Six German industry associations have urged the Bundestag to keep the annual €6.5 billion subsidy for electricity transmission charges. They say a proposed €1 billion cut would increase electricity costs for industry.
The joint statement was signed by the German Steel Federation (WV Stahl), the Federal Association of Energy Consumers (VEA), the Association of Industrial Energy and Power Users (VIK), the Metal Trade Association (WV Metalle), the German Electro and Digital Industry Association (ZVEI) and the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK).
The associations said electricity in Germany remains significantly more expensive than in competing industrial economies, including the US and China, as well as in several other European countries. They added that instability in the Middle East is putting further pressure on energy markets, raising costs and weakening the competitiveness of German manufacturers.
Introduced at the beginning of 2026, the subsidy brought transmission charges down to 2023 levels after substantial increases in previous years. A reduction in funding would partly reverse that relief and could raise costs for businesses, commercial consumers and households.
The associations expect electricity transmission costs to remain high or rise further in the coming years. They warned that cutting the subsidy could complicate investment planning and weaken incentives to electrify industrial processes. They called on lawmakers to reject the proposed cut and maintain annual funding at €6.5 billion, in line with the federal government's previous commitment.
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