Gasgrundpreise

Gasgrundpreise, also known as gas base prices or gas foundation prices, are a type of price regulation mechanism used in the natural gas market to stabilize prices for end-consumers. The goal of gasgrundpreise is to provide a predictable and stable price for gas consumers, protecting them from extreme price fluctuations.

In countries with gasgrundpreise, the regulatory authority sets a maximum price for gas, often linked to the wholesale market price. Consumers are then billed at this capped price, which may be higher or lower than the actual market price. This price cap is usually adjusted periodically to reflect changes in the wholesale market.

Gasgrundpreise can take various forms, such as a fixed price per unit of energy or a tiered pricing system with different price caps for different consumption levels. Some countries also use a "deemed" price, where the wholesale market price is used as a proxy for the gas price.

Proponents of gasgrundpreise argue that they provide consumer protection, reduce price volatility, and promote a stable investment climate for gas infrastructure and power plants. Critics argue that gasgrundpreise can insulate consumers from market signals, potentially leading to inefficiencies in energy consumption.

Gasgrundpreise are used in various countries, including Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The specifics of the price regulation mechanism and the price levels can vary significantly between countries.