Gas shortage: Will heating become a luxury in Germany? | DW News - July 31, 2022 |

Many people in Germany are starting to get unpleasant letters in the mail. Utility companies are passing on the increased costs of gas to their customers. Gas heats more than half of the homes in Germany, and many residents will struggle to pay for it.

Prices have more than doubled since the end of last year, to €0.13 ($0.13) per kilowatt hour. Some suppliers have increased prices even more. Energy giant, Vattenfall, is charging new customers in Berlin €0.25 per kilowatt hour.

Starting October 1, costs will go up again. Gas customers will have to pay a "solidarity levy" of €0.05 €0.0242 per kilowatt hour. The money aims to prop up gas importers affected by Russian cutbacks that then have to buy more expensive gas elsewhere.

Run on electric heaters

Summer temperatures mean the heat is off. With winter just a few months away, however, tenants and homeowners are starting to realize that uncomfortable months likely lie ahead. They lack an alternative to gas heat.

Technicians warn that the power supply is not designed for high additional demand from such devices and local networks could overload on cold days.