2024/25 heating season: significant energy consumption

Eschborn, April 16, 2025:  The average heating consumption of heating oil, natural gas and district heating across Germany the months of October to February rose by 23.6% on average compared to the previous year. This is the result of a recent analysis of monthly consumption figures by energy service provider Techem. Natural gas was hit particularly hard with an increase of 28.2% to 78.3 kWh/m². The increase in district heating was slightly lower at 24.1% to 59.4 kWh/m². Heating oil consumption rose by 18.4 % to 82.6 kWh/m².

Regional differences in the consumption of individual energy sources

Overall, there are regional differences in consumption: the strongest increase in heating oil was recorded in Thuringia at+ 43.1 % (to 94.3 kWh/m²). Schleswig-Holstein recorded the smallest increase at +4.4 % (to 83.9 kWh/m²). Saxony-Anhalt is the federal state with the lowest heating oil consumption at 59.9 kWh/m². Natural gas consumption is highest in Saarland at 93.4 kWh/m², while Berlin has the lowest natural gas consumption at 70.9 kWh/m². Saarland also leads the countries in district heating with 76.2 kWh/m², while Berlin also consumes the least here at 49.4 kWh/m². The highest increase in district heating was recorded in Thuringia with an increase of 45.1 % (to 52.7 kWh/m²). 

Consumption data as the key to energy efficiency

"The current figures show that the savings efforts of recent years have waned. If energy prices remain high, many consumers will therefore be confronted with an additional burden in their upcoming heating bills. Energy consumption can already be reduced by 10 - 15 percent with digital, low-investment solutions such as heating monitoring and optimized operational management based on this. In addition, technological innovations such as our new Multisensor Plus help to create awareness of one's own energy consumption and thus generate further efficiency gains," says Matthias Hartmann, CEO of Techem.   

The new multi-sensor device from Techem combines the smoke alarm function with additional sensors and extended functionality. In addition to the smoke detector function, the Multisensor Plus also measures the temperature and humidity of a room. As soon as the threshold value is exceeded, an LED on the device indicates that the room should be ventilated. In addition, individual ventilation recommendations and climate data for each room can be displayed on an app. With this optional climate monitoring, the Multisensor Plus prevents the build-up of moisture in rooms and not only contributes to the well-being of the occupants with a healthy indoor climate, but also actively protects the building fabric of the property. The new Multisensor Plus therefore offers more safety, more sensory functionality and more services than a conventional smoke detector. The processing of the collected data is GDPR-compliant at all times. In addition, the climate data is only transmitted after a switch on the device is activated. It is not possible to switch it on again remotely because the device only transmits in one direction, i.e. unidirectionally. Tenants therefore have full control over the data flow and its processing at all times.

"Energy savings depend largely on the behavior of the users. Intelligent ventilation recommendations help tenants to reduce final energy consumption and maintain a healthy indoor climate. Together with efficient heating behavior, this can save a further 5 % in energy and costs. As a digital service provider for smart buildings, we not only create transparency about energy data, but also identify potential savings and develop solutions that support landlords and tenants alike. True to the motto: measuring creates awareness," concludes Matthias Hartmann. 

Image information: Despite low consumption, high additional payments are to be expected. (Copyright: Techem)

About the methodology

This estimate of energy consumption for space heating is based on consumption information from around 36,000 homes during the year, which was measured and analyzed anonymously in the period from October to February. The consumption values for the annual transitions 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 were compared. The estimation, which combines consumption information during the year and long-term energy consumption, is based on an evaluation by the Techem Research Institute on Sustainability (TRIOS). However, a final statement on possible additional costs or additional payments for consumers can only be made after the heating cost bill has been drawn up.