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Expensive surprise: heating costs are rising due to the expiration of state aid!
This article provides information about rising heating costs in Brandenburg in 2024, especially for district heating, and offers solutions and lectures from the VZB.
Expensive surprise: heating costs are rising due to the expiration of state aid!
In the current heating season it could be cool for many tenants in Brandenburg - and not just because of the low temperatures. The reason? With the expiry of government relief, such as energy price caps and VAT reductions on gas and district heating, many households are expecting significant additional payments and higher heating costs. Barnim Current reports that renters are particularly affected, especially in apartments that are heated with district heating.
How high calculated? According to figures from Ista - a company that has analyzed almost 900,000 bills - heating costs for an average 70 square meter apartment can rise to a whopping €1,055, an increase of 27%. Anyone who heats with gas must expect a cost increase of around 7%, while with oil central heating the prices will fall by more than 12%.
Comprehensive advice for consumers
The Brandenburg Consumer Center (VZB) sees the signs of the times and is therefore offering free online lectures on the subject of heating billing. On September 9th, October 15th, November 28th and December 15th, 2025, tenants can learn what they should pay attention to in their bills. Topics such as checking for accuracy and the options for high additional demands are on the agenda. Lawyer Ilka Stolle and energy consultant Harald Lacher are available as speakers to provide participants with advice and support. Those interested can find further information about registering on the VZB website.
Another component of the VZB's support is a brochure that helps identify errors in utility bills, as well as individual advice on energy-saving measures - the consumer advice centers also offer these free of charge.
Background to price developments
A look at the overall economic situation shows that heating costs are increasing due to several factors. The return to the full VAT rate on natural gas in April 2024 and a rising CO2 price led to higher costs for consumers. A survey by Verivox also reveals something shocking: last winter, 1.8 million people had to save so much on heating costs that they regularly froze. Every fifth adult household member has noticeably lowered their comfort temperature.
Furthermore, it turns out that heating costs are particularly high in every fourth district heating network, which is due to the monopoly structure of many providers. The differences in heating costs for district heating are very pronounced regionally, which consumer advocates consider to be worrying. They are calling for a price cap based on the operating costs of a heat pump in order to reduce the price pressure on tenants.
It remains to be seen how the situation will develop, but the signs are clearly pointing to a difficult house hunt and a need for solid advice. In times of rising heating costs, it could be helpful for many households to take advantage of the advice and information that the VZB offers.