Pilot activities implemented within the REHEATEAST project have been successfully carried out in the Municipality of Priboj, with the aim of improving the district heating system through the application of energy efficiency measures at the building level and strengthening local cooperation among key stakeholders.
The project was implemented as part of a broader approach to improving the district heating system, which involves addressing technical, regulatory, and organizational aspects, while actively engaging local stakeholders. Particular focus was placed on creating conditions for the transition from area-based billing to consumption-based billing, as a fairer and more efficient model for heat energy charging.
Within the project activities, a methodology for the energy renovation of multi-apartment buildings was developed, including the identification of buildings with the greatest potential for energy efficiency improvements, the implementation of energy audits, and the definition of optimal renovation scenarios. The methodology was designed to be applicable in other local self-government units, with the possibility of adapting it to local specificities.
Energy audits were conducted in three residential buildings in Priboj, based on which measures for improving energy efficiency were defined, including reducing heat losses and upgrading heating systems. The results of these analyses served as the basis for the preparation of technical reports and recommendations for further implementation.
In parallel with the technical analyses, models of technical reports and drafts of regulatory acts tailored to the local context were developed, establishing a foundation for the systematic improvement of heat consumption management. Special emphasis was placed on defining a model for the transition to consumption-based billing, including the introduction of individual metering through heat meters and heat cost allocators. The developed models and recommendations encompass both technical measures for improving building energy efficiency and improvements to the regulatory and organizational framework, enabling a systematic approach to addressing challenges in the district heating sector.
During project implementation, particular attention was given to involving tenants and building managers in the planning and decision-making process. Activities were organized to inform and educate users about the importance of rational energy consumption and the benefits of consumption-based billing, thereby strengthening a participatory approach to improving energy efficiency.
The results indicate that the district heating system in Priboj has the technical capacity to introduce consumption-based billing; however, further improvements to the regulatory framework and continuous efforts to raise user awareness are necessary for its full implementation.
The developed methodology is based on the principle of replicability, enabling its application in other local self-government units in Serbia, as a practical model for improving district heating systems and increasing energy efficiency. In this regard, the complete set of documentation developed for the Municipality of Priboj is available to all interested local self-government units.
The REHEATEAST project is implemented in cooperation with 11 project partners and 25 associated strategic partners from 11 countries of the Danube Region, while the Pannon European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation from Hungary is the lead partner. The Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM) participates as one of the partners from Serbia, while associated partners from Serbia include the Municipality of Priboj and Energetika d.o.o. Kragujevac.
The documentation:
1.2._Analysis_of_technical,_regulatory_and_strategic_shortcomings.docx
1.3._Odluka_o_uslovima_proizvodnje_distribucije_i_snabdevanja_toplotnom_energijom.docx
1.4. Methodology DH models Reheateast.docx
2.1._Odluka_o_uslovima_proizvodnje_distribucije_i_snabdevanja_toplotnom_energijom_Priboj_Nacrt.docx
2.3._Priboj_Visnja_Dejanovic.pptx
3.2. Okvirna informacija novija zgrada.docx
3.2. Okvirna informacija solidarka.docx