Gas alert: Prices are rising dramatically - Here's how consumers can protect themselves
Created: 06/25/2022, 11:23 am
By: Vincent Fischer
Federal Minister of Economics Habeck has declared the gas emergency plan on alert.
The prices rise dramatically.
What can consumers do?
Berlin - Since the outbreak of the Ukraine war, the gas supply in Germany has been strained.
Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck announced the second stage of the gas emergency plan on Thursday.
In the so-called alarm level, there is therefore a "disruption to the gas supply".
Russia had previously severely reduced its gas supplies, and since then only 60 percent of the guaranteed quantities have flowed through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. With serious consequences, because gas prices have risen to unprecedented heights since then.
Gas emergency plan: Energy Security Act changed - consumers face a price explosion
Habeck then directed serious allegations at Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"Russia used gas and energy as weapons against Germany," said the Green politician.
He fears a price increase that will burden industry and private households.
The sticking point is the new Paragraph 24 of the Energy Security Act.
This enables gas suppliers to adapt contracts with consumers to rising prices on the market.
Then even price guarantees, old tariffs and fixed prices will be lifted.
However, certain conditions must be met for this to happen.
The Federal Network Agency must first determine a "considerable reduction in the total gas import volumes to Germany" and publish this in the Federal Gazette.
Price increases can take effect after just one week.
The Federal Minister of Economics is still refraining from activating this clause.
But should Russia continue to curb its deliveries, the price could soon be adjusted.
What can consumers do specifically to protect themselves from the exploding costs?
Gas: A lot can be saved on heating - Habeck appeals to consumers
"From now on, gas is a scarce commodity," said Robert Habeck on Thursday.
Accordingly, it is particularly important to use it as sparingly as possible.
"All consumers - in industry, in public institutions and in private households - should reduce gas consumption as much as possible so that we can get through the winter."
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According to
the North Rhine-Westphalia consumer advice center
, even small changes can help.
In this way, a lot of gas can be saved, especially in the shower and when heating.
A timer or controlling the heating via smart home apps can reduce consumption.
The consumer advice center also points out the control of the thermostat: “With a standard thermostat, level 2 corresponds to around 16° Celsius, level 3 to around 20° Celsius and level 4 to around 24° Celsius.” According to this, about six percent of heating costs can be reduced per degree be saved.
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Consumers are faced with rising gas prices.
The thermostat on the heating can save a lot of money.
© Sina Schuldt / dpa
In some cases, the radiator no longer heats up completely, in which case venting can help.
In addition, heaters should not be blocked with curtains or furniture.
The Federal Minister of Economics refers to the potential when radiators are serviced.
This could save up to 15 percent.
"It makes sense to adjust the heating sensibly," says Habeck.
There is a risk of high additional payments to suppliers - consumers should start saving now
In order to protect yourself from high additional payments at the end of the year,
Focus.de
advises adjusting advance payments to the gas supplier.
It is also important to save money as soon as possible.
Heat pumps also reduce gas consumption, but customer patience is required due to the high demand.
If you can afford it, you can also renovate the building according to energy standards.
(vfi)
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