The throttling of Russian gas supplies to Germany is causing increased thought about measures that can reduce consumption. The “Wirtschaftswesen” Grimm calls for financial incentives for frugal consumers instead of prescribing lower minimum temperatures in apartments.
In the course of the energy crisis, the “economic wise man” Veronika Grimm calls for the introduction of bonuses for consumers who use gas sparingly. In view of the throttling of Russian gas supplies, “one should urgently advertise premiums for households that drastically reduce their gas consumption in the coming winter,” said the member of the Advisory Council for the Assessment of Overall Economic Development of the “Rheinische Post”. “You could check that relatively easily by comparing the gas bills and people would be able to prepare for the winter now – according to their possibilities.”
The potential is great, but you have to communicate early on that it’s worth it, said the economist. “Before you resort to statutory savings measures, as brought into play by Economics Minister Robert Habeck, you should leverage the potential that is possible through incentives,” said Grimm. “In this way, those actors who are the least intrusive do without.” Without drastic energy savings, the lower gas supplies would leave a clear economic mark on Germany.
The consumer expert Peter Kenning had previously spoken out to the “Handelsblatt” for bonuses for economical households on the subject of gas. Habeck does not rule out legal measures as a consequence of reduced gas deliveries through Russia. “If the storage volumes do not increase, then we will have to take further measures to save, if necessary also by law,” said the Green politician on Thursday evening in the ARD.
When asked whether that could also mean lowering the prescribed minimum temperature in apartments, he replied: “We will look at all the laws that make a contribution there.” A spokesman for Habeck did not name any specific measures on Friday. He spoke of an exam.
