The cabinet’s decision on the draft of the so‑called “Gebäudemodernisierungsgesetz” (GMG), which had previously been known as the Heating Law, is expected to be delayed until after Easter.
According to the “Rheinische Post” in its forthcoming print edition, coalition and government sources say the federal government wants to avoid a shortened legislative procedure. Instead, it plans to follow the normal route that includes hearings with the Länder, industry associations, and experts. The period leading up to Easter is considered too tight for this approach.
Because of that, the cabinet meeting is now anticipated to take place in mid‑April. The Ministry of Economic Affairs, together with the other ministries involved, is actively working on the text of the bill.
At the end of February, the black‑red coalition had agreed on key points to reform the old Heating Law. Those points had promised that the draft would be presented “by Easter”; that timetable is now expected to shift by a few weeks. Nevertheless, the law is still scheduled to come into effect on July 1.
One of the new provisions will allow the installation of oil and gas heating systems again.