BERLIN, (Reuters) – Germany might scrap a levy for electricity bills. The levy is intended to help renewable energy from the second half year. It was said by Christian Lindner on Sunday.

Germany’s three major parties were planning to remove the EEG surcharge for electricity bills on Jan. 1, 2023. But Chancellor Olaf Scholz could have to do so sooner because of the rise in prices.

Germany’s December energy prices were 69% higher than December 2020. Russia, a gas supplier to Ukraine, would most likely increase their prices.

According to Der Spiegel, Lindner stated that “if the coalition agrees to it, then I would make it economically viable and the EEG Surcharge would be lifted mid-year.” This would provide billions of dollars in relief to families, retirees, people receiving social benefits and workers, and medium-sized and small businesses and artisans.

Although the surcharge has been reduced by 43% since Jan. 1, it is expected that households will still pay an average of 222 Euros ($247.37) each year.

Earlier this month, the co-leader of Germany’s Social Democrat (SPD) party said the charge https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-mulls-scrapping-energy-bill-surcharge-early-prices-rise-2022-01-22 may be scrapped altogether this year.

Nobody was immediately available Sunday afternoon to confirm that the position of the finance minister had been confirmed by Reuters.

According to industry data, 4.2 million German households could see their electricity bills increase by an average of 63.7% in 2018, while 3.6 millions face gas bills that are 62.3% more than 2021. This is because suppliers have passed on record wholesale prices.

($1 = 0.8974 euros)