Hotline on the gas and electricity price brakes

At the end of 2022, the German government passed laws on the natural gas, heat and electricity price brakes as well as taxes on windfall profits from plant operators of non-price-setting power plants (EWPBG/StromPBG). Energy suppliers were obliged to inform their customers regarding the relief contributions, which were also granted retroactively from the beginning of 2023. Affected plant operators needed to provide information on the electricity prices they had achieved so that the tax on the windfall profits could be determined. Both end consumers and plant operators required reliable information on these topics. Information needed to be provided on the instruments for relief and levies.

dena has been operating a hotline on natural gas, heat and electricity price brakes and taxes on windfall profits since 1 March 2023 on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. The hotline was aimed at private households, companies and other customers who benefited from the price brakes. Plant operators in the electricity sector who were subject to taxes on windfall profits also received support. Information on the tool for calculating windfall profits was provided. It was ensured that questions were answered in a professional manner or they were referred to the relevant departments thanks to knowledge management and FAQs. No legal advice or management consultations were provided.

The hotline helped foster understanding and acceptance of price brakes and taxation instruments on windfall gains. Those seeking help were able to assess their relief themselves or make the self-declaration at the time of taxation. By providing the information it was possible to reduce the burden stemming from enquiries from involved parties such as energy suppliers and transmission system operators.

The free telephone hotline on the energy price brakes was available until 30 April 2024 from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm.