Techem survey shows: Germans are paying more attention to their energy consumption

Eschborn, 10^th December 2024. A joint study by Techem and the statistics platform Statista on the digital energy transition shows: Interest in one's own energy consumption is strong in Germany. Around 84% of those surveyed stated that they are generally very interested in energy consumption in their own home. 82% track their consumption values - with interest increasing with age. According to the respondents, their personal level of knowledge has also improved in recent years. For example, 60% of respondents stated that they now have a better overview of their energy consumption than two years ago.

Regular self-monitoring and desire for more transparency

The survey, which was conducted in September this year, highlights the high level of initiative shown by Germans: On average, more than two thirds of households check their energy consumption at least every six months, while around a third even check it monthly "This is what our consumption information, which we provide to landlords and tenants of around 1.9 million apartments every month, does. Because only those who know their energy consumption precisely can manage it efficiently," says Matthias Hartmann, CEO of Techem. Nevertheless, 66% would like more transparency and a better overview of the consumption of heating energy, electricity and water in their household.

Although 95% of those surveyed attach importance to using energy sparingly, around two thirds state that most of the potential for savings has already been exhausted. Many households see the need to make changes to the furnishings in their homes in order to make further savings. "We need to focus on providing energy where it is needed. Smart metering or AI solutions such as the digital boiler room make consumption data transparent and pave the way for more demand-oriented control. The results of the survey show that targeted investments in low-investment solutions and measures as well as progressive regulation are needed to give the energy transition new momentum," Matthias Hartmann continues.

Strong interest in smart energy technologies and renewable energies

Energy prices remain a key issue, with 73% of respondents fearing that the cost of electricity, heat and water could become a serious financial burden. This concern is particularly widespread in eastern Germany, where 80% of households in Saxony and Thuringia see rising prices as a problem. It can thus be stated: The lower the income, the greater the concern. The energy balance of a home is also becoming increasingly important when choosing a new home - especially for younger people. However, as people get older, their willingness to move to a more energy-efficient home or accept higher rents decreases.

Another result of the survey: young households in particular are increasingly interested in innovative energy technologies such as smart home applications and intelligent metering systems in order to use energy more efficiently. Interest in renewable energies and sustainable energy solutions is also growing. Almost half of those surveyed have already switched to green electricity, but concrete plans for the use of other alternative energy solutions such as heat pumps are still rare. Only a minority (40%) have also looked into government support measures. 

Image information: Due to the warm weather in October, the radiators in many German households were still turned off (Image source: Shutterstock / Halfpoint). 

About the survey

The study was conducted in collaboration between Techem and Statista and sheds light on var-ious aspects of energy consumption and energy use in Germany. Energy consumption is de-fined as the consumption of electricity and water as well as energy for heating (natural gas, heating oil, heat pumps, etc.). The focus was on questions relating to the perception of personal energy consumption, price trends and the use of modern and sustainable energy solutions. The 2,000 participants were surveyed between August 30 and September 6, 2024.