Housing associations in Saxony call for more harmony in housing and energy policy

The housing associations in Saxony are calling for more consistency in housing and energy policy from politicians. Planning and measures for these areas have so far been carried out in isolation from each other, and the energy sector and the building sector are too often considered separately in political terms, according to the Association of Municipal Enterprises (VKU), the Association of Saxon Housing Cooperatives (VSWG) and the Association of the Housing and Real Estate Industry (vdw Sachsen).

The result is duplication and rising investment costs, which are ultimately passed on to citizens via consumer prices, they said. Issues relating to the development and design of the energy supply, such as district heating and grid expansion, are closely linked to the housing industry. Housing and energy are two key issues that contribute to political uncertainty in Saxony and significantly influence the social climate.

More federal funding required for effective heating networks

In view of the current exploratory talks, the associations are calling on the future Saxon government to advocate a significant and long-term increase in federal funding for efficient heating networks.

The current funding is completely inadequate to support the long-term project of transformation towards green heat. This demand is directly linked to the expansion of the electricity grids.

Operating cost billing must not leave people stunned

"In addition to the technical aspects, the costs for companies in the energy and housing industries and for end consumers must also be taken into account holistically. There is still too much political separation here. In the end, consumers would be stunned by their utility bills if no forward-looking political action is taken here," explained VSWG board member Mirjam Philipp.

Call for more personal responsibility and less bureaucracy

Florian Gräßler, Managing Director of the VKU Saxony regional group, called for openness in the sources and technologies used to generate heat. "We need room for experimental and innovative supply models. More personal responsibility and less bureaucracy will ultimately benefit everyone involved and cost less money."

According to vdw head Alexander Müller, social benefits must not be allowed to slow down the energy transition. "The cost of housing must include a climate component so that landlords can also push ahead with energy-efficient refurbishments in properties with a high proportion of benefit recipients. The same applies to housing benefit." The right to climate-conscious housing must be affordable for everyone - for tenants and landlords.