Can the municipality force me to connect to the heat network?
Under Wcw 2025: yes, given neighbourhood plan + affordability test + financing. Without those three: object at court.
Pre-2025: in principle no obligation for existing homes — but municipality could designate areas for gas disconnection. Since Wcw (Collective Heat Supply Act 2025): municipalities can via neighbourhood execution plan designate a collective heat system + require connection after: (a) broad consultation with views; (b) affordability test per household; (c) financing arrangement offered. Without those three: designation can be annulled by administrative court on objection. Existing gas stays until designated end date (typically 2030-2050). On forced connection: max NMDA tariff (Not More Than Otherwise vs gas) under ACM oversight. Heat-supplier complaints: Geschillencommissie Energie. New-build post-2018: gas no longer default, heat network or all-electric mandated via Building Code.