Energy transition

The energy transition will only succeed if the interests of consumers are better taken into account. Surveys commissioned by the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband – vzbv) show that the majority of consumers support the measures of the energy transition. However, they want financial relief and need incentives to integrate climate-friendly measures into their everyday lives.

The expansion of renewable energy sources (RES) is a cornerstone of the energy transition, along with energy efficiency and digitalisation. In the electricity sector, the expansion costs are immediately visible through the RES levy (“EEG-Umlage”).

A fair distribution of costs between consumers and industry is crucial for the success of the energy transition. Financial incentives can be created by supporting self-production of electricity by tenants and other residents of apartment buildings as well as promoting the refurbishment of residential buildings to make them more energy-efficient. The burden of any CO2 pricing must not be borne by consumers only.