According to a position paper, the FDP wants to lower the electricity tax to the EU minimum. In addition, federal states and local authorities should contribute to lowering electricity prices.
The FDP parliamentary group wants permanent relief for electricity customers – in addition to the federal government, the states and municipalities should also make a contribution. A position paper on energy policy available to the German Press Agency states that the electricity tax should be reduced to the EU minimum. That would lower the net price by around 2 cents per kilowatt hour. “In the long term, we also want to work at EU level to ensure that the electricity tax is completely eliminated.”
The FDP also proposes that the federal states and local authorities also make a contribution to lowering electricity prices. They should completely do without the so-called concession fee of around 1.66 cents per kilowatt hour. “Further relief for electricity customers should be examined,” the paper says. The concession fee is a fee paid by the network operator to the municipality for the fact that roads and paths can be used for the operation of power lines.
The spokesman for energy policy for the FDP parliamentary group, Michael Kruse, said: “Our motto is to lower energy prices and increase security of supply. Energy must once again become affordable for all people and companies in this country technology mix and a hedge against attacks on our energy prices.”
Electricity price brake applies until the end of the year
In view of price jumps last year, the state brake on electricity prices has been in effect since March. The gross electricity price for private consumers and small and medium-sized companies is capped at 40 cents per kilowatt hour. This applies to a requirement of 80 percent of the forecast consumption. According to the current regulations, the price brakes expire on December 31, 2023. An extension up to April 30, 2024 at the latest is laid down in the law.
The FDP paper states that even before Russia’s “energy war” against Germany and large parts of Europe, electricity prices in Germany were among the highest in the world. With the abolition of the EEG surcharge, the coalition has already effectively relieved electricity customers. “Unfortunately, the fallout from the Russian energy war left this effect unfelt for most.” The reason for this is not only the now high prices in electricity trading, but structurally, in particular, the high ancillary costs. (dpa)