Status: 07/10/2022 03:07 am
In the event of a further escalation of the energy crisis with significantly higher prices, Consumer Protection Minister Lemke believes that a moratorium on electricity and gas cuts is necessary. The Association of Towns and Municipalities suggested setting up heating rooms.
Consumer Protection Minister Steffi Lemke has announced a moratorium on electricity and gas cuts in the event of a further rise in energy prices. “It can happen that in the event of an absolute crisis, the Federal Network Agency allows energy companies to pass on increased prices to consumers despite a price guarantee,” Lemke told “Bild am Sonntag”. Then a moratorium on electricity and gas locks would be necessary for consumers. “And in the event of a crisis, we would also have to decide on another aid package,” said Lemke.
On the one hand, it must be ensured that the suppliers can maintain the energy supply in the country, said the Green politician. “And on the other hand, in such a crisis situation, nobody should have their electricity or gas cut off because they are in arrears with the bill.” In addition, energy companies are only allowed to stop deliveries to their customers three months in advance, said Lemke. “At the moment the gas supply is secured, but yes: we have to be prepared for difficult times in winter when consumers need special protection.”
The federal government has therefore stipulated “that energy companies must inform their customers three months in advance if they want to stop supplying energy”. This prevents a situation like last winter, when cheap electricity providers simply stopped delivering in rows.
Association of towns and municipalities: heat rooms in winter
In view of the impending gas shortage and high energy prices, the Association of Towns and Municipalities suggested setting up heating rooms. “Since nobody can say exactly how dramatic the development will be, consideration should also be given to providing heat islands or warm rooms where older people in particular can stay even in a very cold winter,” said managing director Gerd Landsberg to the newspaper.