Heating costs in Germany fell again in some cases in 2023 after the sharp rise during the energy crisis. This is shown by the latest Heizspiegel for Germany, published by the non-profit consultancy co2online. Data from more than 140,000 buildings was analysed for the nationwide heating benchmarks.
Almost all heating types cheaper; only district heating rises
In 2023, an average household in a block of flats (a 70-m² flat) had to pay 1,330 euros for gas heating. This represents a decline of 10 per cent (145 euros) compared with the previous year. Heating costs for heat pumps (down 28 per cent), wood pellets (down 20 per cent) and heating oil (down 19 per cent) also fell significantly. Only district heating recorded an increase, of 8 per cent.
Heating costs are still, in some cases, considerably higher than before the 2022 energy crisis. According to co2online, however, heating with heat pumps is already significantly cheaper than fossil-fuel alternatives.
Price caps and falling prices provide relief
The fall in heating costs is due primarily to declining energy prices and government price caps. The caps came into force in 2023 and limited the unit price for gas, district heating and electricity. This provided significant relief for many households. The easing of energy markets after the 2022 crisis also helped to reduce costs. By contrast, the one per cent fall in energy consumption had little impact on heating costs in 2023.
Further rise in district heating expected
For 2024, the Heizspiegel forecasts further relief in heating costs for gas (down 25 per cent), heat pumps (down 18 per cent), wood pellets (down 6 per cent) and heating oil (down 4 per cent). District heating is the exception: its costs are expected to rise by 21 per cent. The expiry of the price caps and higher energy prices are causing district heating costs to rise significantly. According to co2online, inadequate regulation and opaque pricing may be further reasons for the sharp increase.