More than 1,700 German companies, primarily from the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, have signed an open letter expressing "extreme concern" about the energy policy of Olaf Scholz's government. The signatories criticize the planned grid package, fearing a drastic increase in costs and a loss of competitiveness. At the same time, regional politicians like Katharina Fegebank warn that the era of cheap fossil fuels is irrevocably over, which deepens uncertainty in the industry.

Mass protest by entrepreneurs

Over 1,700 firms have signed an appeal against the government's energy policy, warning of a loss of competitiveness and jobs.

Criticism of the grid package

Business fears that new regulations concerning energy grids will drastically increase the costs of operating in Germany.

End of the era of cheap fuels

Regional politicians warn that gas and oil will no longer be cheap and certain sources of energy for industry.

A wave of criticism from German business is gaining momentum, reaching an unprecedented scale. More than 1,700 companies, representing the backbone of the local economy, have officially protested against the direction of changes in the energy sector. The main point of contention is the project to reform transmission grids, which, according to entrepreneurs, will lead to an uncontrolled increase in electricity prices. Companies associated within the Mittelstand point out that the lack of predictability in Berlin's actions forces them to halt investments or consider relocating production abroad. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that the letter was made public by the Green Party, which is part of the governing coalition, yet simultaneously tries to avoid direct responsibility for the business community's demands. The German energy transition, known as the Energiewende, has been aiming since the 1990s to replace coal and nuclear power with renewable sources. This process accelerated dramatically after Russia's aggression against Ukraine in 2022, which forced Germany to immediately abandon cheap Russian gas and rebuild its entire import infrastructure.In the public debate, voices are emerging pointing to the inevitability of structural changes. Katharina Fegebank, Vice Mayor of Hamburg, stated unequivocally that gas and oil will never again be perceived as stable and cheap energy carriers. This perspective stands in stark contrast to the expectations of industry, which demands price guarantees and protection from the effects of the transition from the state. „"Gas und Öl werden nie wieder verlässliche Energieträger sein. Wir müssen das akzeptieren und den Ausbau von Alternativen beschleunigen."” — Katharina Fegebank, Vice Mayor of Hamburg Tension is growing within the governing coalition, as each party places different emphasis on support for business. While the Greens are pushing for a rapid departure from fossil fuels, the liberal FDP and parts of the SPD are concerned about the financial health of companies burdened with high grid fees. In their appeal, entrepreneurs demand transparency and real dialogue, warning that the current policy could lead to the permanent deindustrialization of Germany. The lack of a coherent government stance in the face of such a massive protest undermines confidence in the planned energy market reform and calls into question the pace of further climate changes in Europe's largest economy. 1700 — firms signed the critical letter to the government

Mentioned People

  • Katharina Fegebank — Vice Mayor of Hamburg from the Green Party, warning against reliance on fossil fuels.
  • Olaf Scholz — Chancellor of Germany, the addressee of the entrepreneurs' critical open letter.
  • Katherina Reiche — German politician and manager, mentioned in the context of criticism of energy policy.