Energy expert from the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Advisory Center Udo Sieverding talks about “good news” about WDR. Recently, there have been many complaints from those affected. “The pressure has been great because so far everything has been focused on the electricity price brake and the gas price brake,” he said in an interview with WDR.
But what is now available is still “pretty scarce” and leaves “many questions unanswered”. In the face of “only” 1.8 billion euros, however, it can already be seen that “it is not as great a relief as many now think”. The deciding factor is how high the comparative price of oil, for example, set for 2021 is.
Only those who paid more than double this year would be eligible for help, says the consumer advocate. And even those who now buy oil or pellets will have nothing.
The maximum limit should therefore be 2,000 euros per household. Of the sum, which exceeds double the previous costs, 80 percent should then be reimbursed. A de minimis limit of 100 euros will be deducted.
In addition, the hardship fund is only valid for the heating year 2022. If aid is also needed in 2023, adjustments have to be made, according to Berlin.
According to the SPD, which reference prices apply has not yet been definitively clarified. The details are to be settled in a federal-state agreement.
