Coalition committee decides on industrial electricity price

From 2026 to 2028, energy-intensive companies are to benefit from a subsidized industrial electricity price. The skilled trades sector feels disadvantaged and is demanding a reduction in electricity prices for all businesses.

The Federal government The coalition committee has agreed to lower electricity prices for particularly energy-intensive companies from next year until 2028. The state-subsidized industrial electricity price is then expected to be around five cents per kilowatt hour. Furthermore, the Bundestag It was decided that the electricity tax for the manufacturing industry and agriculture and forestry should be permanently reduced to the European minimum of 50 cents per megawatt hour.

Jörg Dittrich Photo: © ZDH/Henning Schacht

The Central Association of German Crafts The German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) criticizes the government's decision and demands action that benefits the economy as a whole, rather than subsidies for a select few economic players. "The federal government must fulfill the promise made in the coalition agreement and reduce electricity costs for all businesses and companies, not just for industry. The planned decision to make the electricity tax relief permanent exclusively for the manufacturing sector should be postponed in order to enable a fair and sustainable solution for the entire economy," explains ZDH President Jörg Dittrich.

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"Course correction urgently needed"

He calls for a level playing field regarding energy costs, less bureaucracy, and an energy policy "that includes everyone." He argues that an industrial electricity price without a parallel expansion of electricity tax relief for all would further exacerbate the unequal treatment of skilled tradespeople. Growth and economic recovery, however, can only succeed if everyone can contribute and the entire economy can operate under a level playing field. "Industry is a vital lifeline for our country, but skilled trades hold the regions together, provide training, create jobs, and ensure stability."

Annual reportRead more about it here. Expert opinion of the Council of Experts.The annual report of the German Council of Economic Experts makes it clear that a course correction by the federal government is urgently needed. Dittrich: "A reduction in electricity tax for everyone would be the quickest, simplest, and most effective signal to businesses that the government is changing course, thereby including and strengthening the entire economy, and especially small and medium-sized enterprises. Relief for everyone would also mean a significant reduction in bureaucracy. There would no longer be complicated application procedures; businesses and public administration would benefit equally."

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