Energiekosten: Prognose: Heizkosten steigen 2026 an

In 2026, German households are forecast to face higher heating costs, the consultancy firm co2online warns in its annual "Heizspiegel" report. The organization predicts that oil and wood pellets will become significantly more expensive. While natural gas may see a slight relief, co2online notes that rising procurement costs at the start of the year and the cancellation of the gas storage surcharge could still lead to a minor reduction in overall heating costs.

However, the recent surge in wholesale prices could eventually drive up gas costs by the end of 2026 or during 2027. For a 70-square-meter apartment in a multi-family building, co2online expects oil heating costs to rise by 24 percent to 1,275 euros, while wood pellet costs will increase by 17 percent to 870 euros. Natural gas is projected to decrease by four percent to 1,120 euros.

Other studied heating systems are expected to see slight increases, with district heating up by one percent to 1,310 euros and heat pumps by three percent to 735 euros. Co2online emphasizes that many households could significantly reduce their heating costs. Simple actions like proper heating, ventilation, and reduced hot water consumption could cut energy consumption by up to ten percent.

More substantial savings can be achieved through heating optimization, insulation, or switching to renewable heating systems. The consultancy also projects that heating costs for gas and oil systems could more than double by 2045 due to factors like rising CO2 costs, higher network fees, and legally mandated additives like biomethane, hydrogen, or bio-oil.

While district heating and wood pellets are expected to see a moderate cost increase in the next 20 years, heat pumps are anticipated to remain the most cost-efficient option.