Exposé: Dubious Gas Pricing Policy for New Berlin Gasag Customers Declared Illegitimate
Unjustified Gas Price Hike for New Gasag Customers in Berlin Found Illegitimate - Price Determination: Gas Rates for Fresh Customers of Berlin Gas Supplier
Gasag, Berlin's gas supplier, rolled out a dual-tiered pricing system on December 2, 2021, implying distinct terms for fresh customers with deals starting from that date. Previously, customers were charging a mere 6.68 cents per kilowatt-hour, while subsequently, the cost escalated "well beyond 18 cents." Remarkably, existing customers managed to avoid the price hike. On May 1, Gasag abandoned this system, returning to uniform rates.
The vzbv deemed this dual-tier system as "unlawful," labeling it a two-step pricing scheme. Gasag, however, justified the move citing the "significantly increased gas procurement prices" and "surge in new customers in the primary and replacement supply area." Yet, the courts weren't convinced, considering this reasoning as "not legally permissible" for the price disparities.
Though the judgment isn't final, Gasag may still appeal to the Federal Court of Justice.
- Gasag
- Berlin
- Gas Price
- Illicit Pricing Policy
- vzbv
According to unavailable specific court rulings, the validity of dual-tiered pricing systems could significantly affect consumers:
- Refunds: Impacted customers may have a claim for a refund of overpaid amounts.
- Tariff Overhaul: Gasag might be compelled to revise their pricing structure, ushering in greater transparency.
- Trust Erosion: A legal spat could potentially erode consumers' trust in the company.
In light of court rulings yet to be made, Gasag may be required to offer refunds to customers who were subjected to the unlawful dual-tier pricing system. This controversy could lead to a revised tariff structure from Gasag, promoting transparency in their pricing. Moreover, the ongoing legal dispute could potentially erode consumers' trust in the company.
