Energy
By
M. Martensen & R. Kunkel
23.12.2022
3
Mins read
Wholesale energy prices have never been this high. Here at Ostrom, we’ve also had to increase our prices throughout the year in response to this energy crisis—but in keeping with our One Fair Tariff (unique in Germany), as wholesale prices decrease, we’ll decrease our prices too (as we did on 15.12.2022).
Despite the recently falling prices, German consumers were hit hard in 2022. To provide some relief, the government has responded with an energy relief package called the Strompreisbremse, which translates to “Energy Price Brake”.
On paper, the Strompreisbremse is simple:
Officially, the Strompreisbremse begins January 2023. However, the law was adopted not long before the end of 2022, and it takes time to implement all requirements. Because of this, your monthly deposit will be automatically adjusted from March 2023 onwards. Any difference from January and February will be balanced retroactively, most likely in March 2023.
The idea is that you’ll be relieved of high energy bills while still having the incentive to reduce your energy consumption. This is why the Strompreisbremse is calculated using your base consumption from 2022.
For Example:
But if you consume 10% (=200 kWh) less than was forecasted by the grid, then:
Better yet, if you manage to consume 20% less electricity than forecast, you win! The unit price for every kWh you use will be capped at 40 ct/kWh.
The local grid forecasts your annual base consumption for 2023 by reading your meter to determine how much you consumed in 2022. The grid then sends this number to Ostrom, and we must use that to calculate the 80%.
If you just moved in—especially if you moved to a new build completed in 2022—then the forecast could be a little off:
Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do about this, as it’s up to your local grid to make the forecast.
If you only switched to Ostrom recently, it won’t affect your consumption forecast because the local grid takes consumption readings from your meter, which has nothing to do with your electricity provider.
If you’ve read this far, you’ll know the savings will differ depending on a few things. Below you’ll find some calculations based on consumption estimates for 2-person household, but we’re also improving our tariff calculator to include the Strompreisbremse—so stay tuned!
At market rate 41 ct/kWh:
At market rate 50 ct/kWh:
Absolutely nothing. We take care of every step and are already working with our external vendors to prepare everything and ensure we meet all legal requirements. We will inform all our customers regarding any changes once everything is finalized.
Ostrom, as a supplier, will receive the Strompreisbremse funding from the transmission system operator in March 2023. This amount is also based on the grids’ annual consumption forecast. This subsidy pot consists of excess profit tax from energy generation companies and some government funds.
You can always reach out to us in the live chat or at hallo@ostrom.de.