Laws, funding programs and energy prices change every year. Maintaining an overview is often not that easy. That is exactly why we are showing you here transparently, comprehensibly and concisely what changes are in store for you in 2026, and what they mean in concrete terms for electricity prices, grid charges, renewable energies, mobility and heating. This will keep you up to date on energy policy in the new year.

What will change in electricity prices and energy in 2026

Die Federal government is planning a noticeable reduction in energy prices from January 2026. Union and SPD want the Gas storage levy abolish electricity grid charges with billions of euros and reduce certain electricity taxes. The aim is to relieve households and companies financially and at the same time to further advance the transition to climate-friendly energy sources.

In total, consumers are to be relieved by around 10 billion euros in 2026. This should be particularly evident when it comes to electricity prices. The federal government plans to subsidize network charges with 6.5 billion euros. These costs are normally passed on to customers via the electricity bill. Falling network charges therefore have a direct dampening effect on electricity prices. How much the relief is in individual cases varies from region to region, as network charges vary depending on the network area.

According to the federal government, a household with an annual electricity consumption of 3,500 kilowatt hours should be relieved by around 100 euros per year as a result of lower network charges. This represents a reduction in electricity costs of around nine percent. However, the actual savings also depend on other factors, such as the distribution network, the energy status of the building or whether a heat pump is used, for example.

According to the Federal Network Agency, network charges currently account for around 27 percent of the electricity price. According to initial evaluations, the average electricity price for households is BDEW electricity price analysis It is currently around 37.2 cents per kilowatt hour. Network charges average around 9.9 cents per kilowatt hour, which is around 1.6 cents below the previous year's figure. Despite regional differences, electricity prices are therefore expected to fall further in 2026.

Is it worth switching to green electricity in 2026?

The switch to green electricity is more worthwhile than ever in 2026. Falling network charges, more competition and a growing range of tariffs mean that sustainable electricity is increasingly attractively priced. Anyone who compares tariffs and pays attention to price guarantees or fixed prices can also protect themselves against short-term price fluctuations. Transparency and credibility also play an important role. Seal of approval such as OK Power Seal help identify genuine green electricity offers.

Should your current provider announce a price increase, you can usually get from your Special termination right Make use of it and easily switch to a new provider. With PLAN-B NET ZERO, you can switch in just a few minutes, and you get sustainable electricity at fair conditions, as well as an exchange bonus.

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Lower electricity prices also for industry

In addition to private households, companies should also benefit. The aim of the Federal Government is to strengthen the competitiveness of the economy and to facilitate investments through permanently lower electricity costs. More than 600,000 manufacturing companies as well as agricultural and forestry companies are to be relieved. After the crisis year 2022, the industrial price of electricity Recovered significantly and is expected to be around 16.0 cents per kilowatt hour in 2026. The main reasons are lower procurement costs and reduced taxes and levies. For many companies, this means noticeable relief and improved planning security.

Energy certificate: New EU requirements from May 2026

From May 2026, uniform requirements for energy certificates will apply across Europe. In future, these will have to include efficiency classes A to G in order to make buildings more comparable. For newer, well-insulated buildings, a consumption certificate is usually still sufficient. Older properties, in particular houses with up to four residential units built before 1977, will often require a requirement certificate in future, as it objectively assesses building fabric and heating technology. Anyone who is unable to present a valid energy certificate or provides false information risks fines of up to 10,000 euros.

New heating rules: What will apply from 2026

Heating is one of the biggest CO₂ drivers in the building sector. Accordingly, the heating revolution plays a central role in climate policy. that Building Energy Act (GEG) forms the legal framework for climate-friendly and sustainable heating.

In principle, existing heating systems may continue to operate as long as they are functional. There is no lump sum replacement requirement for oil and gas heating systems from 2026. The age of the boiler is particularly decisive. Investments that are older than 30 years are generally subject to an exchange obligation, with certain exceptions.

There are stricter requirements for new heating systems. From mid-2026, oil and gas heating systems may only be installed if at least 65 percent of them can be powered by renewable energy. Pure fossil solutions are thus gradually being pushed back. By 2045 at the latest, heating systems may no longer be powered by fossil fuels.

The switch to heat pumps continues to be comprehensively promoted. About the KfW program 458 Owners can receive subsidies of up to 70 percent of the investment costs. Among other things, air-to-water, groundwater and groundwater heat pumps are supported, provided that they meet certain efficiency and noise requirements.

Do you already live in a household with a heat pump or are you planning to install it?
Calculate your electricity prices transparently here.

New e-car funding from 2026

From 2026, the federal government will once again introduce a State funding for electric cars one. Subsidies of between 3,000 and 6,000 euros are available for newly registered e-cars, depending on income and marital status. Leased vehicles are also eligible for funding. Plug-in hybrids and range extender vehicles can receive lower subsidies provided they meet certain CO2 and range requirements. The aim is to continue to support the ramp-up of electric mobility and at the same time to make affordable charging power ever more important.

Photovoltaics: That will change in 2026

In 2026, several innovations in the photovoltaic sector will come into force. Die EEG amendment It makes it easier to store excess solar power in your own e-car and use it later in the household. At the same time, the photovoltaic obligation is being extended. New buildings must continue to be equipped with PV systems; for existing buildings, the obligation will apply from 2026 for major roof renovations.

Traditional feed-in tariffs are becoming increasingly important. Instead, win Energy Sharing in relevance. Surplus electricity can be transferred to other households or energy communities in a targeted manner, often at more attractive conditions. Photovoltaic systems are also becoming ever smarter and are interconnected with wallboxes, heat pumps and household appliances to use electricity intelligently.

CO₂ price continues to rise in 2026

From January 1, 2026, the CO₂ price will be determined within a range of 55 to 65 euros per ton via emissions trading. For consumers, this means moderate additional costs, such as up to three cents per liter for gasoline and diesel and up to 0.22 cents per kilowatt hour for natural gas.

For companies and households, the new regulation means in particular: less predictability. In future, CO2 certificates will be traded across Europe, purchased weekly and included in prices. In the long term, however, it is clear that fossil heating and refueling are becoming increasingly expensive, an additional incentive to rely on climate-friendly alternatives such as heat pumps or e-mobility.

By switching to PLAN-B NET ZERO, you can also save up to 912 kilograms of CO₂ per year. That is about as much as 281 kg of burnt brown coal, or 651 liters of milk produced.

Deutschlandticket: Price rises from 2026

From January 2026, the Deutschlandticket costs 63 euros a month. This increases the price by five euros compared to 2025, and the federal and state governments want to secure long-term financing for the ticket.