“We’ll do it”: Scholes sees a difficult situation in autumn and winter

“we will”
Shalls sees a tough situation in the fall and winter

08/13/2022, 4:59 PM

The cold season of the year is approaching and Chancellor Scholes is already preparing Germans for “big challenges”. The reason is the energy crisis resulting from the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine. According to Scholes the situation will be difficult – but one is ready.

Chancellor Olaf Scholes called for unity, given the energy crisis and rising prices. “The situation will be difficult in autumn and winter,” but the country is ready, the SPD politician said. Meanwhile, the Taxpayers Association has welcomed the energy saving measures announced by Federal Economy Minister Robert Habeck. The ministry plans two regulations to reduce gas and electricity consumption.

“If we stick together, we’ll make it,” Scholz said in his weekly webcast “President Compact”. He referred to the relief packages already launched. “But we won’t stop there, and there will be relief.” This year is associated with great challenges, he said, considering the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine.

Regarding energy supply, Scholz noted that construction of new liquefied natural gas terminals and coal-fired power plants are ramping up again. “We are investigating whether it makes sense to use the three decommissioned nuclear power plants for a little longer,” he said. “At the same time we are making sure to make this difficult time possible for everyone,” emphasized Schales.

The central government has already introduced two large relief packages with 30 billion euros. Some support services aren’t even forthcoming, Scholz said, aiming for an energy price premium due in September. It stipulates that taxpayers will receive a flat rate of €300 to cover inflation.

Taxpayers Association: Politicians should model savings

Rainer Holznagel, head of the Taxpayers’ Association, told the “Bilt” newspaper about this. Energy saving measures announced by Habec in public buildings: “Every austerity measure demanded must be exemplified by politics and administration.” Habeck announced on Friday that public properties should only be heated to 19 degrees. Also, monuments and government billboards should now be illuminated at night.

The EU gas emergency plan came into effect on Tuesday. From the beginning of August to March next year, member states must save 15 percent of gas – compared to the average of the last five years during this period. The German savings target is 20 percent.

So far, savings of five to eight percent have been achieved, according to the Union Economy Ministry on Friday evening, citing the Federal Network Agency. Two regulations to reduce gas and electricity consumption are currently being coordinated within the federal government.

Therefore, one of the commandments already contains measures for this hot season. A particular focus is the public sector, “which fulfills its function as a model and can give orientation to other areas regarding possible, practicable savings measures”. The regulation, which is valid for six months, was decided directly by the federal cabinet without the participation of the Bundestag or the Bundesrat and was to enter into force on September 1.

Heating of pools should be prohibited

Therefore measures for private households, the clause providing for a certain minimum temperature in some tenancy agreements, have been suspended. Additionally, gas and electric heating of non-commercial private pools should be prohibited. In public buildings, corridors, large halls or technical rooms should be further heated if possible. Additionally, boilers and instantaneous water heaters should no longer be used to heat water in wash basins.

The second regulation, which applies for two years, provides effective measures for the medium term. It required the approval of the Federal Council and was said to come into effect from October 1. For example, owners are required to conduct an annual heat inspection.