Researchers turned to Minister of Economics Habeck with several suggestions on how to overcome the energy crisis. For example, the federal government could set a consumption threshold – it only becomes expensive for consumers if this is exceeded.
According to the “Handelsblatt”, the scientific advisory board of the Federal Ministry of Economics has submitted proposals for saving gas. In this way, the government can set moderate prices for a basic amount of gas, which is measured by consumption in 2021. For each additional kilowatt hour, consumers would then have to pay the high market price, even if they still have long-term contracts with low prices. “This would protect households against large loads and at the same time provide incentives for energy savings,” quoted the “Handelsblatt” from a letter from the advisory board to Economics Minister Robert Habeck.
In addition, the economists propose a “joint reduction of the room temperature in all companies and public buildings for a week” in the event of a gas shortage in winter. The direct effect is negligible. But the car-free Sunday during the oil crisis “has burned itself into the consciousness of an entire generation as a symbol of the joint effort to overcome the crisis,” quoted the newspaper from the letter.
According to the report, the Advisory Board warns against overriding price signals in the event of financial relief from the state. In that case, consumers would no longer have an incentive to save on gas consumption, the “Handelsblatt” quoted. In addition, it must be made clear that the state cannot compensate for all hardships. “Our economy has become poorer due to the higher energy prices. Someone has to bear the losses.”
The Scientific Advisory Board consists of 38 economists who advise Federal Minister Habeck on economic and climate protection issues. As a rule, they meet five times a year and prepare reports on topics of their own choice.
