The energy activities of heat distribution and distribution of other energy gases may be carried out as an optional local service of general economic interest, or as commercial distribution, and must be notified to the Energy Agency.

Where a distributor supplies or intends to supply more than one hundred household customers, district heating and cooling is provided as a service of general economic interest.

The energy activities of heat distribution and distribution of other energy gases shall be carried out as services of general economic interest when a sustainable and uninterrupted supply of heat and other energy gases is in the public interest in order to meet public needs.