Many gas customers will have to pay twice or even three times as much this year as before. Most turned on the heat in November anyway, but not as high as they used to. According to a survey, it saved a tenth entirely. For the majority, the imminent lack of gas was not the reason.
Every tenth German citizen has not yet heated up in late autumn, despite partly wintry temperatures. This was the result of a representative survey by the opinion research institute Yougov on behalf of the German Press Agency. On the other hand, 90 percent had already switched on the stove or the heating by the end of November - but their heating behavior had changed noticeably: 68 percent heat less this season than in the same period last year. According to their own statements, around half of them even heat up significantly less.
Many heating systems are operated with fossil fuels such as oil or gas - this pollutes the environment. However, this does not seem to be a decisive argument for the respondents who stated that they save. According to the results, only 6 percent would like to protect the climate by heating less. On the other hand, more than every second person - 56 percent - turns down the regulator to save money. 20 percent heat less because of higher outside temperatures and 15 percent would like to make a contribution to security of supply through the reduction. Many consumers therefore seem to be heeding the federal government's call to save energy. Due to the increased prices and an impending gas shortage, they recommend lowering the room temperature or using water-saving shower heads.
In addition, private households are to be financially relieved by the electricity and gas price brake announced for March 2023. The price should be capped for 80 percent of consumption. The normal market price must be paid for the remaining consumption. Saving should therefore be rewarded.
Gas prices have doubled or even tripled for many providers this year. Nevertheless, the majority of those surveyed (78 percent) stayed with the same heating system as last year. At least 7 percent stated that they wanted to keep their apartment or house warm this winter more with the stove or fireplace than with the built-in heating system. Half of them do this because it is financially cheaper. A good one in three would like to save on scarce energy sources and almost one in four considers heating with wood to be more climate-friendly. Respondents could select multiple answers.
