Behavioural engagement in district heating systems: An exploratory comparison of providerand end-user perspectives on motivational tariffs and gamification

Abstract Background: District heating (DH) is important for decarbonising heat supply, but its behavioural dimension remains less studied than technical optimisation. This study explores how motivational tariffs and gamification are perceived by DH providers and end-users. Online surveys included 15 DH providers in Germany and Denmark and 93 end-users in Germany. Results: Providers saw potential in behavioural engagement but identified technical integration, organisational resources, and implementation effort as key barriers. End-users showed substantial stated willingness to engage when measures were simple, transparent, and linked to visible benefits. Among end-users, 79.6 % would participate in a point-based tariff and 84.9 % would use a corresponding digital application, whereas only 23.7 % expressed a positive attitude towards gamification. Financial incentives were the most frequently preferred reward (95.7 %). Providers focused mainly on technical and organisational feasibility, whereas end-users focused on usability and clear personal benefit. Conclusions: Behavioural engagement in DH requires alignment between provider capabilities and user expectations. Selected gamified features appear most relevant when they support practical feedback and understandable incentives rather than a strongly game-like experience.