“Gabriel outrages East-German states”

German economy minister Sigmar Gabriel’s decision to scrap the harmonisation of grid fees across the country continues to outrage politicians in eastern Germany, Jens Tartler writes in Tagesspiegel. Heads of eastern states accuse the federal government of “breaching its promise”, according to Tartler.  They intend to complain to Chancellor Angela Merkel about Gabriel’s backtracking regarding the nationwide alignment of power prices. Tartler explains that “rumour in the energy industry has it” that Gabriel tried to spare the populous West German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, where “grid fees are low and a state election is due” in May.

Grid fees account for about a quarter of the power price and are higher in regions that are sparsely populated and where grids have to be expanded due to newly installed renewable energy capacities.

For background, read the CLEW dossier Energiewende effects on power prices, costs and industry.