Rush Your Application for Energy Consultation as Subsidy Cuts Loom

If you're considering procuring energy consultation services, it's advisable to swiftly submit an application for financial aid. This urgency arises from imminent cuts to government funding. The Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy (BMWK) recently conveyed plans to reduce subsidies for creating individual renovation roadmaps (iSFP) due to budgetary constraints. This reduction becomes effective from August 7, with previous subsidies of up to 80% being limited to 50%.

Act Quickly: Application Timing Matters

According to BMWK spokesperson Susanne Ungrad, decision-making hinges on when the application is filed, not the day it's approved. Homeowners should expedite the application process, either submitting directly to the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control or contracting energy consultants to do so. Applicants must specify their prospective consultant in the application, so it's crucial to choose and compare consultant fees before committing.

Budget Shortfall Results in Substantial Subsidy Slash for Energy Consultation

The BMWK is implementing these subsidy cuts in response to an unprecedented peak of 80,000 applications for residential energy consultations in July 2024. Given the fiscal landscape and the ongoing high demand, subsidy rates and amounts are being restructured. The BMWK plans to lower the subsidy from 80% to 50% of the consultancy fee and reduce the maximum aid per consultation by 50%.

As Ungrad explains, if unaddressed, funding for energy consultations could be exhausted by September. While the ministry has managed to maintain the budget item, a budget increase is not feasible. The goal behind these reductions is to extend subsidized energy consultations to as many applicants as possible and to sustain these programs effectively.

iSFP Bonus Remains Untouched

The bonus for an individual renovation roadmap (iSFP bonus) and higher eligible expenditures for efficiency measures in federal funding remain unchanged. This includes improvements to the building envelope and windows. Consequently, the bonus for other individual efficiency measures—such as window replacements or exterior wall insulation—will continue to rise from 15% to 20% if an iSFP was previously created through the energy consultation subsidy. With a subsidized iSFP, eligible expenses for these individual efficiency measures double to 60,000 euros, up from 30,000 euros.

Funded Energy Consultations: EBW and EBN Programs

Funded energy consultations are offered through the programs Energy Consultation for Residential Buildings (EBW) and Non-residential Buildings, Systems and Systems (EBN) for private consumers, companies, municipalities, and non-profit organizations. These services provide valuable insights and guidance for renovating buildings sustainably. The consultations pave the way for more energy-efficient living and a shift away from fossil fuels.

Demand for the EBW program has surged over the years, with around 10,000 applications in 2019, 130,600 in 2023, and already over 80,000 by early July 2024. In contrast, the EBN program has received approximately 3,200 applications, with last year seeing a total of around 6,000 applications.

Enhance Your Energy Efficiency with Expert Solutions

As you navigate the application process, consider partnering with leading experts in energy solutions. ACE Battery offers advanced energy storage solutions that can enhance your energy efficiency and support your renovation projects. Explore their high-quality products and discover how they can help you achieve your sustainability goals.