Munich residents completely perplexed after moving to a new apartment: "Electricity costs more than half of the rent"

Created: 05/10/2022 08:51

By: Nina Bautz

Andre Borchert can't believe it: He has to pay 240 euros for his 45 square meter apartment.

© Sigi Jantz

In the midst of the energy crisis, life is getting more expensive, electricity and gas prices are rising.

Just how much, a Munich resident had to experience first-hand.

Munich – Actually, there it is in black and white.

André Borchert (45) has to look several times when he holds the utility bill in his hands.

His small Gewofag apartment in Giesing has only one and a half rooms, measures just 45 square meters - and for this he has to pay an unbelievable 240 euros per month in installments!

"I'm shocked," says the Munich job-seeker, who last worked as an IT manager, the

.

He only moved in in mid-September and signed a new contract with the public utility company.

“I pay just under 400 euros in rent.

That means the electricity costs more than half of the rent.

This can not be.

How does this sum come about?

As a new customer, is there a price increase that might still threaten the other customers?”

Electricity shock in Munich: 240 euros for 45 square meters

On request, Stadtwerke will declare that this invoice is correct.

Since Mr. Borchert has a night storage heater and therefore also heats with electricity, the amount is higher.

In addition, the annual accounts are always due in his house in March.

"That means that consumption is not spread over 12 months, but over six months," says spokesman Michael Silva.

There would be no anticipation of a future price increase at Stadtwerke.

But how does it look like, is there a threat of an increase in prices?

She will definitely not come in November, says Silva.

"We always have to announce an increase at least six weeks in advance." So for December or January?

"There will definitely be an increase." However, the SWM could not name a specific point in time at the moment.

Because of the rising energy prices, a family in Bavaria has now turned off the gas itself.

Shocked by the bill: Munich cannot pay electricity costs

André Borchert cannot pay the SWM claim, even if he wanted to.

“I have no financial reserves and currently no income.

I get 449 euros unemployment benefit II. The highest that would be in the budget would be 60 euros for electricity.” He plans to simply transfer this amount and wait.

The Stadtwerke expect that more such cases of social hardship will come their way.

They advise contacting the social community centers to talk about possible solutions.

"And customers who are experiencing financial difficulties should also contact us immediately." In certain cases, installment payments or similar solutions could be considered.

Maybe there is a way out for Andrè Borchert too... (

)