Despite the threat of delivery stops through the German-Russian Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline, the state government sees no reason to panic. However, energy suppliers and consumers have to adjust to the burdens.
Schwerin (dpa/mv) – Economics Minister Reinhard Meyer (SPD) has warned against an overreaction in view of the current difficulties with gas deliveries for Germany. “The situation is difficult. It presents us all with great challenges. Scaremongering is bad advice even in these times,” said Meyer. One is in close contact with the federal government. The minister attached importance to the fact that not only large suppliers had to be supported, but also regional energy service providers who were struggling particularly with the price increases.
The Stadtwerke in Neustrelitz had already convened a crisis and emergency team on Tuesday to prepare for any bottlenecks in winter. The supplier operates a biomass power plant, which, according to the company, ensures up to 70 percent of the required heat supply – depending on the weather situation. Only 30 percent is dependent on oil or gas. Managing Director Frank Schmetzke was confident: “We are an economically strong company and there is currently no reason to panic, but we still have to adapt to the situation and make the appropriate preparations.” The “North Courier” had previously reported.
Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens) recently warned that gas deliveries through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline might not resume after maintenance scheduled for July 11th. The majority of Russian gas supplies to Germany flow through the pipeline. Despite the fact that this pipeline lands in Lubmin in Western Pomerania, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania would not be more affected by a delivery stop than other parts of Germany, according to the Federal Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW).
In addition to the financial burden on low-income households, the state government is particularly concerned about the possible consequences of gas bottlenecks for small and medium-sized companies. According to Meyer, many medium-sized companies produce preliminary products for large companies, “if these supplier products are missing, the final product remains just an empty shell. Craftsmanship is also energy-intensive.”
The Stadtwerke in Neustrelitz has already called for a rescue package if customers are no longer able to pay their bills due to possible price increases. Company boss Schmetzke would also like faster approval procedures for the expansion of renewable energies in order to become completely independent of fossil fuels.
