05.10.2026 - The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) is represented by experts at the hearings on the Renewable Energy Act (EEG) and the Energy Efficiency Act. Here, Sebastian Bolay, DIHK Division Head for Energy, Environment, and Industry, states:

On the Renewable Energy Act:

“After more than 25 years of EEG subsidies, renewable technologies are now largely competitive and viable in the market. It is therefore right, as proposed by the Union, to gradually release them into independence. However, there is no necessity for a shift to differential contracts. Such a change would reverse the achievements made in market integration for new facilities. 

To strengthen market-funded installations, the maximum bid levels for onshore wind and solar power should also be significantly reduced to accelerate market expansion within Germany. The focus must now turn to aligning the EEG reform toward a cost-efficient future while further expanding renewable energies.”

On the Energy Efficiency Act:

“The amendment to the Energy Efficiency Act brings significant relief for the affected companies. It eliminates or softens numerous thresholds, deadlines, and additional requirements introduced by the previous government. However, the Act still exceeds European standards in many areas, creating unnecessary bureaucracy and costs for companies, thereby disadvantaging them in the European competition. 

Unfortunately, the Act also lacks a much-needed clear definition of the term ‘enterprise.’ Administrative interpretations in guidance documents do not provide legal certainty. The definition must align with established practice, focusing on the smallest legally independent unit and using only its relevant final energy consumption as the accounting boundary. Without this clear definition, major uncertainties and new burdens threaten many small and municipal businesses. In summary, the efforts for deregulation would be rendered moot. 

The Bundestag should revise the draft by not only streamlining it further but also ensuring clear and uniform rules. Only this way will the promised deregulation become a tangible relief in operational practice rather than a setback.”