Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Katherina Reiche (CDU), has dismissed the substantial criticism surrounding the draft legislation for the new heating law. She specifically refuted claims, even those originating from within her own party, that the law violates Germany’s Basic Law (Grundgesetz). Speaking to the “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger”, Reiche assured the public that all relevant departments were incorporated thoroughly and intensively into the process, stating she had coordinated extensively with Stefanie Hubig and Verena Hubertz, and expressed that she is “very satisfied” with the finalized bill. According to the Minister, the impending legislation is already proving effective, asserting, “People are choosing heat pumps based on their own conviction, not least because of the continued reliable and adequate subsidies”.
Reiche also countered the warnings issued by consumer protection groups that gas heating could become a financial trap for residents amid expected increases in natural gas costs. She maintained an optimistic outlook regarding energy prices, stating that she would not worry about gas costs in the medium term because the international supply of liquefied natural gas is expected to grow, allowing German companies to secure long-term supply agreements. She characterized gas as an “ideal bridge technology” particularly for buildings that anticipate connecting to district heating systems in the near future. Furthermore, the minister dismissed the severe critique from the Protocol Committee, which had labeled the project one of the most “practically weak and far-fetched” initiatives of recent years. Reiche suggested that the Committee had simply adopted the statements provided by industry associations.
