Consumer advocates are voicing concerns regarding a proposed policy change by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. The Ministry, led by Minister Katharina Reiche (CDU), has announced plans to eliminate fixed feed-in tariffs for newly installed solar power systems.
Ramona Pop, Managing Director of the Federation of German Consumer Organizations, has publicly criticized the proposal, arguing that homeowners utilizing photovoltaic systems currently contribute significantly to Germany’s energy transition goals. Pop stated that rather than discontinuing the feed-in tariffs, the system should be refined and improved.
Pop emphasized the importance of affordability for consumers throughout the energy transition process. She referenced a recent monitoring report from the Ministry itself, which highlights several areas for adjustments that could reduce costs for households. She urged the Federal Government and the Federal Network Agency to establish the necessary regulatory conditions to better align electricity generation with demand, ensuring a more cost-effective transition.
The Ministry’s announced change aims to reassess the financial incentives for solar power generation.