UIPI views on the EU Heating and Cooling Strategy
The European Commission is preparing a Heating and Cooling Strategy to accelerate the decarbonisation of this key sector, responsible for about half of the EU’s total energy consumption. The initiative, announced under the Clean Industrial Deal and the Action Plan for Affordable Energy, complements the Electrification Plan. Both final strategies are expected in early 2026.
UIPI submitted its contribution to the Call for Evidence (deadline 9 October) and will continue engaging in the Public Consultation (open until 20 November).
In its reply, UIPI stresses that the Heating and Cooling Strategy must deliver a fair, affordable and consumer-centred transition, highlighting several priorities:
- Stronger consumer protection in district heating, a natural monopoly in most Member States, to ensure transparency and fair tariffs for “captive customers”;
- Integration of surplus and residual heat, by granting enforceable rights to feed waste heat into district networks and simplifying administrative barriers;
- System-level cooling solutions, such as district cooling and passive measures, to prevent future grid stress and maintain affordability;
- Support for large-scale heat pumps and surplus heat recovery, reflecting the shift away from fossil combustion;
- Economic incentives for property owners, addressing structural barriers like split incentives and tariff models that discourage efficiency investments.
UIPI underlines that without fair rules, smart planning, and clear incentives, property owners cannot fully contribute to Europe’s heating and cooling transition.
