Demand side management is one of the strategies for an optimal management of DH networks. This consists in rescheduling the time the heating systems are switched on and off, or modifying their settings. In this way, the thermal request profile results as changed, with the following effects: 1) additional buildings can be connected to the network without installing new pipelines; 2) a better exploitation of renewable energy sources can be achieved; 3) a reduction of the heat produced by heat-only boilers is obtained. This work shows the potential of demand side management in DH networks in terms of thermal peak shaving. This is done by optimally rescheduling building heating systems. The best rescheduling is evaluated by means of a simulation tool. An experimental test performed on a distribution network shows that a peak reduction of about 5% can be achieved in case of strong limitations on the modifications. Simulations show that a relaxation of limitations leads to a reduction up to about 35% of peak request. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.