Federal government agrees on new rules for heating

Rarely has there been such a bitter dispute over a law as over the amendment to the "federal subsidy for efficient buildings", which is supposed to put "renewable heating" on a new path. The urgently needed course-setting in climate policy almost failed due to the partly contradictory positions of the governing parties and the less than constructive attitude of the opposition.

But the federal government has now agreed on a new funding concept for renewable heating. The basis and starting point are the proven support structures of the existing "Federal Support for Efficient Buildings" (BEG). The BEG will be further developed so that in the future, too, the funding will fit the new legal requirements and possible cases of hardship can be better addressed.

With the law amending the Building Energy Act, the mandatory switch to renewable energies for heating is anchored in law. As of 01.01.2024, every newly installed heating system must be powered by at least 65 percent renewable energies. As a result, the subsidies will also be adjusted.

There continues to be a basic subsidy within the framework of the BEG for all citizens in owner-occupied residential property as well as private small landlords (up to six residential units, one of which is owner-occupied) for the replacement of an old fossil fuel heating system with a new climate-friendly heating system. In future, the subsidy rate will be a uniform 30 percent for all compliance options.

The new funding concept consists of four elements, a basic subsidy in which citizens can receive grants for heating replacement as they have in the past. Secondly, the basic subsidy can be further increased by a climate bonus. Finally, the possibility of tax depreciation, which already exists today, remains as an alternative instrument, as do low-interest loans from BAFA or KfW. (www.bafa.de or www.kfw.de).

(Photo: © Sweetluise, Pixabay)