Wir stellen zum 1. Januar 2027 die Fernwärmeversorgung für alle Kundinnen und Kunden einheitlich um. Zum 1. Januar 2027 wird aus den Fernwärme-Tarifen, „Lautrer Behaglichkeit“ und „Lautrer Wärme“ der neue Tarif SWK Fernwärme Garant.
Im Folgenden finden Sie die Antworten zu den wichtigsten Fragen rund um die Tarifumstellung.
Why is my existing contract being terminated?
The termination is taking place as part of a system-wide, standardised tariff change for the district heating supply. At the same time, as a district heating customer, you will receive your new contract documents. The previous pricing system no longer adequately reflects the current economic, technical and planning conditions of district heating. The aim is to create a standardised, future-proof contract and pricing structure for all customers.
Does the termination mean that my heat supply will be cut off?
No. Your heat supply will not be interrupted. The termination is solely intended to replace the existing contractual basis with a new, updated contract, which will come into effect on 1 January 2027.
Why is the change taking place now?
District heating will be further expanded in future as part of the local authority’s heating plan. To implement this expansion fairly, efficiently and in a technically stable manner, a clear allocation of connection capacities is necessary. The changeover creates the necessary basis for this.
The framework conditions for heat supply have changed in recent years. With the new ‘SWK District Heating Guarantee’ tariff, we are adapting the entire structure of our district heating contracts to the new conditions. The new tariff provides a reliable basis for the expansion of district heating, enabling us to achieve the energy and climate policy targets set by law.
Will my district heating supply be interrupted during the tariff changeover?
No. During the tariff changeover, which involves terminating your current contract and signing a new one, we will continue to supply you with district heating without interruption. There will be no interruption to your district heating supply.
What changes will the new AP-GP system bring?
Under the new system, the price consists of two components:
- a unit price for the actual amount of heat consumed
- a standing charge based on the agreed connected load
This structure ensures greater transparency and a fairer distribution of costs within the district heating network.
Why will connected load be so important in future?
The connected load describes the maximum amount of heat reserved for a building. This capacity must be permanently available within the district heating network. Realistic sizing is important to ensure that network capacities are used efficiently and to enable further connections.
How was my recommended connected load calculated?
The recommended connected load was calculated on the basis of your actual annual consumption in 2024. This consumption was converted into a load value using an industry-standard figure of approximately 1,100 full-load hours. The number of full-load hours selected represents a conservative baseline and takes into account weather-related factors specific to the year 2024.
Does the calculation of the connected load based on 2024 consumption apply to all customers?
No. The connection capacity is derived from the 2024 annual consumption only for customers who do not yet have a contractually agreed connection capacity, in particular for contracts under the pure unit price system (‘Lautrer Wärme’) or where contractual documentation is missing.
Customers who have already entered into a contract under the existing working price/basic price system (‘Lautrer Behaglichkeit’) will retain the connected load agreed therein. This will be carried over unchanged into the new contract.
Why is the year 2024, of all years, being used as the basis?
The year 2024 is the most recent billing year for which complete data is available. It provides a current and verifiable data basis. At the same time, it is recognised that individual years may be influenced by special circumstances – which is why your involvement in reviewing the figure is expressly provided for.
What if my consumption in 2024 was not representative (e.g. the property was vacant)?
In this case, you should definitely check the proposed output value and adjust it if necessary. If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your heating engineer or an energy adviser. Please feel free to contact us!
You can reach our team at SWK Energiewelt, Brandenburger Straße 2, by calling 0631 8001-1601 or by emailing us at dienstleistungen@swk-kl.de.
What if the power rating I’ve chosen isn’t sufficient?
The contractually agreed connected load is technically set at the transfer station. Should it become apparent during operation that the selected load is insufficient, you can have us adjust it. This adjustment is normally subject to a charge. As part of the current transition, we are offering you a one-off, free adjustment of the connected load within a two-year period.
Do I need to reply to the letter?
Yes. Your cooperation is important to ensure that everything runs smoothly. You can do this by returning the new contract, signed, or by informing us of a different service level.
