A significant majority of people in Germany feel the strain from sharply rising energy prices. According to a recent survey by the polling institute Insa for “Bild am Sonntag” a total of 72 percent reported feeling heavily burdened by the higher costs of electricity and energy. More specifically, 35 percent indicated a very strong burden, while 37 percent cited a rather strong one. Conversely, 21 percent assessed the costs as only slightly or not at all burdensome, and seven percent declined to answer.
When it comes to evaluating the energy transition, opinions are divided. Forty-three percent view the shift of the energy system toward renewables as rather positive, while 42 percent rate it as rather poor. Fifteen percent opted not to provide an assessment. The phasing out of nuclear power was viewed more critically, with 49 percent rating it as rather poor compared to 36 percent who felt it was rather good, and 15 percent remaining undecided.
Simultaneously, nearly half the respondents favor an increased expansion of renewable energies. Forty-seven percent believe that more wind turbines and solar panels should be built in the future. Twenty-six percent wish for no changes, and 16 percent desire less expansion.
The goal of climate neutrality by 2045 also reveals mixed feelings: 46 percent consider this target rather important, while 38 percent see it as rather unimportant. Sixteen percent did not express an opinion on this matter.
The polling institute Insa surveyed 1,001 people on behalf of “Bild am Sonntag” on April 16th and 17th, 2026.