Federal funding for energy consultancy significantly reduced
The German government is significantly reducing the funding for energy consultations. For applications submitted from Wednesday, August 7th, only 50 percent, instead of the previous 80 percent, of the eligible consultation fee for energy-efficient building renovations will be covered, as announced by the Federal Ministry of Economics. The reason for this is the increased demand for the program.
The adjustment in funding is "necessary," according to the Federal Ministry of Economics, "given the overall fiscal situation and the sustained high demand for subsidized energy consultations." Consequently, the maximum grants for single or two-family houses, which were previously 1300 euros, and for buildings with more than three apartments, which were 1700 euros, will also be reduced by 50 percent. However, the increased funding for the corresponding renovation work will not be affected by these cuts.
"The reduction will allow as many interested parties as possible to continue receiving subsidized energy consultations and maintain the programs at a good level," explained the ministry led by Federal Minister Robert Habeck.
By July of this year, the number of applications for energy consultations in residential buildings had reached a record high of 80,000. The government expects over 150,000 applications by the end of the year, compared to 130,600 last year.
Energy consultants support consumers in renovating their homes in an energy-efficient manner. This can involve replacing windows or insulating exterior walls. The experts advise on which measures are most effective and in what order they should be implemented.
During the energy consultation, an individual renovation plan (iSFP) can also be created, which opens up further funding opportunities. According to the information provided, this will not change in the future. Those who have an iSFP created by an energy consultant can receive 20 percent funding instead of the previous 15 percent. Additionally, the eligible expenses for individual measures after an iSFP will remain doubled from 30,000 euros to 60,000 euros.
The Federal Ministry of Economics mentioned that the reduction in funding is a necessary response to "The Union's" overall fiscal situation and the sustained high demand for subsidized energy consultations. Despite the reduction in grants for single or two-family houses and buildings with more than three apartments, "The Union" continues to support energy-efficient building renovations through increased funding for the corresponding work.
