Federal Network Agency President Klaus Müller gave the all-clear a few days ago: the danger of a gas shortage has probably been overcome for this winter. Due to the mild temperatures, constant gas supplies from European countries, the completion of the first liquefied natural gas terminal and a 14 percent reduction in gas consumption compared to 2021, the gas storage facilities are still more than 90 percent full.
However, Jasper Pommerin, crisis manager at the district office, believes there are still good reasons to keep an eye on energy consumption. "Despite the easing situation, it is important to save energy and keep storage levels high. After all, there will be no more Russian gas available in 2023 to replenish the storage facilities over the summer. The conservation measures also reduceCO2 emissions and thus the frequency of climate change-related natural disasters in Germany and around the world," explains the disaster prevention expert.
The district municipalities and the district cite another reason: rising costs. One local authority reports a tenfold increase in gas prices. Head of Finance Bettina Beck warns that this is money that the municipalities then lack elsewhere when it has to be spent on heating. For this reason, local authorities are still struggling to find the right balance between saving energy and providing a comfortable environment for citizens - for example, when the outdoor pools will open this year and at what pool temperature. Municipalities that can heat their outdoor pools with solar thermal energy and thus achieve temperatures of 21 - 24 degrees in summer even without gas have an advantage here. The energy transition pays off - for climate protection and municipal coffers.
Local authorities are concerned about the social impact of rising energy prices. Heiner Pfrommer, Head of the Social Welfare Department, explained the municipal support options in detail. In addition to the general federal aid measures, various support instruments are also available for SGB II and SGB XII recipients. Following the reforms to the citizen's allowance and housing benefit, significantly more people can now claim assistance. So far, however, the volume of applications has remained manageable for the district office and extra staff have been hired.
The following applies to people not receiving benefits: in the event of one-off high costs, e.g. due to fuel procurement or additional demands for heating, there may be a temporary need. Regular applications for assistance can then be submitted to the Jobcenter. An additional loan is also possible if there is a risk of losing your home.
Detailed information on social assistance can be found on the district office website. The aim is for energy suppliers to also provide direct information about assistance in the event of major payment arrears in order to prevent energy cuts as far as possible. The district is pushing ahead with this and wants to avoid the drastic social consequences of the Russian war of aggression and the resulting energy crisis at all costs.
