Class action lawsuits filed against E.On and Hansewerk Natur because prices were too high

Class action lawsuits filed against E.On and Hansewerk Natur because prices were too high

According to a report by amp2.handelsblatt.com, the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbv) has filed class action lawsuits against the utilities E.ON and Hansewerk Natur. The reason for this is that prices are too high and are said to have been collected by consumers. vzbv board member Ramona Pop criticizes the enormous and non-transparent price increases and demands direct refunds for participating consumers.

According to the report, prices in some areas since 2021 have increased by more than 100 percent, and in some cases the price has almost quadrupled. This puts a heavy burden on consumers who are unfairly charged. According to Pop, there is no competition, no freedom of choice and little price transparency in the district heating market in Germany. Consumers would have no chance of switching to another provider.

The impact of these class actions could be significant. If the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations is proven right, E.ON and Hansewerk Natur could demand direct refunds for the affected consumers. This could lead to a financial burden for companies and a positive relief for consumers. This could also trigger a discussion about the regulation of the district heating market in Germany and lead to stricter pricing rules.