Burden of heating expenses in 2024: multiple tenants face large payments
In Leipzig, many residents are facing higher ancillary costs, particularly due to increased energy prices for heating and hot water. According to Thomas Griebel, head of the advisory center of the Saxon Consumer Center in Leipzig, there are three main reasons for this trend.
Firstly, the use of fossil energy carriers such as natural gas leads to a significant price increase for district heating customers. Secondly, the reduced value-added tax on gas has ended, and it has been raised back to the regular rate of 19 percent. Thirdly, higher CO2 levies have become due, with the price now at 45 euros per tonne, compared to 30 euros in 2023. From 2025, the CO2 levy will rise further to 55 euros.
Outdated technology in older buildings can also drive up heating costs, particularly with uninsulated heating pipes and new electronic metering systems. Often, only a fraction of the actual consumption is correctly recorded, which is particularly evident with these new systems.
However, help is at hand. The energy advisory service of the consumer center offers free energy-saving consultations online, by phone, or in-person. They provide tips on how to save electricity, water, and heating energy with simple steps.
In cases where irregularities in consumption values or legal allocation errors in heating cost settlements are suspected, the Consumer Center Saxony can help. They advise everyone who feels overwhelmed with the heating bill to have their heating cost settlement independently reviewed. Appointments for such a review can be made online or by phone at (0341) 6962929 throughout Saxony.
Unfortunately, without a price cap, district heating customers are left defenseless against these cost increases, even though the costs that municipal providers can impose on their customers are strictly regulated by law. In such cases, experts recommend sharing the heating costs equally based on consumption and living space, not necessarily at a 30:70 ratio.
It is important to note that the responsibility for the increased heating energy costs in the ancillary cost settlements in Leipzig in 2024 lies primarily with the local housing or social welfare authorities that handle social benefits and housing cost subsidies according to applicable social law (§16 SGB I), and the relevant municipal administration for heating cost regulation and tenant issues.
Looking ahead, gas will remain expensive due to additional CO2 price, value-added tax, and network charges. Many district heating customers are usually dependent on their municipal supplier and cannot switch providers due to a lack of alternative providers.
In conclusion, while the current situation may seem daunting, it is crucial for residents to seek advice and take steps to reduce their energy consumption. The Consumer Center Saxony stands ready to help those who need it.
Read also:
- Shaping India's Economic Progression: Readying the Financial System for Tomorrow
- Two farmers in Zambia take legal action against two firms with Chinese connections, alleging an ecological disaster caused by their operations.
- Deepening EU-India relations despite apprehensions regarding Moscow connections
- Ongoing Transition Towards Cleanliness
