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Germans slash electricity use as energy bills soar to new highs

Record energy bills force Germans to rethink everything from showers to commutes. But why are millions still resisting change?

The image shows a graph depicting the number of CO2 emissions in Germany. The graph is accompanied...
The image shows a graph depicting the number of CO2 emissions in Germany. The graph is accompanied by text that provides further information about the data.

Germans slash electricity use as energy bills soar to new highs

More than half of Germans are now cutting back on electricity as energy costs climb. A recent survey shows rising prices have pushed people to change their daily habits. From heating to transport, many are finding ways to save money and reduce consumption.

Nearly two-thirds of the population (67%) say they think more carefully about energy use than before. Over half (52%) have actively reduced their electricity consumption in response to higher bills. A similar number (56%) no longer leave appliances on standby, while 55% keep their heating turned down.

Hot water usage has also dropped, with 47% of Germans cutting back on showers and baths. Yet not everyone has adjusted: 27% admit they have made no changes despite rising costs. Transport habits are shifting too. Rising fuel prices have led 48% of people to drive less, while 24% now use buses and trains more often. Cycling has also become more popular, with 29% choosing bikes over cars. However, 40% have taken no steps to move away from fossil fuels, even as energy bills keep rising.

The survey highlights how higher costs are pushing Germans to rethink energy use at home and on the road. While many have adopted new habits, a significant number have yet to make any adjustments. The long-term impact of these changes remains to be seen.

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