Renovation of multi-apartment houses: social and economic aspects

Initially the district heating (DH) system was developed to facilitate the life quality of people who live in multi-apartment houses. However, after the change in political, social and economic circumstances, it became a heavy burden for the most of the population. It is obvious that not the DH system is to blame. In more rational context, by implementing new technologies the effect of this system could be much better (in terms of economy and efficiency). By analyzing one of the most problematic aspects of energy system district heating and its way of salvation - renovation of multi-apartment houses, the article will show that the legacy of a complex of specific technological, economic and social elements of Soviet infrastructure appears in a specific and particularly precarious shape under conditions of liberal market capitalism in regard to energy security.