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Single-family houses with solar roofs
Photo: Rainer Weisflog / IMAGO
Consumer advocates demand a fair distribution of the loads in the planned faster energy transition.
"Should additional costs arise with the coal phase-out - for example, higher electricity prices - not only industry but also private households have to be financially relieved," said the head of the Federation of German Consumer Organizations, Klaus Müller.
Politicians have to accelerate climate protection, but it has to be fair.
"There is an imbalance here, as you can see from the example of electricity prices," said Müller.
Citizens on a tight budget funded exemptions for industry through their electricity bills.
"The new government must act here urgently," demanded the consumer advocate.
Benefits for industry would have to be financed from taxes or abolished.
The CO2 price on heating oil, natural gas or fuel is basically correct, said Müller.
However, all of the income would have to flow back to the consumer, for example as a climate check.
The bottom line is that those who cause less carbon dioxide would have more money.
Frequent flyers or SUV drivers, on the other hand, would pay extra.
"A climate check would also ensure more acceptance," said Müller with certainty.
In the long term, the energy transition is a "huge opportunity" for consumers.
With a high proportion of green electricity, less expensive gas and oil have to be imported.
Citizens could also earn money, for example with solar power from their own roof.
"To do this, the new government must improve the use of self-generated electricity and remove bureaucratic hurdles for tenant electricity," said Müller.
The planned traffic light coalition of the SPD, the Greens and the FDP wants to bring the coal phase out from 2038 to 2030 and at the same time drastically expand renewable energies.
mik / dpa-AFX
