In a recently published article, utilities cautioned that Germans could overwhelm their power grid if they switch to ineffective electric heaters in an attempt to prevent gas shortages this winter, Reuters reported.
Sales data reveals that households have been storing up on electric fan heaters, especially portable models, out of concern that Russia would reduce or further restrict gas supply as a result of its war in Ukraine.
If clients do not use the devices carefully, the managing director of the German organization of energy and water utilities, BDEW, warned daily Handelsblatt, they risk incurring even higher power bills.
Germany is struggling to support households and businesses impacted by an increase in energy prices after Russia cut off supply through the Nord Stream 1 natural gas pipeline.
In the event of a shortage, the German government has promised that industrial customers will be prioritized for rationing before individual residences.
In an interview with the daily Tagesspiegel on Saturday, the head of Germany’s federal network agency also warned that local power shortages could be caused by spikes in fan heater usage.
Klaus Mueller noted that even with “extremely high” gas costs, customers would still pay more for electric heaters than for gas-based central heating, which is the most typical type of home heating in the nation.
According to data from market researcher GfK, Germans purchased 600,000 electric heating equipment during the first half of the year, an increase of roughly 35% from a year earlier.
