Heating, refueling and electricity have become significantly more expensive over the past three years. According to a new survey, energy prices are more than 40 percent higher than in February 2021.
According to an analysis by the comparison portal Verivox, three years after the start of the energy crisis, the prices for heating, electricity and refueling are still 41 percent above pre-crisis levels. A three-person model household currently has to spend 1,534 euros more on energy than in February 2021, as the Funke media group newspapers reported, citing the analysis.
Specifically, the prices for electricity, fuel and heating currently burden the model household with 5,306 euros per year. In February 2021, the same amount of energy cost 3,772 euros. For the analysis, Verivox used a three-person model household with an annual heat requirement of 20,000 kilowatt hours (kWh), an electricity consumption of 4,000 kWh and an annual mileage of 13,300 kilometers.
Heating, in particular, takes a toll on the office
According to Verivox, heating in particular is still significantly more expensive than it was three years ago. Heating with oil became more expensive by 64 percent during the period under review, the Funke newspapers write, citing the evaluation. According to the evaluation, in February 2021 1,270 euros were due for 20 hectoliters of heating oil, now it is 2,088 euros.
There is also a significant increase in gas. Here the costs rose from 1,162 euros to 2,033 euros for a consumption of 20,000 kilowatt hours, which corresponds to an increase of 75 percent. However, customers can save money by switching providers. According to Verivox, there is a lot of competition in the market right now.
Also Consumer advocates advise to Change of provider
The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbv) also recommends changing providers in view of the continued high price level. “Since many new contracts for electricity and gas are currently cheaper, consumers should check whether they can switch to a good and cheaper provider,” vzbv board member Ramona Pop told the Funke newspapers. However, it is important to take a close look at whether the provider is reputable.