What happens if I don’t send anything back?
If you continue to use district heating without returning the contract or notifying us of a different heat output, the proposed heat output will be deemed to have been agreed. It will be used for billing purposes and technically implemented from the start of the contract.
Can I simply specify a very low power rating to save money?
We strongly advise against this. Selecting a connection capacity that is too low can result in insufficient heat being supplied, particularly when outside temperatures are low.
Will the new connected load simply be billed, or will it also be implemented technically?
The agreed connection capacity is taken into account in the billing and is also technically adjusted at the transfer station (e.g. by means of a flow rate limiter).
When will the technical adjustment to the connection capacity take place?
The technical adjustment takes place promptly as part of the contract changeover and not at a later date.
What happens if the set capacity is insufficient?
The capacity value should always be checked particularly carefully before the contract begins.
Should it become apparent during operation that the selected capacity is insufficient, you can request that we make an adjustment. This adjustment is normally subject to a charge. As part of the current changeover, we are offering you a one-off, free correction of the connected load within a two-year period.
Is it possible to adjust the power rating at a later date?
Yes. In principle, it is possible to adjust the connected load even after the contract has commenced.
Is there a charge for this?
During normal operation, a power rating adjustment usually incurs a charge (currently €142.80 including VAT). However, as part of the current system changeover, a one-off, free adjustment is being offered within a two-year period.
Who is SWK’s contractual partner?
The connection application and heat supply contract are concluded with the property owner. As the connection holder, the owner is the decision-maker regarding the property’s heat supply. Therefore, the owner is always our contractual partner.
What applies to let properties?
The owner is responsible for passing on the heating costs to the tenants.
Can SWK handle the billing?
Yes, that is possible.
The billing service is not automatically included in the connection application or the heat supply contract. A separate agreement (service contract) is required. Are you interested in this service? Our team will be happy to help.
You can contact our team at SWK Energiewelt, Brandenburger Straße 2, on 0631 8001-1601 or send us an email at dienstleistungen@swk-kl.de.
Is this billing compulsory?
No, it is voluntary.
Why am I receiving two copies of the contract?
You will receive two sets of contracts – both pre-signed – so that you can sign one of them and return it to us. The other copy is for your own records.
The new contract documents consist of a connection application (+ a copy for you), a heat supply contract (+ a copy for you) and the accompanying price list, including all legal provisions.
What happens if I do not return a contract?
Even in this case, the terms of the contract are documented. If you continue to receive heat, the contract, including the connection capacity, is deemed to have been validly agreed.
What should I do if I am no longer the owner or a heat user?
In this case, please contact us and provide us with the current owner’s or user’s details so that we can update our records.
Why have I received this letter even though I have sold the property?
Changes of ownership are not always automatically reported to SWK. The letters are based on the data currently available. Your feedback helps us to improve our records.
You can contact our team at SWK Energiewelt, Brandenburger Straße 2, on 0631 8001-1601 or send us an email at dienstleistungen@swk-kl.de.
When will the exact price for my new district heating tariff be finalised?
As is the case every year, the specific prices for your new district heating contract for 2027 will be determined at the turn of the year. Once all the indices, benchmark figures and other price components for the price adjustment clauses have been finalised, we will publish the district heating prices for 2027 as usual.
To give you an initial idea of the changes in pricing, we have calculated your district heating price based on indices, benchmark figures and price components as at 1 January 2026. The relevant price sheet is enclosed with this letter. The prices shown there are intended to serve as a guide for you.
How are my prices calculated?
Your price consists of the basic charge and the consumption charge. As before, both are determined on the basis of statutory price adjustment clauses. You will find the formulas in your cover letter. Please refer to the price sheet, which you have also received with the cover letter, for full details.
The price adjustment clauses are based on indices and official comparative figures from independent bodies, such as the Federal Statistical Office. They ensure that the heating price is adjusted automatically and in a transparent manner. This provides a transparent basis for customers. They ensure prices are in line with the market, reflect actual cost trends and prevent large price jumps.
You can find an information video on the price adjustment formulas in district heating contracts on our helpdesk.
