Consulting - Energy prices: Consumer advice center expects questions in 2024
The Lower Saxony Consumer Advice Center will continue to answer many questions about energy prices in the new year. Managing Director Petra Kristandt told the German Press Agency in Hanover in response to an inquiry. "The Building Energy Act comes into force on January 1. Many consumers will be asking themselves what this means for them and, of course, what subsidies are available for renovations or heating replacements," said the Managing Director.
The expiry of the price brakes would also lead to uncertainty and questions about annual and final bills, emphasized Kristandt. "And the familiar problems with energy suppliers - such as late billing, unwanted contract changes or excessive budget billing claims - will certainly also keep us busy."
The electricity and gas price brakes are to be abolished on January 1. However, they have recently ceased to play a role for many energy consumers due to lower market prices.
The consumer advice center expects another increase in consultations this year. Concrete figures were not yet available. In 2023, consumers already had many questions about energy.
"In addition, rising food costs have kept many consumers busy this year. This has been reflected in information and inquiries about price increases and deceptive packaging," said a spokesperson.
The consumer advice center also reported a high level of demand this year in the areas of telecommunications (especially fiber optic expansion), cybercrime and the enforcement of customer rights - such as product guarantees and warranties.
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- Due to the implementation of the Building Energy Act on January 1 in Lower Saxony, many consumers are expected to seek advice at the consumer center regarding potential subsidies for renovations or heating replacements, as stated by Managing Director Petra Kristandt.
- With the abolition of energy price brakes on January 1, consumers may experience uncertainty about their annual and final bills, according to Kristandt, who also anticipates a rise in consultations related to ongoing issues with energy suppliers.
- The Hanover-based Lower Saxony Consumer Advice Center expects an increase in consultations regarding energy prices in 2024, similar to the high demand seen in 2023, mainly driven by concerns about market fluctuations and associated price hikes.
- In addition to the energy sector, the consumer center in Lower Saxony reported a significant rise in inquiries related to telecommunications, especially fiber optic expansion, and enforcing customer rights, such as product guarantees and warranties, during the turn of the year.
Source: www.stern.de
