The dispute over the law for replacing old oil and gas heating systems is still not over in the traffic light coalition. Most recently, it was always said from coalition circles that an agreement was close. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) was also optimistic on Tuesday during a public meeting in a kindergarten.
But on Tuesday afternoon it became known: the parliamentary secretaries have not put the law on the agenda for the plenary sessions of the Bundestag this week, which take place from Wednesday to Friday. However, the agenda is not final until it has been decided by the parliamentary groups. In addition, a topic can be submitted until 6 p.m. for the following day.
It is already clear that extensive changes are to be made to the draft in the Bundestag before a decision is made. If the law is not on the agenda this week, it will probably not be possible to pass it before the start of the summer break on July 7 without shortening the deadline and holding special sessions. Chancellor Scholz actually said that was the goal. According to the opinion of the coalition factions, a regular procedure is still possible under certain circumstances, but not a final referral to the Bundesrat.
The Building Energy Act aims to advance the energy revolution in heating. From 2024 onwards, every newly installed heating system should be operated with at least 65 percent green energy. However, no functioning heaters have to be replaced, and broken heaters can also be repaired. The switch is to be socially cushioned by state funding. Transitional periods and hardship regulations are also planned. However, the details are highly controversial.
Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) recently proposed several adjustments. For example, the obligation to install climate-friendly heating in 2024 could initially apply to new buildings. Existing buildings can be given more time. In addition, transition periods could be better synchronized with the expansion of municipal heating networks. The draft law already provides that there will be more time for replacing the heating system if the house is foreseeably connected to a district heating network.