Biting the Bullet: 1.8 Million Germans Faced Frozen Homes to Save on Heating Costs Last Winter
Over 1.8 million individuals braving winter conditions to cut down on heating expenses
In a chilling revelation, a survey by Verivox shows that an alarming 1.8 million people in Germany regularly froze last winter to curb heating expenses. This cold snap particularly affected those with gas heating, according to energy expert Thorsten Storck from Verivox, who spoke on Wednesday. Interestingly, an additional 19 percent, or 13 million adults, also significantly nudged down their coziness thermostat.
The winter of 2020-2021 was strikingly colder compared to the previous one. To add fuel to the fire, heating with gas became pricier due to the resumption of the full value-added tax (VAT) rate on natural gas in April 2024 and the escalating CO2 price at the start of the year. This unwelcome double whammy has forced many residents to endure the cold discomfort of their homes.
Based on a survey of 1,007 individuals aged 18 to 79, the findings are said to be representative of the population in terms of age, gender, and federal state.
As Europe grapples with energy challenges and soaring costs, it is not surprising that some households would resort to drastic measures like consciously freezing to save money on heating costs. While the specifics of the situation in Germany are relatively scarce in the available search results, it is likely that the population has taken such precautions to manage household expenses.
For more in-depth insights, it is advisable to consult reports from Verivox or AFP directly.
- In response to the high heating costs and cold weather, the employment policy of residents in Germany may have become increasingly focused on finding ways to save money, such as working from homes with less heat.
- The science and health-and-wellness sector could potentially benefit from this situation, as the increased time spent indoors may lead to a surge in interest in fitness-and-exercise apps like WhatsApp to maintain physical health.
- Personal finance and employment policy experts might also observe a trend of individuals seeking employment that offers remote work possibilities, as they can save money on commuting costs and leverage their heating equipment more efficiently.
- The verivox employment policy survey could include questions about the effects of home freezing on productivity and work performance, as well as the behavioral shifts in heating habits among the surveyed population.
- In light of the energy challenges, the European Union might want to focus on its renewable energy and green economy policies to provide affordable and sustainable alternatives for heating and cooling, thus relieving the pressure on the population to cut heat usage and endure cold homes.
