The Supply of Heat to Consumers Under Market Conditions: Current State and Developmental Trends

Abstract

ABSTRACT The article discusses several models and methods for managing the supply of heat to consumers inside a market economy. The main organizational forms of heating systems are described via the models of a “unified heat supply organization” and a “single buyer,” which can be implemented in the population centers of the Russian Federation. We offer an analysis of various types of competition in the thermal energy market and describe the effects that can be achieved when they are implemented. Based on the example of Russia’s large district heating systems, we show the negative consequences resulting from the introduction of the “alternative boiler plant” method, which is a new target model for the Russian thermal energy market.