German Consumer Advocates Push for Decade-Long Notice Before Gas Network Shutdowns

As Germany aims for climate neutrality by 2045, new calls emerge for early consumer notifications about the phase-out of natural gas systems.

Germany plans to become climate neutral by 2045, requiring a significant reduction in the use of fossil fuels, including natural gas.
Consumer advocacy groups demand that households be informed at least ten years in advance of gas network shutdowns to plan transitions effectively.
The EU Gas and Hydrogen Market Directive, effective since August, mandates gas operators to submit closure or transition plans, with implementation into German law required by 2026.
Alternative energy sources like district heating and heat pumps are expected to replace gas systems, though green gases such as biomethane and hydrogen remain options.
Currently, 48% of German households still use gas for heating, highlighting the scale of the transition; Mannheim's MVV utility leads with a plan to phase out its gas network by 2035.