Mannheim says goodbye to cheap gas: 56,000 households affected!

Mannheim says goodbye to cheap gas: 56,000 households affected!

Germany is currently experiencing a heated debate about the so-called “heat planning law”. A law that really has it all! What's behind it? It's simple: mandatory heat planning for all municipalities in the country will be introduced. Why is this important? Clearly, this is about nothing less than the gradual dismantling of our gas infrastructure! In Mannheim, the city on the Neckar, over 50,000 consumers could soon be thrown off the gas network, as Frank Bothmann from Achgut.com reported.

The “Heat Planning Act” (WPG), which has been in force since January 1, 2024, does not do things by halves. It justifies the transformation of the gas distribution networks and provides the legal framework for the decarbonization of the heating networks. But be careful: citizen participation? None, as Bothmann criticizes! Funded by taxpayers, but with no say – that is the feeling of many of those affected.

Restructuring the energy supply – but at what cost?

Huge funding of 500 million euros is intended to entice municipalities to take on this complicated task of heat planning. In order to compensate for the lack of human resources in the cities, consulting firms are springing up like mushrooms - well financed by this windfall. But what about the rights of citizens? There is no clear statement about this in the law. It is obvious that the energy suppliers, but not those affected, are allowed to actively participate in the planning.

The public interest is largely put aside. So-called “heat producers” and operators of supply networks, on the other hand, enjoy a preferred role. The introduction of renewable energies is required by law. From 2030, every heating network must obtain at least 30 percent of its energy from sources such as wind or solar, and from 2040 even an impressive 80 percent.

Mannheim in focus – resistance is forming!

The alarm bells are ringing loudly in Mannheim. Around 24,400 households are threatened with the end of their inexpensive gas supply. Only two citizen information events were held, but the response was more apparent than real. According to Bothmann, the process was largely one-sided. Most of the feedback was limited to the desire to be connected to district heating.

A similar criticism is also expressed by many other municipalities: the law is perceived as excessive, a bureaucratic monster that is enforced without taking local circumstances into account. But why is this actually so important? It's about nothing less than the future of our energy supply. Legal dictates from above pose risks that should not simply be ignored.

The legally binding WPG attempts to put technocracy before human needs. Citizens and their needs take a back seat. This is precisely why it is important that municipalities and citizens stand up and say “No” loudly! Only with a strong and united voice can the power game be countered, as Frank Bothmann suggests. And that's exactly what's needed now!

The Mannheim example clearly shows how uncomfortable it can be when citizens are not integrated into decisions. Citizen participation must take place before and during implementation - a real citizen vote as the goal. More than just resistance is needed here: it is time for a revolt of reason!

Things may be different in other cities. But one thing is clear: discontent is growing and demands for democratic integration of the population are increasing Achgut.com reports on X. Discuss, think, and above all: get involved in the future of your city. Because the challenges affect us all!