Hartz IV: Electricity and gas more and more expensive - job centers send out energy-saving tips - "I feel like I'm working..."

Created: 01/24/2022, 11:11 am

By: Patricia Huber

With a letter to Hartz IV recipients, the job center caused a lot of anger.

© Christoph Hardt/Imago Images

Hartz IV recipients are particularly affected by the sharp rise in electricity and gas prices.

The job center has now sent tips on how to save energy to recipients - and is causing a lot of displeasure.

Munich – Everyone would like to save electricity and heating costs at the moment.

Energy prices are rising rapidly and are now at record levels.

With an eye on the account, you then like to turn down the heating and pay more attention to switching off electronic devices.

Actually a logical reaction, but many a job center does not seem to trust the Hartz IV* recipients.

Hartz IV: Jobcenter sends out instructions on how to save electricity and heating costs

Apparently, job centers are already sending out letters with instructions on how to save on electricity and heating costs*.

A user shared these two letters on Twitter and was horrified.

"Just be thankful that the job center explains to me how I can save even better on heating and electricity costs if the rates are not adjusted to the rising energy costs," she comments sarcastically on the letter.

At the turn of the year, the Hartz IV standard rate* was raised by three euros per month.

It is currently at 449 euros.

In relation to the current inflation rate of around five percent, however, these three euros seem like peanuts.

"Meanwhile, I just feel fooled," writes the Twitter user, who vented her frustration with the letter.

The “tips” that the job center gives should actually be known to everyone.

Hartz IV: Letter from the job center causes horror

For example, it advises turning on the light only where it is needed.

It also suggests heating "consciously".

“Differently used rooms do not have to be heated to the same extent.

Rooms that are rarely used, such as bedrooms and hallways, can be tempered at a lower temperature.

A little tip: just close the doors between differently heated rooms.

Under the tweet there are numerous comments from users who are also outraged* about the writing.

A user writes: "That's right, if our income is not enough for a decent life, we just have to be a bit stupid.

We need smart surrogate parents and more education.” However, the problem that the post creator has with writing is not about the tips.

But the fact that only people affected by poverty receive this letter.

“Saving energy always makes sense.

The problem is that many of us who live in poverty are already doing this.

Because we haven't had any other option for a long time if rates are too low.

And it's audacious to send such letters now, of all times," she adds.