As of: March 28, 2024, 3:00 p.m
By: Anna-Lena Kiegerl
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From April, VAT on gas and district heating will rise again. Consumers have this option to compensate for the increase.
Munich - From April onwards, users of gas and district heating will have to prepare for significantly rising prices, caused by the increase in VAT from 7 to 19 percent. This measure comes after a temporary reduction in the tax rate in October 2022, which served to mitigate sharp increases in energy prices caused by the conflict in Ukraine.
Example calculation of rising prices: Family pays 220 euros more per month
The price increase for gas and district heating due to the VAT adjustment will have a noticeable impact on households from April. According to calculations by the comparison portal Verivox, this leads to additional costs of around 220 euros for a family with an annual consumption of 20,000 kilowatt hours. Check24 has determined an additional burden of 52 euros for a single household with a consumption of 5,000 kilowatt hours.
There is certainly advice that consumers can take to heart in this situation. With a little luck, the increase in VAT may even be offset. Rico Dulinski, an energy expert at the Brandenburg Consumer Center, recommends that gas and district heating customers note their meter reading on April 1st and forward it to their provider. This measure ensures that energy consumption is billed correctly, based on the tax rate before and after the deadline - i.e. 7 percent VAT before April 1st and 19 percent after.
Prices for gas and district heating will rise from April. © Imago/Robert Schmiegelt
Dulinski explains: “If the supplier does not have any consumption data, he is allowed to estimate the consumption, which can lead to incorrect allocations and, as a result, higher bills.” Handing over the meter reading is particularly recommended at the end of a billing period, a change of provider or a price change.
Expert explains termination: Possibility of compensating for increases
Although the right to terminate does not apply solely due to the increased VAT, termination can come into play if the provider also increases the price of work. Then the special right of termination applies. In such a case, it is possible to look for a cheaper provider. However, this option is not available to district heating customers as they rely on their local supplier. “Since the prices for electricity and gas have fallen further recently, the sales tax increase can even be overcompensated in some cases,” explains Dulinski on the subject of changing providers. Such a step can definitely pay off and lead to significant savings. (dpa/kal)
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