“Cheap” compared to the payment of bonuses for companies that benefit from the gas price brake
Monika Schnitzer understands the resentment of bonus and dividend payments when companies are supported by the state. The new president of the “Economic Wise Men” argues that these payments should not be made if companies benefit from the gas price brake.
dhe new president of the “Wirtschaftsweiser”, Monika Schnitzer, spoke out in favor of banning companies from paying bonuses and dividends if they benefit from the gas price brake. “I understand the resentment of bonus and dividend payments when companies are supported by the state,” the chairwoman of the council of economic experts told media group Funke newspapers (Sunday). “It would be implausible to allow this while the gas price brake is in place.”
So far, the federal government has not implemented a ban on bonuses and dividends to curb gas and electricity prices. However, there is a decision by the Committee on the Budget that does just that. The federal government must now negotiate this with the traffic light group budget holders.
At the same time, the economics professor warned against false incentives. “Politicians must make it clear that consumers must continue to save energy. The commandment is: turn down the heat, buy warm socks,” Schnitzer said. He doubts this is communicated well enough. “The adoption of the December discount shouldn’t lead people to take it as carte blanche.”
Utility Eon Energie Deutschland also continued to ask for savings. “Energy saving is an extremely important lever. The less you use it, the better,” chief executive Filip Thon told media group Funke. In addition, lower demand leads to a drop in prices and a reduction in CO2 emissions. The greatest potential for savings in households lies in heating. “More than two-thirds of the energy in German houses and apartments is used for this,” said Thon.
Economist Schnitzer rejected calls for aid for oil and pellets. “With the price brake, gas customers end up where customers with oil or pellet heating systems are anyway,” he said. No special relief is therefore required.
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