Implement coalition promise: Electricity tax cut for all companies

The Brandenburg Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs) are calling on the federal government to keep its promise from the coalition agreement and reduce the electricity tax for all companies to the European minimum level. As a result of the most recent meeting of the coalition committee, only the already temporary reduction in electricity tax for the manufacturing industry and agriculture is to be continued. However, this only affects around 15 percent of businesses in Brandenburg that are members of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The vast majority of companies in the Brandenburg region would still not receive any relief despite political promises.

"The electricity tax relief that the CCIs have long been calling for should be a powerful signal to the entire economy. Now it threatens to become a symbol of broken promises," criticizes Jens Warnken, spokesman for the state working group of Brandenburg's CCIs and President of the Cottbus CCI. "If this urgently needed reduction in operating costs fails to materialize, there is a threat of investment freezes, relocations and a further decline in competitiveness - especially among SMEs."

In the coalition agreement of 5 May 2025, the federal government agreed to reduce the electricity tax to the European minimum level as an immediate measure for all end consumers. The cabinet resolution of June 24, 2025 no longer mentions this - instead, only the previous relief for the manufacturing industry and agriculture is to be extended.

"Such U-turns shake the confidence of entrepreneurs in the reliability of political commitments. High electricity costs are a burden on all sectors of the economy. Service providers, retailers and restaurants also urgently need a reduction in electricity tax," said Warnken.

The IHKs emphasize that many regions in Brandenburg are particularly affected: low margins and strong competitive pressure - for example due to the proximity to Poland - further exacerbate the situation.

"An electricity tax reduction for all would strengthen rural regions in particular, secure purchasing power and counteract the increasing regional divide. Anyone who takes Brandenburg seriously as a business location must act now - not at some point in the future," warns Warnken.

The Brandenburg CCIs are therefore appealing to the state's members of parliament to consistently campaign for a comprehensive electricity tax reduction in the parliamentary process. This is the only way to regain trust and send a signal of economic reliability.