Hypothesizing that heat planning is challenged by outdated and obsolete plans, emerging low-energy buildings, increased waste incineration and surplus wind energy, this part focuseed on the legal aspects of future strategic energy planning.

The commitment to heat plans jointly made by municipalities, supply companies and other parties has weakened since 1990, when written plans became optional. Planning is challenged by renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Energy price change, technology development and land use change affect the zoning of heat supply, further confronted by the complaint system and legislation. The legal obligations of district councils were considered and a comparison was made of the obligations and the actual behaviour of councils.