Energy Price Trends and Household Impact

Rising Heating Costs Amid Energy Crisis

In 2023, heating costs surged by over 30% despite efforts to cap gas prices. This increase mirrored the previous year’s 33% rise, driven by the ongoing energy crisis sparked by the Russian conflict. Although energy consumption fell by 8.9% since 2021, it failed to counteract the soaring costs. A study by the German Institute for Economic Research, using data from 1.5 million rental properties, highlighted regional disparities. Eastern Germany showed a 10 kWh/m² lower consumption compared to the west, attributed to a higher rate of building renovations. Main factors behind reduced energy usage included higher prices, public appeals for savings, and technological efficiency measures. However, these did not alleviate the financial burden on many. In North Rhine-Westphalia, more than 10% of the population struggled to heat their homes adequately, a significant increase from previous years. Single-parent households were particularly affected. As energy prices rose by 54% compared to a 13.1% increase in consumer prices, the impact was widespread, underscoring the urgent need for effective solutions to address the crisis.