German Minister Katherina Reiche's Draft Heating Law Sparks Municipal Criticism
The Federal Ministry of Economics, led by Minister Katherina Reiche, has drafted a new heating law aimed at accelerating Germany's heat transition. The Deutscher Städte‑ und Gemeindebund (German Cities and Municipalities Association) and its chief executive André Berghegger have warned that the proposal could overwhelm local authorities financially and create contradictory incentives. They cite concerns that the law simultaneously expects continued operation of gas networks, expansion of electricity grids for widespread heat‑pump deployment, and construction of new heat‑networks, which they describe as “cannot be a lasting goal.”
The association is calling for clearer federal guidance, legal certainty, and a coherent strategy for the use of green gases such as biomethane. Without such measures, they fear the legislation could lead to economic inefficiency, higher costs for citizens, and financial over‑burdening of municipalities.
Multiple reports from German news agencies have highlighted the association’s demand for a reliable federal support package and a transparent biomethane strategy before the law proceeds.