Ramona Pop, the director of the Federal Consumer Centre Association (VZBV), has issued a warning regarding the high energy costs expected during the coming winter. Pop told the “Rheinische Post” (Saturday edition) that prices for fossil fuels have risen due to the war in Iran. She cautions that since gas storage facilities are typically filled in the summer, the already elevated prices seen during that season will be reflected in winter months.
She emphasizes that politicians must take action “now,” rather than waiting until people are faced with high utility bills. Pop suggests that public calls for energy conservation could be intensified. Furthermore, given the rising energy costs, she advocates for effective relief measures for private households, possibly through direct payments.
In addition to these measures, the consumer advocate again urged the Federal Government to immediately reduce the electricity tax. Pop noted that despite Germany having a high proportion of renewable energy, it remains among the countries with the highest electricity prices in Europe. Consequently, the VZBV has long advocated for lowering the electricity tax to the European minimum standard. She stressed that this reduction would provide a noticeable relief, especially since electricity plays a greater and greater role in various aspects of life, such as with electric cars and heat pumps.
