84 per cent of Germans actively monitor their energy consumption, but see little scope for further savings. Two thirds would like greater transparency in consumption data.
Strong interest in energy consumption
A joint study by energy services provider Techem and statistics platform Statista on the digital energy transition shows that people in Germany take a strong interest in their energy consumption. Around 84 per cent of respondents say that they generally have a keen interest in energy consumption in their own home. Some 82 per cent track their consumption figures, with interest increasing with age. Respondents also believe that their personal knowledge has improved in recent years: 60 per cent of participants say that they now have a better overview of their energy consumption than they did two years ago.
Regular self-monitoring and a desire for greater transparency
The survey, conducted in September 2024, highlights the high level of personal initiative in Germany: on average, more than two thirds of households check their energy consumption at least every six months, while around one third even check it monthly. “This is what our intra-year consumption information provides; we make it available every month to the landlords and tenants of around 1.9 million flats. Only those who know their energy consumption precisely can manage it efficiently,” says Matthias Hartmann, CEO of Techem. Nevertheless, 66 per cent would like greater transparency and a better overview of their household’s consumption of heating energy, electricity and water.
Although 95 per cent of respondents place importance on using energy economically, around two thirds say that most opportunities for savings have already been exhausted. Many households believe that changes to the equipment in their homes are necessary to enable further savings.
Strong interest in smart energy technologies and renewable energy
Energy prices remain a central concern: 73 per cent of respondents fear that the cost of electricity, heat and water could become a serious financial burden. This concern is particularly widespread in eastern Germany, where 80 per cent of households in Saxony and Thuringia regard rising prices as a problem. The conclusion is clear: the lower the income, the greater the concern. A home’s energy performance is also becoming increasingly important when choosing a new property, particularly among younger people. As people get older, however, they become less willing to move to a more energy-efficient home or accept higher rents.