An aim of liberalising the DH sector has been politically stated. This liberalisation and market-based regulation potentially involve a repeal of the obligation for consumers to remain financially connected to the DH. From a multiple case study, only 14 DH plants of the 393 DH plants registered are estimated to be considerably affected from a complete repeal of the consumer obligations. A closure of these is not assumed to affect the crosssector interplay and security of supply. Depending on the future regulations, fuel prices and actual acts of consumers, this may in worst case increase to up to 47 DH plants. The most adequate and long-term solution to minimise the economic consequences while assisting the market-based regulations of DH is found to be an ease of the current fuel- and CHP commitment. A socioeconomic evaluation of the affected DH plants should be carried out individually to state whether it is feasible to continue operation.