Berlin.
The subsidy for pellet and heating oil customers is still a long time coming. Where is the problem and how to proceed.
- The payment of the subsidy for heating oil and pellet customers is being delayed further and further.
- Experts express a great concern: The matter could become a stalemate
- Ironically, a federal state that has recently been heavily criticized for its administration has already begun to pay out
The year 2022 was characterized by ups and downs in energy prices. Primarily classic fuels such as fuel oil or gas had risen massively in price – at times the price of heating oil had cracked the two euro mark. At the peak of the energy crisis, according to information from “esyoil”, a liter cost a whopping 2.09 euros – that was on March 9, 2022. Such record values also reports the comparison portal “HeizPellets24” on the price of pellets in the energy and price crisis. More than 800 euros per ton were possible in 2022.
Subsidy for heating oil and pellets: This is why state aid has so far only been available in Berlin
Politicians introduced relief for pellet and heating oil customers comparatively late. For comparison: The gas and electricity price brake in Germany, which will apply from March, has been discussed for weeks. Finally, the traffic light coalition was able to agree on one in December grant for many non-connected energy carriers such as heating oil and pellets. But almost two months later, still nothing has happened. Millions of households are still waiting for their subsidy for the last pellet or heating oil bill.
Alone . Since January 31, applications for the pellet and heating oil subsidy can be submitted via the Investment Bank Berlin (IBB). reports of “Daily News” According to the report, 7,000 online applications have been received in two weeks so far – and at times there has even been a technical fault due to the large number of hits on the application form.
The state of Berlin has paid in advance here – so you are acting without the federal government. But the large number of online applications for the pellet and heating oil subsidy in Berlin alone shows that government relief in the energy crisis is more in demand than ever. And even two months after the official announcement of the relief, many consumers are still hoping for government help.
Pellet and heating oil subsidy: payment to consumers is delayed – reason surprised
The delay at the federal level is all the more incomprehensible. The plan: The federal government provides the money and the states pay out the subsidy for heating oil and pellets. Sounds easy – so what’s the problem? After all, Berlin made it too. The short answer: There is a dispute over jurisdiction. The Federal Ministry of Economics, which is responsible for this relief, refers to the “Tagesschau” request to the necessary coordination between different companies ministries and “here own responsibilities for the different hardship case regulations”.
Background: The relief, colloquially known as the pellet and heating oil subsidy, falls under the “hardship regulation”. They should also be subsidised consumer other energy sources that are not connected to the grid, such as liquid gas. The large mass of consumers is primarily concerned with pellets and heating oil. Politicians say that responsibility for the hardship fund still needs to be clarified within the federal government. A timetable for clarification – none! The subsidy for heating oil and pellets is becoming a stalemate.
Subsidy for heating oil and pellets on hold – expert speaks of “hanging game”
This has fatal consequences – above all the consumer centers and energy suppliers are feeling the effects. They are often the first point of contact for consumers – and can only comfort those affected. pellet supplier Peter Assman sums it up to the “Tagesschau”: There is “total dissatisfaction – total confusion”. He is dissatisfied with the way politicians communicate. “They just called it out of politics before Christmas.”
He and his colleagues are now the ones between politics and consumer have to stand and try to smooth that out – even though they had nothing to do with this settlement at all. The consumer centers also criticize the delay. Thomas Engelke from the Federation of Consumer Organizations is worried: “Now the whole thing is threatening to become a stalemate. It’s annoying.” The subsidy for heating oil and pellets – for many consumers it will probably be a few weeks before payment is made.
Pellet and heating oil subsidy: Many could go away empty-handed – “hurdles are far too high”
In addition, many consumers could not get any subsidies for pellets or heating oil. Just every fifth could ultimately benefit from this state aid – at least that’s what Hans-Jürgen Funke from the Association for Energy Trading South-West Central estimates. In a statement dated February 9th – which is available to our editorial staff – his association sharply criticized the subsidy for heating oil and pellets. Funke: “The hurdles are far too high. Not many people find it difficult to buy oil at more than double the price.”
In addition: In contrast to the gas or electricity price brake, the subsidy for heating oil and pellets must be applied for. Even a mistake in the subsidy application can have fatal consequences and delay the payment again. It’s not just about a little money. The subsidy for heating oil and pellets is worth billions. Who 2022 more than twice as much for his Pellet or heating oil delivery paid, should receive an 80 percent subsidy from the state – but no more than 2,000 euros. But beware – there are pitfalls.
The state wants to pay a subsidy for heating oil and pellets: You must meet these requirements
The state only subsidizes the amount that exceeds double the amount from the previous year 2021. So the full invoice amount from 2022 will not be subsidized by the state. The difference between 2021 and 2022 is therefore important – provided that the costs have doubled compared to 2022. Many consumers could fail at this hurdle. Those who meet the requirements are reimbursed 80 percent of the difference via the subsidy for heating oil and pellets. You can roughly calculate your individual reimbursement.
Tenants are also entitled to the pellet and heating oil subsidy and can hope for money from the state. The advantage for the owner: The tenants in Germany do not have to deal with the application procedure – here it is the landlord’s turn. But here, too, the question will arise: Is there a claim to the subsidy for heating oil and pellets? And if so, can a significant amount be expected? No easy questions – first of all, more details must be known.
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