Hartz IV: Excessive discounts from electricity providers - consumer advocates warn: "Check carefully" 

Created: 12/22/2021, 4:52 PM

By: Patricia Huber

Electricity prices are rising - but you don't always have to put up with that.

© Hauke-Christian Dittrich / dpa

Rising electricity costs can pose a financial challenge, especially for Hartz IV recipients.

But not every increase is legal, warns the consumer advice center.

Hanover - Energy prices are rising.

This is not only noticeable at the petrol stations, but also on the electricity bill.

More and more providers are therefore simply increasing their discounts.

But there is often no legal basis for this, criticizes the Lower Saxony consumer advice center.

Hartz IV: Electricity price increase as a financial fiasco

Especially for Hartz IV * recipients, higher prices can represent a financial disaster.

Because electricity costs have to be paid at the standard rate *, which is currently 446 euros.

From 2022 there will be three euros more, i.e. 449 euros.

An increase in the discounts is only permitted by law if the customer has agreed.

"Even rising prices or increased consumption will not change that," explains energy expert Tiana Schönbohm from the Lower Saxony consumer center.

The only exception here is for customers with basic services.

Due to a new regulation in the basic supply regulation, electricity providers have been able to adjust the discounts in the event of a price increase since the end of November 2021.

Electricity price increase: It is essential to check the general terms and conditions

However, it is not possible to increase the down payment outside of the basic service. However, some providers have specified exceptions in their general terms and conditions. “Not all regulations are legal. In principle, the general terms and conditions of other providers must not put customers in a worse position than the Ordinance on Basic Services, ”explains Schönbohm. A precise review of the terms and conditions is therefore essential if you want to defend yourself against an increase in the discounts.

Just a few days ago, the Left had applied in the Bundestag to abolish Hartz IV sanctions and to raise the standard rates at short notice * in order to cushion the rising cost of living.

This is

.

But the Bundestag rejected the short-term increase.