16th Meeting of the SCTM Network of Energy Managers and Energy Efficiency Officers

The sixteenth meeting of the Network of Energy Managers and Energy Efficiency Officers of the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM) was held online on 26 March 2026. The meeting was opened by Miodrag Gluščević, Programme Director for Urban Development, Environment and Public Utilities at SCTM, who presented the agenda and announced the key topics – the results of pilot activities within the REHEATEAST project in the Municipality of Priboj, as well as a discussion on current challenges and proposals for topics for the next Network meeting.

In the introductory part, it was emphasized that the REHEATEAST project is aimed at improving district heating and cooling systems through the application of innovative solutions, with the goal of reducing fossil fuel consumption, increasing energy efficiency, and strengthening cooperation among various stakeholders.

The meeting continued with the presentation of the results of pilot activities implemented in the Municipality of Priboj, where a methodology was developed for the energy renovation of multi-apartment buildings and the improvement of the heat billing system.

The pilot project included:

• development of a methodology based on replication and optimization, applicable to other local self-governments
• implementation of energy audits in three representative residential buildings
• drafting of regulatory acts at the local level
• involvement of tenants and building managers in the planning of measures
• definition of a model for the transition from area-based billing to consumption-based billing

Particular emphasis was placed on the introduction of individual heat consumption metering through the use of heat meters and heat cost allocators, as well as on educating users about rational energy consumption.

It was highlighted that the district heating system in Priboj has the technical conditions for the transition to consumption-based billing; however, billing is still predominantly based on floor area, which indicates the need for further activities in this field.

During the meeting, the experience of the City of Niš was also presented, where a consumption-based tariff system for heat billing has been in place since 2013. This model includes a fixed component, covering system costs and not influenced by users, and a variable component, dependent on actual consumption, which users can directly influence. It was noted that a significant number of buildings in Niš are already equipped with consumption metering devices, enabling a fairer distribution of costs and better control over energy use.

Participants particularly emphasized the importance of introducing metering systems as a prerequisite for efficient energy consumption management. It was stressed that without accurate measurement, the full effects of energy efficiency measures cannot be achieved.

Another important segment of the pilot activities referred to informing and educating users, including practical energy-saving tips, such as reducing indoor temperature, which can lead to significant reductions in heating costs.

In the final part of the meeting, a discussion was held on the state of energy management at the local level, as well as on priority topics for future Network meetings.

It was concluded that the pilot activities in Priboj represent a good example of an integrated approach to improving district heating systems, encompassing technical, regulatory, and social aspects, with the potential for replication in other 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 Group 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.