BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Further reductions in energy prices are still on the table in the German government. According to information from the German Press Agency, the coalition committee is to address the issue next week. According to government circles, the discussion will focus on which expenditures are dispensable in order to create leeway for further relief. "Then further steps to reduce energy prices would be possible." The coalition committee of the CDU, CSU, and SPD will meet next Wednesday.
Promises in the coalition agreement
In their coalition agreement, the CDU and SPD agreed to reduce the electricity tax for everyone to the European minimum as an "immediate measure" – including for private consumers. The coalition recently backed away from this, citing budget constraints. This was met with fierce criticism.
The current plan is to reduce grid fees, which are part of the electricity price, as of January 1. In addition, the gas storage surcharge for consumers is to be abolished. The reduction in electricity tax for industry, agriculture, and forestry is to be "permanent."/tam/DP/stw
