April 19, 2023, 10:43 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Starting in 2024, the installation of oil and gas heating systems in Germany is set to be banned. This is outlined in the new law by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck. However, the plans are largely met with opposition from the public, as shown by a new survey.
The new law by Minister Habeck stipulates that starting in 2024, every newly installed heating system must be powered by 65 percent renewable energy. This spells the end for oil and gas heating systems. To ease the financial burden on homeowners, support programs are planned. However, the specifics of these programs remain unclear. What is clear is that the ban on oil and gas heating is rejected by most people in Germany, according to a recent Forsa survey commissioned by RTL and ntv.
Large Majority Against a Ban on Gas and Oil Heating Systems
The survey shows that only 18 percent of German citizens consider a ban on oil and gas heating systems to be appropriate. Seventy-eight percent, and thus the vast majority, are against it. There are also regional differences–although the majority is against the ban. In western Germany, 75 percent of people oppose it, while in the east, it’s 91 percent.
Notably, the only majority in favor of the law is found among Green Party supporters, with 53 percent backing it. Among all other parties, the situation is the opposite: About three-quarters of SPD and FDP supporters oppose a ban on oil and gas heating systems–88 percent of Union supporters and even 98 percent of AfD supporters are against it.
Concern Over Rising Heating Costs
Why are many against the ban? One reason could be the associated concern that heating costs will continue to rise due to renewable energy. Sixty-two percent of respondents fear rising costs–only 12 percent believe that heating costs will decrease in the long term. Twenty-three percent expect no change in costs.