KWKG Novelle (21 Sep 2026): Buyer’s checklist for apartment blocks with on‑site CHP or third‑party heat contracts — clauses to insist on at notarisation

What changed on 21 September 2026 — and why buyers must care

On 21 September 2026 the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK / BMWE) published its press note launching a further amendment (Novelle) of the Kraft‑Wärme‑Kopplungsgesetz (KWKG). The announcement confirms the government intends to extend and adapt the KWKG framework beyond the prior expiry horizons and to sharpen rules that affect small and large CHP installations and their market role. ([bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de](https://www.bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de/Redaktion/DE/Pressemitteilungen/2026/09/20260921-novelle-kraft-warrme-kopplungsgesetz.html?utm_source=openai))

Separately, the cabinet adopted the “Wärmenetzpaket” Eckpunkte on 26 August 2026; the package proposes a new Wärmenetzgesetz to replace parts of the current AVBFernwärmeV and to introduce stronger pre‑ and ex‑post price transparency, a Federal price‑supervision mechanism and clearer rules on billing, tariff structure and data publication. Those measures are explicitly aimed at customers of district and building‑level heat supplies. ([bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de](https://www.bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de/Redaktion/DE/Pressemitteilungen/2026/08/20260826-eckpunkte-waermenetzpaket.html?utm_source=openai))

Key buyer risks for buildings with on‑site CHP or third‑party heat supply

Three practical risks recur in acquisition due diligence: (1) price and indexation risk — long fixed contracts may contain steep index or formula clauses that allow the supplier to raise charges; (2) contractual transfer and consent risk — many heat and network contracts require supplier consent to change the contracting party or to transfer supply equipment; and (3) asset‑ownership and subsidy risk — ownership of the house‑transfer station (Hausübergabestation), meters and any ongoing eligibility for network or KWK subsidies affects cost and control. The draft rules and Eckpunkte discussed by the government make transparency and price supervision more likely, but do not eliminate contractual exposures at a sale. ([bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de](https://www.bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de/Redaktion/DE/Downloads/Gesetz/20240807-avbfernwaermev.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=4&utm_source=openai))

Because the KWKG Novelle and the Wärmenetzpaket are active policy processes (KWKG announcement, 21 Sep 2026; Wärmenetzpaket Eckpunkte, 26 Aug 2026), buyers should treat regulatory change as a live risk when negotiating the purchase contract. ([bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de](https://www.bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de/Redaktion/DE/Pressemitteilungen/2026/09/20260921-novelle-kraft-warrme-kopplungsgesetz.html?utm_source=openai))

Concrete clauses to insist on at notarisation (Beurkundung)

1) Seller warranty of contract existence and term. Require a signed schedule of all heat‑supply and CHP service contracts (including start, end, termination windows, automatic extensions and notice periods) and a warranty that no undisclosed side‑agreements exist.

2) Assignment / supplier‑consent covenant. Insert an obligation on the seller to obtain, in writing, any supplier consents needed to transfer the contract or to novate the supplier relationship — to be delivered and effective before completion. If consent cannot be obtained, identify the remedial option (price reduction, escrow, or right to rescind).

3) Price formula disclosure and temporary cap. Seller must provide the historical invoices and the exact price formula. Where the contract allows broad indexation, agree a transitional price cap or an escrow that covers projected additional supplier charges for 12–24 months post‑closing. The government’s Eckpunkte foresee stronger transparency and future price supervision, but those measures will not retroactively rewrite private contracts. ([bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de](https://www.bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de/Redaktion/DE/Pressemitteilungen/2026/08/20260826-eckpunkte-waermenetzpaket.html?utm_source=openai))

4) Ownership and handover of technical assets. Require clear title and handover of the Hausübergabestation, internal meters and any heat‑generation equipment you are buying — or a leaseback with fixed service charges. Eligibility for federal support (e. g. BEW funding conditions) often depends on whether the house transfer station is owned by the building owner; confirm the funding status in writing. ([energiewechsel.de](https://www.energiewechsel.de/KAENEF/Redaktion/DE/FAQ/Waermeplanung/faq-waermeplanung-wpg.html?utm_source=openai))

5) Indemnity for historic disputes and outstanding bills. Seller indemnity for unresolved supplier disputes, recalculation claims or arrears, with a cap tied to a multiple of the last 12 months’ heat invoices.

6) Regulatory‑change clause. Because the KWKG Novelle (21 Sep 2026) and Wärmenetzpaket (26 Aug 2026) may change operator obligations, include a clause allocating costs if statutory changes (laws, mandatory technical modifications or mandatory price remedies) are enacted within a defined window (e. g. 12 months post‑closing).

7) Condition precedent for subsidy continuity. If the purchase price relies on ongoing subsidy or tariff treatment, make completion conditional on written confirmation from the responsible authority or a seller guarantee to reimburse you if the subsidy is withdrawn.

How to use the checklist — practical next steps

Insist that the seller delivers the full contract schedule and technical asset list before the notary appointment. Where supplier consent is required, the seller should produce signed consents or a timetable and binding undertaking to obtain them before completion. Use escrow or price adjustments rather than informal seller undertakings alone.

This article explains common protections; it is not legal advice. For drafting binding notarial wording and negotiating the precise risk allocation, instruct a German real‑estate lawyer (Fachanwalt Immobilienrecht) and ask your notary to include the agreed conditions in the public deed. Given the legislative activity (KWKG Novelle, 21 Sep 2026; Wärmenetzpaket Eckpunkte, 26 Aug 2026), also ask technical advisers to cost regulatory‑compliance scenarios before closing. ([bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de](https://www.bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de/Redaktion/DE/Pressemitteilungen/2026/09/20260921-novelle-kraft-warrme-kopplungsgesetz.html?utm_source=openai))