The current situation in the sphere of district heating is analysed on the basis of use of the cognitive approach. The presence of closed chains of cause-effect relationships of negative factors and conflicts of target settings of the subjects in the field of district heating is shown. The conceptual model of energy efficient modernization of district heating systems is proposed. This model includes indicators of the current status of heat sources, networks and heat consumers, energetic and economic models, restrictions, procedure of forming and analysis of the mutual influence of the recommended projects. The quantitative data on indicators of the current state of district heating systems of the cities of Ukraine are presented. The interrelation between indicators of the current state and projects of energy efficient modernization of district heating systems is shown. Assessment of energy self-sufficiency of municipal district heating systems on condition of thermal modernization of buildings is carried out. The creation of energy management systems at the district heating enterprises is proposed. Bib. 6, Fig. 7, Tab. 5.
