Varmesalg

Varmesalg is a term used in the Danish energy sector to describe the sale of thermal energy from a producer, such as a district heating plant or a combined heat and power facility, to end users or to a distribution network. It covers the contractual and commercial arrangement by which heat energy is supplied and billed, rather than the production or transmission of electricity.

The concept is typically measured in energy units, most commonly megawatt-hours (MWh). The volume sold reflects the amount of heat delivered to customers and metered at heat substations or customer premises. In accounting, varmesalg is distinguished from production (total heat generated) and from network losses or internal consumption. Revenue is derived from the agreed price per MWh and any applicable tariffs, subsidies, or adjustments tied to seasonal demand and ambient temperature.

Price structures for varmesalg can vary: tariffs may be fixed per MWh, include seasonal or variable components, and sometimes depend on customer class or usage patterns. Tariffs are often subject to regulatory oversight to ensure cost recovery, fairness, and transparency, particularly in district heating systems owned or operated by municipalities or regulated utilities.

Regulatory and market considerations influence how varmesalg is reported, priced, and audited. Efficient heat sales depend on balancing production costs, network efficiency, and the integration of renewable heat sources. Vague or ambiguous contracts can lead to disputes over metering, compensation for losses, or eligibility for subsidies.

See also: district heating, CHP, heat metering, energy tariff, energy regulation.