters is determined using heating cost allocators of the same make and with a uniform evaluation system, or the heat output of all heat emitters can be measured independently using heat consumption meters;
  • the heat output of the heat emitters can be regulated;
  • the measurement accuracy of the devices is certified by the manufacturer's certificate of conformity;
  • the heating cost allocators are sealed.

§ If hot water is also provided, a certified hot water meter must be installed to measure hot water consumption.

  • In the case of a technically feasible and cost-effective investment, the user shall, within one year of the cost-effectiveness analysis, ensure the installation and use of certified meters for district heating consumption for heating purposes in each part of the building, with the exception of the common areas.

How can we help you?

As an expert in heat consumption measurement and cost allocation, Siemens SI Building Technology can help you with the following:

  • technical assistance and development of a suitable measurement concept,
  • procurement of the necessary measuring equipment and reading network components,
  • recommendation of installation and/or operating partners.