Energy - Stiebel Eltron boss calls for electricity price adjustment
The difference between the price of electricity and gas should be adjusted, according to the head of heat pump manufacturer Stiebel Eltron. Either electricity should be cheaper or gas should be more expensive, said Kai Schiefelbein at the company's headquarters in Holzminden. This could then also boost sales of heat pumps and the heat transition aimed for by the German government. In his view, the current pricing structure is the cardinal error in energy policy.
According to the Federal Statistical Office, private households in Germany paid an average of 12.26 cents per kilowatt hour for natural gas in the first half of 2023. Electricity cost consumers an average of 42.29 cents per kilowatt hour, i.e. around 3.45 times as much. Schiefelbein advocates a factor of around 2.5, as is common in most other European countries. Germany could, for example, reduce taxes on electricity.
In retrospect, the debate surrounding the Heating Act also damaged the heating transition. "I don't think that was a highlight for democracy," said Schiefelbein. Myths also got caught up in it - for example, "that heat pumps don't work for many buildings. That's simply not true," said Schiefelbein. "That really is a thing of the past." Modern systems can be installed in practically any building.
The aim of the Heating Act is to make heating in Germany more climate-friendly by gradually replacing oil and gas heating systems with heat pumps, for example. Essentially, it stipulates that in future, every newly installed heating system should be operated on the basis of 65% renewable energy. It is due to come into force at the beginning of 2024, but will initially only apply to new-build areas. For existing buildings, a municipal heating plan is to be used as a basis for owners to decide what to do.
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The Federal Government could consider lowering electricity taxes to align with the average price of gas, as suggested by Kai Schiefelbein, the head of Stiebel Eltron. This adjustment could potentially stimulate sales of heat pumps and contribute to Germany's climate goals. Schiefelbein critique the current pricing structure as a major flaw in energy policy.
Private households in Lower Saxony, like many other areas in Germany, currently pay over three times as much for electricity compared to gas. Schiefelbein advocates for a more balanced pricing, similar to other European countries.
The Heating Act, aimed at making heating in Germany more climate-friendly, has been a topic of debate. Kai Schiefelbein voiced his opinion that the debate was not a highlight for democracy and that some myths, such as the belief that heat pumps don't work for many buildings, have been spread during the discussion.
Germany's goal with the Heating Act is to gradually replace oil and gas heating systems with heat pumps, as stated by the law. It will come into effect at the beginning of 2024, initially affecting new-build areas. For existing buildings, a municipal heating plan will serve as a guidance for property owners.
The heads of various German companies, including Kai Schiefelbein, have shared their concerns about the impact of energy prices on their businesses. The turn of the year is often a critical time for companies due to increased energy consumption and the corresponding costs.
The ongoing high gas price is a concern for individuals and businesses across Germany. The increase has led to higher energy bills and financial strain, affecting both private households and companies located in cities like Holzminden.
Source: www.stern.de
