For the winter of 2023/2024, however, it was not possible to go all out, Birnbaum said. In terms of quantities, much more should be saved. The industry saved about 20 percent of gas – also by stopping production. That doesn’t go well for long, but it compromises long-term jobs, says Birnbaum. He called private families “the Achilles’ heel”. So far they have only saved 10%. “That’s not enough. We can’t count on another warm winter helping us out.”
In addition, gas supply sources would need to be diversified as quickly as possible to secure supply. If, for example, China’s economy recovers, it will be considerably more difficult for Germany to obtain affordable liquefied natural gas on the world market.
Eon serves around 14 million private and business customers in Germany. These include around 1.5 million gas customers. In addition to energy sales, the operation of distribution networks is the other major pillar of the group’s core business.