That is changing for employees and consumers

March 2023 has some changes in store for workers and consumers. New laws and rules come into force. Among other things, there is the energy flat rate for students. In addition, the laws on electricity and gas price brakes will apply from March.

From March 2022: These laws and changes come into force

Like almost every month, March 2023 brings some important changes for workers and consumers. In addition, new laws apply.

For example, there is no longer a mask requirement on long-distance trains. In addition, the so-called “wind-to-land” law comes into force. Meanwhile, certain energy-saving lamps are going out – at least during production.

1. From March 2023: Electricity price brake law comes into force

In March 2023, the law on the so-called electricity price brake will come into force. From then on, energy suppliers can only demand reduced prices from their customers. In addition, they must provide transparent information on this. The relief measures should take place via the respective current reduction.

Normally, this does not require any further action on the part of the consumer. The electricity price brake also applies retrospectively from January 1, 2023. The federal government wanted to give energy suppliers enough time to make the necessary adjustments. The electricity price brake is expected to apply until April 30, 2024.

With an annual electricity consumption of up to 30,000 kilowatt hours, the law caps the electricity costs at a gross price of 40 cents per kilowatt hour. This corresponds to 80 percent of the consumption in 2021 or the forecast annual consumption for 2023. Any consumption beyond this is subject to the market price.

This means that the law caps the price for annual electricity consumption of more than 30,000 kilowatt hours to a net price of 13 cents per kilowatt hour. In this case, however, this only applies to a maximum of 70 percent of the forecast annual consumption for 2023 or the comparative value from 2021.

2. Energy flat rate for students is coming

From March 15, 2023, students can submit an application for a flat-rate energy fee of 200 euros. That comes from one Law of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The measure is intended to provide financial support to up to 3.5 million people.

To apply, students need a so-called BundID account. An online ID or a personal ELSTER certificate is also required for identification.

3. From March 2023: Gas and district heating price brake law comes into force

In addition to the electricity price brake, the law on the so-called gas and district heating price brake will also come into force in March 2023. Here, too, energy suppliers will only be able to charge reduced prices and will have to inform their customers about this. The relief should also take place via the respective deduction.

Normally, this also does not require any action on the part of the consumer. Like the electricity price brake, the gas and district heating price brake applies retrospectively from January 1, 2023 and is expected to apply until April 30, 2024.

The relief from the gas price brake differs based on annual consumption of more than or less than 1.5 gigawatt hours per year. If the consumption is lower, a gross price of 12 cents per kilowatt hour applies. If it is above that, a net price of seven cents per kilowatt hour applies.

4. PCR test sites are closing

The so-called Corona Test Ordinance expires on February 28. That is why there will be no more PCR test centers from March 1, 2023, because: From then on there will no longer be any legal approval for operating such a station. If you still want to do a PCR test in the future, you have to go to your family doctor or a hospital.

5. Telephone sick leave is only possible until the end of March

A sick note by telephone for typical symptoms of a respiratory disease is only possible until March 31, 2023. Until then, a certificate of incapacity for work can be issued by telephone for a period of up to seven days. It can be extended by a maximum of seven days.

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