Traffic light plans for gas heating, truck tolls and the like: what will change for consumers

The traffic light in the coalition committee struggled for decisions for a long time.

In the end, the planned ban on gas heating was overturned.

The changes for consumers at a glance.

Berlin – The discussion was huge: Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) wants a complete ban on gas and oil heating by 2024 at the latest. Many consumers suddenly saw an avalanche of costs rolling towards them.

But nothing is eaten as hot as it is cooked.

After the announcement of the decisions of the coalition committee of the traffic light coalition on Tuesday evening (March 28), it is clear: A real ban on gas or oil heating from 2024 or an obligation to replace heating systems for private households is off the table.

Nevertheless, some changes are coming to consumers, also in relation to heating and renewable energies.

Traffic light plans for gas heating, truck tolls and the like: that is changing for consumers

"The energy transition in the heating sector is a key area for achieving climate policy goals and for further reducing dependence on fossil raw materials," says the paper on the coalition committee entitled "Modernization package for climate protection and planning acceleration".

The paper on the coalition committee is available to the

.

A central component in this area should be a quick change of course in the area of ​​building heating.

The gas and oil heating ban originally planned by Habeck from 2024 was a central aspect, reports kreiszeitung.de.

Although this complete ban is now off the table, there will be serious changes as early as next year if a consumer needs a new heating system in their household.

Because the old gas or oil heating system cannot simply be replaced, certain requirements must be met for this.

However, there is massive resistance from the opposition and associations.

Ban on oil and gas heating: From 2024, heating should be operated using 65 renewable energies

In the traffic light coalition committee, the federal government therefore decided to stipulate by law that from January 1, 2024, every

should be operated with 65 percent renewable energies.

If heaters can be operated with eco-gas (i.e. green or blue hydrogen), they should be allowed to continue running.

The corresponding draft law is currently being worked on, according to the coalition committee paper.

"It will be initiated by the federal government in April in the cabinet in order to pass the law - the so-called Building Energy Act (GEG) - before the summer break in the Bundestag," says the plan after the agreement of the traffic light coalition.

When designing the Building Energy Act, the main aim is to cushion cases of social hardship.

There should also be sufficient transition periods so that a technology-open approach can be pursued for consumers.

So nobody should be left alone when it comes to replacing the heating system in the coming years.

According to the result of the coalition committee, this should also apply to tenants.

15 million e-cars by 2030: traffic light coalition wants to massively expand charging infrastructure

In addition, the traffic light coalition wants to see around 15 million electric cars on the roads by 2030.

“In order to achieve the goal, a rapid and comprehensive expansion of

is required in particular .

Charging must be as easy as refueling,” says the coalition paper.

But where should the charging stations come from?

There are already far too few opportunities for consumers to charge their e-cars.

In order to get everything under control, a massive expansion of charging stations for consumers is planned under the key point "master plan for charging infrastructure", because "the more fast charging stations and charging stations are available, the more attractive battery-electric driving becomes", according to the traffic light coalition.

Truck toll for railway infrastructure: 80 percent should flow into the expansion of the railways

The traffic light in the coalition committee has also taken on the truck toll.

This is to be increased so that the additional income can be used

for the planned

According to Green Party leader Ricarda Lang, 80 percent of the money from this should flow into the expansion of the rail network.

In the course of this, there will also be changes to the BahnCard100 and the 49-euro ticket.

If you already have a BahnCard 100, you won't have to buy a Germany ticket in the future, as the 49-euro ticket is to be integrated into the BahnCard 100.

With the introduction of the Germany ticket, i.e. the 49-euro ticket, the federal government has set the course for a significantly higher demand for public transport services, according to the coalition paper.

In the coming years it will be a question of further expanding the offer, especially in suburban and rural areas.

In the coming years, the federal government will already provide considerable financial resources for investments and operation.

In addition, there is to be a massive

.

According to Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP), the coalition partners agreed on an accelerated expansion.

To this end, 140 motorway projects are to be of outstanding public interest in the future.