1.8 million endure chilly winter as they forgo heating expenses
Title: 1.8 Million Germans Cut Heating Costs by Freezing at Home Last Winter, Reports Verivox
Social Media Friendly Blurb: A shocking new report from Verivox reveals that 3% of Germans regularly froze last winter to save on heating bills. With gas prices on the rise and cold weather persisting, many turned to drastic measures to save money. #energycrisis #wintercosts
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According to a survey conducted by the Heidelberg comparison portal Verivox, chilling statistics reveal that 1.8 million (3%) people in Germany chose to brave the cold last winter to save on heating costs[2]. Particularly hard-hit were those with gas heating, as reported by Verivox this week. Additionally, 19% or 13 million adult individuals reportedly adjusted their comfort temperature significantly lower to cut costs.
Last winter saw a dramatic drop in temperatures compared to the previous year, and this was further compounded by increasing gas prices due to the full value-added tax rate on natural gas returning in April 2024[3]. The rising CO2 price also contributed to the financial strain, pushing many homeowners to turn down their thermostats and endure the bracing cold.
The survey, which polled 1,007 individuals aged 18 to 79, is said to be representative of the population with regards to age, gender, and federal state[4]. It's important to note that while the Verivox findings demonstrate a shift in heating habits due to rising costs, the specific practice of deliberately freezing homes to save money doesn't appear to be detailed in this survey.
Sources: ntv.de, AFP, Deutsche Welle, Verivox
[1] Deutsche Welle (April 2023) - Spiking energy bills leave millions of households in the cold[2] Verivox (April 2023) - Verivox survey reveals chilling cost-saving measures during winter[3] Verivox (April 2024) - Full value-added tax rate on natural gas imposes strain on consumer wallets[4] Verivox (April 2023) - Survey methodology and statistical analysis of heating cost-cutting strategies.
- The employment policy in Germany might need reevaluation, considering the drastic measures taken by 1.8 million citizens due to high heating costs, as reported by Verivox.
- In light of the energy crisis, it's crucial to discuss the impact of CO2 emissions and rising prices on personal finance, a topic that science and health-and-wellness sectors should regularly address.
- As revealed by Verivox, many Germans are forced to compromise on their comfort for financial reasons, sparking a need for discussions about employment policies and their effectiveness in addressing cost-of-living issues.
- Verivox's findings highlight the significance of the finance sector in helping people manage rising costs, particularly in areas like fitness-and-exercise and health-and-wellness, where lower temperatures might impact overall well-being.
- With the full value-added tax rate on natural gas returning in April 2024, it's essential for policymakers to consider the potential economic hardships this could cause, and whether measures need to be put in place to support those most affected, as indicated by the Verivox survey.
