The combination of colder temperatures and reduced energy-saving efforts contributed to an average 23 percent increase in heating costs for gas users compared to the previous year, according to figures released by the comparison platform Verivox. For single-family homes, average expenditures rose to approximately €1,858.
Verivox data showed that the winter months were noticeably colder than the relatively mild 2023–2024 season. The German Weather Service reported an average temperature of 2.1 degrees Celsius, about two degrees lower than the prior year. Longer cold spells further raised the demand for heating, leading to an average increase of 11 percent in consumption.
Gas prices remained elevated throughout the season. While the extreme surges seen during the 2022–2023 energy crisis had receded, gas still cost nearly 12 cents per kilowatt-hour. Energy expert Thorsten Storck of Verivox noted that, despite stabilization, gas prices continued to place a considerable burden on households.
An additional cost factor was the return to the full value-added tax (VAT) rate of 19 percent on gas from April 2024. This tax adjustment came after a temporary reduction introduced during the energy crisis and further strained consumers’ budgets.
Oil-heated households also faced slightly higher costs. Average spending on heating oil for a single-family home increased from €1,534 in winter 2023–2024 to €1,554 in the most recent season. Even though the price per hectolitre of oil dropped by approximately €13 to €95, increased consumption offset the benefits. Verivox indicated that the final amount paid depended heavily on when the oil was ordered.
Energy consumption across all heating sources rose markedly. According to energy service provider Techem, nationwide heating energy use climbed by 23.6 percent compared to the previous year. This figure includes all major fuel types, such as oil, gas, and district heating. Techem CEO Matthias Hartmann observed that: „The conservation efforts seen in previous years have noticeably declined.“ He warned that many households should prepare for significantly higher back payments in their upcoming heating bills due to continued high energy prices.
Fossil fuels remain the dominant source of heating in Germany. A study by the Federal Association of the Energy and Water Industry found that approximately 75 percent of residential buildings are still heated primarily with oil or gas.
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