German minister gives January target for industrial electricity price

Germany could introduce an industrial electricity price as soon as January 2026, Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said on Monday, aimed at reducing the price of electricity for energy-intensive companies.

Speaking at a conference in Berlin alongside European Commission Vice President Stéphane Séjourné, Reiche said negotiations on the topic with Brussels are in their final stages.

The announcement comes days before a steel summit in the German capital organized by Chancellor Friedrich Merz to address the sector’s struggles, which include high energy costs.

The industrial electricity price is an important component of the steel sector’s competitiveness, Reiche said.

Even more vital is an extension to the electricity price compensation scheme beyond 2030, she argued.

Reiche said the commission has indicated support for the state subsidy, with a decision to be made in the coming weeks.

The commission has already cleared the way for the policy to be introduced, subject to certain conditions.