Bang in Germany: According to a newspaper report, the government in Berlin wants to ban electricity and gas suppliers in general from raising prices before 2023. This is evident from the draft price brakes bill adopted by the cabinet, De Bild reports on Saturday. Hundreds of increases that were already decided around the turn of the year are therefore unlawful.
In the event of a dispute, the energy supplier must prove to the Federal Cartel Office that the share prices justify the increase, the newspaper reports, citing a spokeswoman for the German Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Justification needed for price increase
As long as the supplier is unable to do so, the increase will remain prohibited. Background is the claim for compensation that arises for gas suppliers from the energy price brakes decided by the government against the state, according to circles in the traffic light coalition of SPD (social democrats), FDP (liberals) and greens. “This should rule out abuse,” says SPD energy policy spokeswoman Nina Scheer in the “Bild”.
Referring to figures from the consumer portal Check24, “Bild” reports that there will be huge price increases from January 1: 457 gas suppliers are planning an average increase of 56 percent, which would affect 3.6 million households. 636 electricity suppliers planned increases of an average of 60 percent for 7.5 million households.
“Advise consumers to object”
“Consumers may withhold payment of the increase,” the head of the Federation of Energy Consumers, Leonora Holling, told the newspaper. The planned increases are disproportionate to the price development on the stock exchange. “We advise consumers to object.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
