Energy prices, building energy law and advice needs: financial expert analyzes developments for consumers.

Energy prices, building energy law and advice needs: financial expert analyzes developments for consumers.

According to a report by www.sueddeutsche.de, the Lower Saxony Consumer Center expects many questions about energy prices and related topics in the new year. According to managing director Petra Kristandt, the new building energy law, which comes into force on January 1st, will lead to a large number of inquiries from consumers. At the same time, questions about funding renovations and heating replacements are expected. In addition, the expiry of the price brakes will lead to uncertainty and questions about annual and final financial statements.

The abolition of the electricity and gas price brakes on January 1st is unlikely to be relevant for all consumers as market prices have recently fallen. The consumer advice center still expects a further increase in consultations this year, particularly due to rising food costs. These have already led to many questions and complaints in 2023, as have the areas of telecommunications, cybercrime and the enforcement of customer rights.

These developments could lead to consumers increasingly looking for ways to reduce their energy costs, especially given the uncertainties surrounding price trends and billing. At the same time, the increased volume of advice at the consumer advice center could also indicate a greater awareness of consumer issues and lead to increased efforts to enforce customer rights and control costs. This could also lead energy providers to rethink their offerings and billing processes to better meet consumers' needs.