In the debate about a starting date for the gas price brake, the Union put pressure on again. It's about building a bridge for citizens, but also for companies, through the winter, said Union faction leader Jens Spahn (CDU) on Monday in the ARD "Morgenmagazin".

"A winter bridge that doesn't come until March obviously makes no sense." The Gas Commission's proposals have been around for two weeks, but it is still unclear what the federal government will implement.

One-off payment proposed in December

The commission of experts set up by the federal government had proposed a one-off payment in December for private gas customers and small companies based on the advance payment in September. The actual price brake should come in January for industrial companies and for private households and small companies from March if possible, or April at the latest. On Friday, the Prime Ministers' Conference called for the gas price brake to be introduced as early as January 1st. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) was open to this at the weekend.

Spahn emphasized that one payment is not enough to bring noticeable relief to families. "Bakeries and craftsmen also need structural relief much earlier, in January, February and March." If that should not go faster, then one could also work with flat rates. For example, an energy flat rate of 1000 euros for the lower third of the income or an immediate payment for companies at risk of insolvency with a subsequent check, as in the corona pandemic, are conceivable.