The price brakes for electricity, gas and heat take effect on March 1st.
The consumer advice centers report “completely excessive” March discounts.
With the price brakes for electricity, gas and heat, which take effect on March 1, the federal government wants to relieve consumers.
But at the same time there are first indications of "completely excessive March discounts" from the consumer advice centers.
This was reported by the Federal Consumer Association (VZBV).
In individual cases, consumers report discounts of 1,000 euros and more.
The VZBV recommends checking both the information letters and the new deductions carefully and calls on consumers to report problems.
Energy price brakes are intended to relieve consumers
“The energy price brakes are intended to relieve the burden on citizens.
It is all the more annoying that some providers are obviously trying to cash in and push through completely excessive deductions, ”said VZBV board member Ramona Pop.
The VZBV will check this and take action against rip-offs and any illegal practices.
Consumers should be vigilant and report their problems online via the VZBV consumer appeal or seek advice directly from the consumer advice centers.
The VZBV emphasized that the price brakes also apply retrospectively to January and February.
He therefore asked the suppliers to reimburse the relief to their customers by the end of March.
“Consumers have been waiting for these reliefs for a long time.
Now they need transparency and timely reimbursements.
The companies have a duty here,” says Pop.
According to the comparison portal Verivox, the relief for many households is lower than hoped.
VZBV: Saving energy is still important
Despite the price brakes, the VZBV still recommends saving energy.
After all, the price brakes would only cap 80 percent of electricity, gas and heat consumption, compared to the previous year's consumption.
Saving energy thus helps to save money and is also important for security of supply next winter.
