# Balkan regional heating season commencement > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-regional-heating-season-commencement > Updated: 2026-10-12T09:17:46.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 3. The 2026/2027 heating season is commencing across several Balkan regions. In Sarajevo, KJKP Toplane Sarajevo announced that all production and distribution facilities are technically ready. Due to weather conditions meeting the regulatory threshold of average daily temperatures being 12°C or lower, thermal energy delivery to the Sarajevo Canton officially began on October 12, with a heating regime operating daily from 06:00 to 22:00. In Croatia, HEP-Toplinarstvo initiated the gradual activation of heating systems on October 12 in several cities, including Zagreb, Osijek, Sisak, Velika Gorica, Samobor, and Zaprešić. The rollout prioritizes essential institutions such as kindergartens, schools, health centers, and homes for the elderly before expanding to residential and business sectors. Authorities in both regions have advised citizens to maintain indoor temperatures of approximately 20°C to manage consumption. In Skopje, the heating season for consumers connected to central systems began on October 13. While the official season typically starts on October 15, regulations allow for an earlier start if the forecasted average outdoor temperature is 12°C or lower, a condition confirmed by the Hydrometeorological Service (UHMR). In the municipalities of Chair and Butel, heating is being supported by a new natural gas cogeneration plant operated by Energy Ecolink, part of the TESSA Energy group. This facility, representing an investment of approximately 2.5 million euros, simultaneously produces electricity (2.1 MW) and thermal energy (2.6 MW) by utilizing waste heat. In its first phase, the system is designed to supply roughly 500 apartments and 14 institutions. For consumers managed by ESM, supply will fluctuate based on atmospheric conditions to minimize costs. ## Claims - The 2026/2027 heating season for central heating consumers in Skopje begins on October 13, 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The forecasted average outdoor temperature for October 13 is 12 °C. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Heating season can start between October 1 and October 15 if the forecasted average temperature is 12 °C or lower. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Heat supply in October and early November will fluctuate based on air temperature and atmospheric conditions. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-12: Skopje starts central heating season early due to temperature drop The central heating season in Skopje has started early due to falling temperatures, supported by a new 2.5 million euro gas cogeneration plant in the Chair and Butel municipalities. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skopje-heating-season-begins-early-due-to-temperature-drop ### 2026-10-09: Heating season begins in Sarajevo and several Croatian cities Heating seasons are beginning in Sarajevo and several Croatian cities, including Zagreb, starting October 12. Authorities have prioritized essential institutions and advised on energy-efficient usage. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/heating-systems-in-banjaluka-and-bor-begin-functional-testing ### 2026-10-04: Skopje heating season scheduled to begin October 15 The heating season in Skopje is set to begin on October 15, though it may start earlier if temperatures drop below 12°C. Residents are urged to inspect internal heating installations immediately. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skopje-heating-season-scheduled-to-begin-october-15 --- Cite as: Balkan regional heating season commencement. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-regional-heating-season-commencement