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Energy costs are also expected to rise next winter – although the government’s price cap is set to apply until April. What will happen to households?
Electricity for a maximum of 40 cents per kilowatt hour, natural gas for a maximum of 12 cents per kilowatt hour: With these price brakes, the federal government tried to relieve citizens of energy prices last winter.
Thomas Engelke from the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations draws a positive interim conclusion: “That was very good. Because back then no one knew where gas and electricity prices would climb. They were at record highs at the time. That’s why consumers were protected back then.”
Last winter it was more expensive
Energy prices have now calmed down somewhat – although they are still slightly higher than before the start of the Russian war against Ukraine, they are significantly lower than last winter and are also below the price limit for most customers. Nevertheless, the federal government plans to keep this in place – until the end of April.
Economics Minister Robert Habeck said: “The best case scenario is that we extend it and don’t need it. If we need it, it’s good that we extended it. It’s basically ‘no regret’.”
Homemade price gougers
The federal government wants to protect citizens from unexpected price fluctuations on the energy markets next winter – especially since no one knows what impact the current wars in Ukraine and the Middle East will have.
However, there will also be homemade price drivers this winter. On the one hand, the federal government decided in January to increase the currently reduced VAT on natural gas from seven to 19 percent. On the other hand, the CO2 price that has to be paid for refueling and heating will be increased at the same time.
Energy expert Thomas Engelke from the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations says: “A household that heats with gas, a small single-family home with three or four people, would then pay around 240 euros more per year for gas. So that’s a lot. When it comes to CO2 -Price would mean 146 euros instead of 110 euros as before.”
Not a big jump, but higher costs
Another additional cost factor: The network operators also want to increase prices. However, the federal government plans to provide 5.5 billion euros to largely cushion the increase for consumers. What that ultimately means for them is currently difficult to calculate.
Overall, it can be said: Consumers will have to prepare for higher energy costs from January – even if massive increases are not currently expected.
Savings potential check
Consumer advocate Engelke therefore advises customers to take a close look at where savings potential could lie in the coming winter: “Those who are now signing a new gas or electricity contract should inform themselves and change if necessary. You can definitely save a few hundred euros at the moment. “It’s worth it. On the other hand, you should try to save energy as much as possible this winter too.”
So: No all-clear for energy prices yet. But the worst seems to be over.