The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has exposed Germany's high dependence on Russian energy sources as a significant risk to economic development. Therefore, the German Council of Economic Experts already warned in March 2022 that Germany should immediately make every effort to quickly end this dependence and increase energy security. In addition to diversifying its energy supply, a more economical use of energy can also substantially reduce gas and oil consumption. In combination with an increase in energy efficiency the dependence on energy imports could be further reduced. For this to happen, however, policymakers must send clearer signals - not only in the form of appeals, but also through incentives.
In an opinion piece in the German weekly magazine WirtschaftsWoche, the German Council of Economic Experts explains in German which measures can be implemented to send strong signals and clear incentives to save energy and how the financial burden from rising energy prices can be cushioned in a targeted manner.
