Stalled talks over a reform of the Building Energy Act (GEG) have prompted several industry groups to warn of a potential collapse and to call on the Union and the SPD to speed up the process.
Kai Warnecke, president of the property owners’ association Haus & Grund, told “Bild” that the law must come into force by 1 July 2026 at the latest. “Time is very short” he said. “The Bundestag still has to draft, consult and hear experts before it can pass the bill. To avoid another Constitutional Court veto, it should be ready for parliamentary debate by mid‑February at the latest, which I believe is hardly possible”.
“Bild” reports that the leaders of the Union and SPD parties are entrenched in their positions. A key points paper that was scheduled for release this week is now expected only by the beginning of February, according to the coalition back‑channels quoted.
A major sticking point is the SPD’s rejection of the Union’s demand to scrap the 65‑percent rule that requires new heating systems to operate at 65 % climate‑neutrality. Warnecke stressed that, if the GEG reform is not approved by 1 July, the controversial 65‑percent rule will remain in effect for all cities with more than 100 000 residents. The rule would oblige newly installed heating units to run at least 65 % climate‑neutral. “Most households would then be forced to install only a heat pump or an expensive hybrid system” he warned. “That is costly and contrary to sound energy and climate policy”.
Ingbert Liebing, chief executive of the Association of Municipal Enterprises (VKU), also urged the Union and SPD to reach a swift agreement. He told “Bild” that “clarity must come as soon as possible”. “Every citizen, the small and medium‑enterprise sector, and local authorities need a stable framework to plan and implement” Liebing said. “It is not helpful for political conditions to keep changing drastically”.
