DThe German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) is expecting a sharp increase in electricity prices for the economy following the traffic light coalition’s budget decisions. “We have calculated different case constellations and come up with increases in electricity bills of 10 to 20 percent,” said DIHK President Peter Adrian to the “Rheinische Post”.
“This is not just an additional brake on the economy at the worst possible time,” said Adrian. “It also sends the wrong signal to many companies that want to switch their production or fleet from fossil energy to electricity – especially since the costs of diesel and kerosene are also rising at the same time.”
It is good that the federal government can now present a solution for the 2024 budget. “Otherwise our reputation as a business and investment location would have suffered international damage,” said the DIHK boss. “However, many points contribute to an increase in costs for companies in Germany.”
Above all, this includes the announcement that transmission network fees will no longer be subsidized. This is leading to a sharp increase in electricity prices for companies from almost all industries and sizes, said Adrian. After all, the EEG levy should continue to be financed from the state budget and the electricity tax for producing companies should be reduced.