EON: Statement E.ON Energy Solutions on the Decision of the Higher Regional Court of Hamm Regarding the Model Declaratory Action by the Federation of Consumer Organizations (vzbv) Against E.ON Energy Solutions

For E.ON, it is clear: district heating is a central pillar of the heat transition. That is why we are investing extensively in the expansion and decarbonization of our heating networks to continue providing our customers with safe and affordable heat in the future.

We have taken note of the decision of the Higher Regional Court of Hamm regarding the model declaratory action brought by the Federation of Consumer Organizations (vzbv) against E.ON Energy Solutions due to invalid price adjustment clauses and, for this reason, impermissible price increases.

Importantly, the Higher Regional Court of Hamm did not find a general invalidity of E.ON's price adjustment clauses. The court assessed individual price adjustment clauses in three supply areas. Thus, the decision exclusively concerns specific price adjustment clauses in these areas.

We will now carefully evaluate the written reasoning of the judgment and decide on the further course of action as well as possible legal remedies.

The case highlights the challenging and unclear environment in which district heating network operators work. Therefore, we welcome the recent legislative initiative by the federal government to create clarity and structure for customers and operators of district heating networks.

Against the backdrop of upcoming investments to be made by district heating providers throughout Germany, legally secure guidelines for future price setting in district heating are essential. Uniform legal requirements strengthen customer trust, enable fair and comparable competitive conditions among companies, and at the same time create the planning security necessary for the further expansion and decarbonization of district heating.

It is crucial that the price setting for our customers is transparent, comprehensible, and legally secure. This is exactly what we are committed to. Because district heating is and remains central to the heat transition.