The payment of the new gas levy is a concern for many people.
The Tölzer Stadtwerke are now announcing a price calculation and explaining the procedure.
Further increases in 2023 cannot be ruled out.
Bad Tölz – "The so-called gas levy is actually divided into two new levies," explains Stadtwerke Managing Director Walter Huber when asked by a courier.
On the one hand, there is the gas procurement levy, which was already published at 2.419 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) net at the beginning of the week.
On the other hand, the gas storage levy of 0.059 cents per kWh and the increase in the balancing levy from 0.00 to 0.570 cents per kWh were announced on Thursday.
"They are added for all customers," says Huber.
"The same applies to VAT."
According to Huber, an average four-person household with a consumption of around 20,000 kWh per year has to reckon with additional costs of around 600 euros gross.
"Single households are hit with about 250 euros per year." It is difficult to give an estimate here, since consumption is very individual.
Information about possible further price increases in November
The Stadtwerke will pass on all the surcharges immediately - i.e. not at a later point in time.
"Therefore, all buyers will receive a letter in the next few weeks about the effects of the discount from October 1st." Customers would like to report their meter reading on October 1st, "so that billing can be transparent and fair".
Otherwise, the consumption is delimited according to billing technology with the annual statement.
How does Huber see the further price development?
According to the managing director, a further increase is not to be expected in 2022 and emphasizes: “Our priority is not maximizing profits, but the crisis-proof basic supply of gas, electricity and water for the citizens of Tölz.” However, one must assume that the Stadtwerke have to implement price increases for the year 2023 due to the increases on the market.
"Even if these are calculated as moderately as possible from our side," says Huber.
One wants to inform the customers in November “in good time”.
What happens to defaulting customers?
What happens if you can no longer pay your bill?
"On request, we can offer installment payments for additional payments in the annual statement," says Huber.
In general, however, the problem will only be postponed and not solved, since rising prices will result in a higher discount in the coming year.
"We hope that the government will still react in terms of financial support for the needy."
Gas saving tips
Saving gas is currently the number one topic for all affected households.
What tips does the Stadtwerke manager have?
"Natural gas can be saved, for example, by using less hot water by showering instead of bathing or washing your hands with cold water," says Huber.
In addition, heat is lost in the hot water circulation.
"This can be turned off at the heating system," says Huber.
In general, the heating system should be switched to summer operation outside of the heating period and the room heating should be reduced "to the necessary level" from autumn.
Huber also points out that the heating system should be optimally adjusted for efficient heat generation and, if necessary, a hydraulic balance should also be carried out.
"The best way to do this is to contact the heating installer."
Alert against fraudulent callers
Fraudsters are currently trying to profit from the crisis.
The Stadtwerke warn of calls in which strangers pretend to be Stadtwerke employees and offer a price guarantee or contract extension for electricity or gas and allegedly immediately available photovoltaic systems at exorbitant prices.
In some cases, personal data such as the meter number or bank details were requested.
"In the worst case, after the meter number has been released, consumers bind themselves to another provider who costs them many times more in the long run," says Huber.
In many cases, it is difficult to withdraw from such an agreement.
"As a rule, we don't proactively contact our customers about contract issues and don't ask for personal data on the phone," says Huber.
If you have questions for the Stadtwerke
You can find more current news from the region around Bad Tölz at Merkur.de/Bad Tölz.
