Hamm consumer advice center: Energy prices are causing a rush

Hamm consumer advice center: Energy prices are causing a rush

In 2022, the consumer advice center in Hamm recorded an unprecedented rush of people seeking advice. The advice center was very busy with more than 6,500 seekers, an increase of over 800 compared to the previous year. This huge rush was mainly due to consumer uncertainty caused by rising energy prices and inflation.

The head of the advisory center, Anne Schulze Wintzler, explained that in addition to the effects of the pandemic, 2022 brought additional crises that exacerbated existing problems and raised new ones. The gas shortage, delivery stops and mass price increase letters from energy suppliers led to a large number of inquiries that presented the consultants with major challenges.

The average cost of gas tripled compared to the previous year, while households had to spend about twice as much on electricity. This financial burden affected not only low-income people, but also average-income households. The consumer advice center provided support regarding the legality of price increases, checked advance calculations and provided information about possible social benefits.

In addition to the new challenges, existing problems such as foisted contracts, fraudulent online shops and problems with travel providers or telecommunications companies were also dealt with by the consumer advice center's advisory staff. Legal advice and representation were successfully provided in around 3,200 cases in order to protect the legitimate claims of those seeking advice. In addition to individual advice, the consumer advice center also offered online group consultations and video consultations in order to avoid waiting times and support a larger number of consumers.