BERLIN

Thousands of households across Germany fear they might not be able to meet the rising costs of gas for heating during the coming winter. 

Wibke Werner, deputy managing director of the Berlin Tenants' Association, told Anadolu Agency that members of the association have expressed deep concern over the rising cost of energy and there is very little she can do to help.

“Because of the rising energy prices, people are getting very nervous, especially those with low incomes. They call us and ask what they can do to save energy and to be able to meet these rising costs. This is a big problem. We cannot recommend to people to save their money if they don't already have any money, and a lot of the households are already on the limit because rents in Berlin are rising as well, so it's really hard."

According to the consumer price comparison website Verivox, the price of gas has risen by an average of 184% compared to August 2021.

For some private households, Verivox says energy costs have already quadrupled. Annual consumption of gas for a family in Germany last year cost around €1,250 ($1,276). However, consumption of the same amount of gas will now see families paying around €3,500 ($3,574) annually.

Werner said the Berlin Tenants' Association is already putting together a list of recommendations for people to save energy and keep their bills down.

"We can only recommend, if you have some money left, to put it to the side because the next heating costs or surcharge will be equal to two months' rent. But, also save energy by not taking long showers, washing hands with cold water and trying to be careful with the heating."

The German government is preparing legislation that would allow landlords to reduce the central heating temperature from 22C (71.6F) to 17C (62.6F) during the winter for their tenants.

But, that will include an exemption for people with health conditions.

Werner has also called on the government to step in and help those on low incomes.

"We think the government has to bring in some kind of subsidy for the people, especially for people with lower incomes, and it has to help where the people are not required to ask for it. They should make it very easy."

She said the government should remove bureaucratic hurdles and make it easy for people to obtain the subsidy without having to prove their financial situation.