Brandenburg in transition: Minister calls for support for energy prices!

Brandenburg in transition: Minister calls for support for energy prices!

In Brandenburg, the transformation to a CO₂-neutral industry is in full swing. Economics Minister Daniel Keller is convinced that the country is on the right track. In a recent statement, he highlights that Brandenburg produces one of the most renewable energies per capita in Germany. Numerous projects in industry aim to promote CO₂ neutrality. But Keller also sees an urgent need for action, particularly with regard to energy prices. These should become more stable in order to give companies planning security. He is therefore planning talks with the federal government about adjusting energy prices. The relief that has already been introduced in network fees and electricity tax, which accounts for almost 50 percent of the electricity price, should be noted positively. Nevertheless, he is calling for additional relief for private households, medium-sized businesses and smaller companies in terms of electricity tax in order to reduce the financial burden. These topics are currently on the agenda of the state parliament in Potsdam.

But what are the nationwide conditions? On April 9, 2025, the Union and the SPD decided on their new coalition agreement, which stipulates the commitment to the German and European climate goals. A key goal is to achieve climate neutrality by 2045, with a focus on economic competitiveness and social equality. In order to specifically promote the expansion of renewable energies, various measures are planned. This includes, among other things, reducing energy prices by at least 5 cents per kWh and reducing the electricity tax for private households to the EU legal minimum of 0.1 cents per kWh. The abolition of the gas storage levy is also part of the plans to relieve the burden on consumers.

Renewable energies in focus

All potential should be used, from solar and wind energy to innovative technologies such as wastewater heat and heat recovery. The promotion of bioenergy should also be expanded through better use of residual materials. With regard to the hydrogen strategy, the coalition aims to legally implement the European goals and wants to create the infrastructural requirements. The aim here is to push ahead with the coal phase-out by 2038, while nuclear energy was not included in the coalition agreement. A new legislative package for CO₂ capture and storage technologies is also envisaged.

The role of energy prices

Energy prices play a central role in Germany's climate goals. A new study commissioned by the Federal Environment Agency shows how energy-saving measures and more efficient technologies, particularly in the areas of buildings, transport and industry, can contribute to climate protection. The results show that rising energy and electricity prices can certainly promote savings if they are used wisely and strategically. It was also emphasized that low-income households should be protected from the negative effects of high energy prices.

A good example is heat pumps, which could offer many advantages with flexible electricity tariffs. The annual costs of a heat pump with a flexible tariff are around 5,090 euros and are therefore almost competitive with a gas condensing boiler system, which costs around 5,224 euros. The study even recommends that, in addition to reducing the purchase costs of heat pumps, income-based subsidies should also be introduced in order to accelerate their spread. The relationship between electricity and gas prices should be constantly monitored in order to be able to react in a timely manner to necessary adjustments.

In summary, it can be said that the transformation of the energy supply and the associated challenges must be addressed strategically at both the state and federal levels. The participation of all stakeholders, from companies to private households, will be crucial to actually achieving the climate goals while avoiding social hardship. A comprehensive approach could bring the achievement of climate goals within reach and cushion any social imbalances that may arise.

For more information about current developments and planned measures in energy policy, take a look at the detailed articles from Daily Mirror, PwC and Federal Environment Agency.