The Gas Commission’s report is not yet public, but the first details are leaking out. Accordingly, the Commission is proposing further extensive relief that goes beyond what is already known.
According to preliminary reports, the gas commission commissioned by the federal government is proposing even more extensive relief for citizens than was previously known. Tenants and owner-occupiers of real estate should benefit from an “immediate relief fund” in addition to taking on the down payment and the gas price brake. This is based on the previously unpublished report by the Commission, which is already available to ntv.de and is to be presented this Monday.
However, it is not certain that the federal government will take up all the proposals in the paper. According to a spokeswoman, the Ministry of Economic Affairs wants the Federal Cabinet to decide on emergency aid in December on Wednesday.
The proposed emergency aid fund is intended to support “heavily burdened households” and also benefit operators of oil and wood pellet heating systems: “The fund can be used regardless of the type of energy source.” The federal government should define a case of hardship. It is to apply for the period after January 1, 2022 and until April 30, 2024.
The Gas Commission also proposes bonuses for saving fuel. “By means of financial bonuses in the form of a fixed amount, an additional incentive could be set to achieve or exceed the 20 percent savings target per connection,” says the final report. This is particularly important for consumers who would otherwise have no benefit from saving. These would be, for example, those whose heating costs would be paid by the job center.
The already known gas price brake should be open to all companies. “All they have to do is register their participation in the program with their provider and make it public.” However, it is proposed to link the aid to the preservation of locations. SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch said that companies must be aware that state support would only be given in exchange for location guarantees. Miersch was an advisory member of the commission.
Meanwhile, the Greens are demanding that industry profiteers from a gas price brake refrain from paying dividends and bonuses. “We need to concentrate on those who really need help. That also means that large companies that receive support should not pay out high dividends and bonuses at the same time,” said Greens Vice-Chairman Andreas Audretsch. “It’s good that the budget committee has already decided that with the votes of the traffic light coalition.” It is now important to find regulations that are fair, avoid bureaucracy and work quickly. “The problems of many companies are serious, so it is crucial that the support reaches the companies quickly.”
