Annual municipal utility study investigates how regulatory burdens can be eased to support the energy and heating transition • BDEW conference provides a platform for exchange between industry stakeholders and politicians to drive the energy transition forward • The Federal State of Hesse launches a platform to support municipalities in their heat transition plans • Read more about the developments in sustainable heating and cooling in this month's news update from Germany
The 23rd municipal utility study has been conducted in cooperation between EY and the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW). This year, the study focuses on the complex challenges arising from the regulatory framework and legal requirements for German municipal utilities and regional energy suppliers.
As in previous years, the management and executive boards of around 100 municipal utilities and regional energy suppliers in Germany were surveyed. The 2025 municipal utility study examines how existing regulations places a burden on municipal utilities. The aim of the study is to provide an overview of relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines that are important for municipal utilities and that are slowing down their implementation of the energy transition.
The energy transition is a central challenge where municipal utilities are at the heart of the transformation process. Not only do they contribute significantly to the switch to renewable energies, but they also play a decisive role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG emissions) and are responsible for securing the energy supply.
This comprehensive corporate and macroeconomic transformation requires significant investment in innovative technologies and modern infrastructure. At the same time, however, municipal utilities are confronted with a complex web of legal and regulatory requirements. It is estimated that more than 15,500 individual standards apply to the energy industry alone raising significant annual compliance costs.
The aim is to significantly reduce bureaucracy. In addition, the special fund of €500 billion for infrastructure projects, which was initiated by the CDU/CSU and SPD, is of great importance. This financial package gives the new federal government considerable financial leeway and opportunities to push ahead with urgently needed investments in energy infrastructure.
Read more in article from BDEW
Between June 3 to 5, 2025, around 1,600 experts and executives from the energy sector, politics, and science gathered in Berlin for the BDEW Congress 2025. One of the leading events in the German energy and water industry provided a platform for exchange, inspiration, and discussion of current challenges facing the industry directly after the establishment of the new federal government, making it particularly relevant.
A special highlight of the program was the political exchange with the new federal government: Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katharina Reiche and Federal Minister for the Environment Carsten Schneider spoke about the energy and climate policy guidelines for the current legislative period. In her speech, Katherina Reiche, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, presented the new federal government’s so-called growth booster. Essentially, it is a tax relief intended to trigger investment. According to Reiche, a decision on electricity price relief will be made before the end of the summer. She also emphasized that “energy policy is more than climate policy. It is also a security issue and a competitive factor.”
Impulses from 16 thematic sessions – from security of supply to hydrogen Central issues in the energy industry were addressed in 16 practical sessions. Topics discussed included: The next steps in the energy transition Security of supply in the European context Digitalization and new business models Progress in the heat transition Hydrogen strategies Current regulatory developments and technological innovations.
Program contents are available on the BDEW YouTube channel. If you are curious to join the next BDEW congress it will take place on June 10 and 11, 2026 in Berlin.
Read more in article from BDEW
Municipal heat planning is not optional, but a prerequisite for the energy transition at the local level. The Heat Transition Forum was held for the third time and is organized by the State Energy Agency of Hesse (LEA). With over 300 participants, it is Hesse’s central platform for the municipal heat transition. In specialist presentations and panels, experts discussed topics such as energy efficiency, decarbonization of heating networks, and innovative implementation tools such as contracting. A special focus was on the effects and opportunities of the new Heat Planning Act.
The Hessian Energy Minister, Kaweh Mansoori emphasises that “Municipal heat planning is our tool for a sustainable, socially just, and affordable energy future. It brings structure to the transition to renewable heat and ensures that no one is left out in the cold.”
At the forum, the state presented its new digital exchange platform “Hessian Municipalities for the Heat Transition” for the first time. It is aimed at municipal representatives to network with each other, learn from each other, and develop solutions together.
In addition, the state is providing new practical guidance to support municipalities in their heat planning – from needs analysis to implementation – and, for the first time, on how municipalities can work together in convoys.
Read more in article from Wirtschaft Hessen
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