The district heating prices in Freising and Zolling are facing another increase, with consumers expected to pay between seven and ten percent more in the coming year, which could amount to over 300 euros annually for an average family home. Customers are unhappy with this hike, as it comes alongside troubling news regarding the new calculation formula for energy pricing that was communicated to them at the start of the year. Many are calling for clarity around the energy mix that constitutes their heating supply, but the details are lacking, raising doubts about transparency requirements mandated by law.

Previously, the Freising District Heating Company (FFG) made headlines in 2023 for its pricing practices, which raised concerns about how heat production costs were calculated. The FFG generated 43 percent of its heat from cheaper used wood but billed almost exclusively for expensive fossil fuels like coal and natural gas. The pricing formula at that time incorporated 50 percent of the coal price, 40 percent from the natural gas price, and a heating price index from the Federal Statistical Office, which was weighted lightly, creating further dissatisfaction among consumers regarding fairness in pricing.

Going forward, the rising costs and opaque pricing mechanisms underscore the pressing need for the FFG to provide more transparent information to its consumers. With energy costs continuously in the public eye, consumers are increasingly demanding accountability and transparency in how these energy pricing structures are developed, particularly in a market where rates are already under scrutiny. The implications of this rise could lead to greater advocacy for policy changes aimed at ensuring fair pricing practices within the district heating sector.