Increasing need for advice: consumers frustrated by heating laws and energy checks collapsed

Increasing need for advice: consumers frustrated by heating laws and energy checks collapsed

According to a report from www.mdr.de, the Thuringia consumer advice center presented its balance sheet for 2022. Accordingly, the need for advice increased significantly; a total of around 57,000 inquiries, requests for advice and applications for the Thuringian repair bonus for electrical appliances or the renovation bonus were submitted. The consumer advice center blames corrections, delays and unclear funding conditions in the federal heating law for a wait-and-see attitude and frustration among consumers. This led to a decline in energy checks, especially for private homes. According to Ramona Ballod from the consumer advice center, interest has really collapsed since June. This development goes hand in hand with the changed regulations for the funding of energy consultants, which now have to be applied for by homeowners themselves. The consumer advice center also recorded a significant increase in the need for advice in 2022, particularly on contracts with suppliers and utility bills. Around a third more consumer contacts were recorded than in the previous year. Managing director Ralph Walther appealed to the state parliament not to freeze the state's payments for the work of the consumer advice center.

The changes in the funding conditions and the unclear legal situation are likely to have an impact on the market for energy advice and energy efficiency measures. As consumers wait and postpone heating upgrades, energy consultants could see a decline in their orders. This can lead to financial losses and uncertainty in the industry. In addition, delays in implementing energy saving measures may lead to an increase in energy costs for consumers. If demand for energy checks declines, the revenues of companies offering such services could also decline.

It is important that politicians create clear and reliable framework conditions for energy efficiency measures in order to avoid confusion and uncertainty among consumers and advisors. A transparent and well-implemented support policy can help motivate consumers to implement energy saving measures. This in turn can lead to cost savings and environmental protection.

Source: According to a report from www.mdr.de