The Germany Social Association (SoVD) has called on the new federal government to cover the cost of energy-efficient electrical appliances for families with low incomes. “Although the acute energy shortage has eased, prices remain high” said SoVD President Michaela Engelmeier in an interview with the newspapers of the Funke Media Group (Friday editions). This affects low-income households in particular.
“Besides planned reductions in energy prices, targeted measures such as covering the costs of energy-efficient household appliances as part of social benefits and free energy-saving checks are urgently needed” Engelmeier explained. According to the SoVD, households with small incomes have to spend about nine percent of their budget on housing energy, while the average is around six percent.
“This is also due to the fact that often the money for purchases that could significantly reduce energy consumption is lacking” Engelmeier added. The SoVD’s proposed assistance is not only environmentally sound, “but also necessary to effectively combat energy poverty.