A significant majority of German citizens are demanding greater transparency regarding their heating energy consumption, according to a new survey released by the Bitkom, the German IT industry association. The findings highlight a growing disconnect between government energy policies and the information needs of the populace, raising questions about public trust and the implementation of digital solutions.
The survey, conducted via telephone with 1,156 individuals aged 16 and over during the period of September 23rd to September 27th, 2025, revealed that 63% of respondents expressed a desire for smart meters capable of providing real-time data on their heating energy usage. While 26% currently utilize apps for heating control or consumption monitoring, a further 39% indicated they could envision themselves doing so.
Beyond simple consumption data, the survey indicates a robust appetite for more comprehensive information. An overwhelming 62% desire more frequent and precise overviews of their heating energy expenditure, moving away from the traditional year-end summary. Similarly, 61% specifically request information on how to reduce energy consumption and 55% seek insight into the carbon footprint associated with their electricity and heating usage.
However, the enthusiasm for increased digitalization isn’t unqualified. A notable 36% voiced concerns regarding the potential for digital solutions to collect excessive data about their behavior, raising questions about privacy and the potential for misuse. This apprehension underscores a key challenge for policymakers: striking a balance between encouraging energy efficiency through digital tools and safeguarding citizen privacy concerns, particularly in the context of ongoing debates surrounding government surveillance and the implementation of climate-related policies.
The findings also subtly critique the effectiveness of current public awareness campaigns focused on energy conservation. The strong desire for real-time data and practical energy-saving advice points to a perceived lack of accessible and responsive information, potentially hindering the widespread adoption of recommended measures. This could ultimately necessitate a rethink of government communication strategies, prioritizing user-friendly digital platforms and fostering greater trust in the collection and deployment of energy consumption data.
