Critics of the current energy policy warn that the rapid push away from gas is creating an unfair financial burden on millions of households. Many homeowners and tenants, particularly those with limited financial means, are being forced into a corner where they cannot afford the high costs of switching to new technologies, yet they are simultaneously being penalized by rising gas prices and grid fees. This creates a social divide, where only those with significant capital can escape the rising costs of fossil-fuel heating, while others are left to pay the price for an infrastructure that is being systematically phased out.
There is also deep skepticism regarding the speed and feasibility of this transition. The Institute of the German Economy (IW) and other experts have highlighted that for many, the costs of maintaining gas connections will skyrocket as the user base shrinks. This 'death spiral' of the gas grid threatens to leave the most vulnerable citizens with exorbitant bills for basic heating. Critics argue that the government's approach lacks sufficient consideration for the practical realities of the housing market, where landlords may be unwilling to invest in expensive upgrades, leaving tenants to bear the brunt of the increased costs.
Furthermore, the reliance on electricity-based heating like heat pumps assumes a level of grid stability and affordability that is not yet guaranteed. If electricity prices remain high or volatile, the promised savings of a heat pump may not materialize as expected. Instead of a forced, rapid exit from gas, many argue for a more balanced approach that includes the use of green gases and a more gradual, affordable transition that does not leave low-income families behind in the cold.