Time change, gas, power brake and Co.
That all changes in March 2023
In March 2023 there is more to come than spring.
© Artur Sniezhyn / Adobe Stock
When March is in sight, one thing in particular is finally back: daylight even after work – at least for some. With the changeover to summer time, the mornings are also getting lighter again. We have put together for you what else will change in March.
The gas and electricity price brakes also start right on time for the beginning of spring, further corona protective measures are taken and students finally get their 200 euros.
beginning of spring
On March 20th, winter is over and spring is about to begin. You can already notice it in one place or another. It’s finally getting lighter, the sun is already strong and the first flowers are sticking their heads through the ground.
But again time change
Despite all the discussions in recent years, the time will be changed again this March. From March 25th to 26th the clocks will be put forward from two o’clock to three o’clock.
Changes in the mask and test obligation
The obligation to wear masks for employees and residents of clinics, nursing homes and medical practices is no longer applicable – exceptions apply to visitors who have to wear a mask until April 7th. The remaining test obligations, for example for visits to hospitals and nursing homes, will generally cease to apply on March 1st. The facilities can still assert their domiciliary rights and continue to request a current test as proof. In addition: The offer of free citizen tests for everyone, even without symptoms, which has already been greatly reduced, will only run up to and including February 28th.
Energy flat rate for students: 200 euros
Students and technical students should be able to apply for the long-awaited energy price flat rate of 200 euros from March 15th. The approximately 3.5 million beneficiaries need a BundID account to identify themselves for the application. It is still unclear when the money will actually arrive in the applicant’s account.
Financial relief: Electricity and gas price brakes take effect
The energy price brakes for millions of consumers of gas, electricity and district heating will take effect from March 1st and will also be calculated retrospectively for January and February. The good thing: Consumers do not have to do anything – the relief comes automatically via the billing or via lower down payments. However, the industry association BDEW asks for a little patience because of the complex rules. In figures, this means that gas costs will be limited to 12 cents per kilowatt hour. Electricity is 40 cents and district heating is limited to 9.5 cents per kilowatt hour.
Relief for heating oil, pellets, coal and liquid gas
The federal government wants to create relief here as well. If any of these energy sources were purchased in 2022 before December 1st and the price was more than double the last purchase, a refund can be requested.
The consequences of the strike at the post office
Customers of Deutsche Post must (as of February 25) continue to prepare for disabilities: Union members can decide up until March 8 whether there is an open-ended industrial dispute. The result of the ballot is to be announced on March 9th. The dispatch of letters or parcels is likely to be even more affected if consent is given.
Insurance plates change colors
From March 1st, mopeds, mopeds and e-scooters can only be driven with a black license plate – at least for this year. They are available from insurers. The color of the license plate changes annually between black, green and blue to quickly see whether the insurance cover is up to date.
Bahn lounge restricts visitors
Deutsche Bahn is restricting access to its special waiting areas at major train stations. If you want to use the lounges from March 1st, you generally need a long-distance ticket. So far, Bahnbonus status customers have also been able to use the areas.
Aldi Süd dispenses with paper brochures
Who does not know it, the free village or district newspaper does not have many pages and is still as thick as the weekly newspaper. The reason: brochures. Aldi Süd will now do without the paper form – for reasons of environmental protection. However, the offers can still be found on the company website, via WhatsApp or on other portals. Aldi Süd is now following suit – Aldi Nord has not had paper brochures for a long time.
Krombacher attracts prices
2022 was already an expensive year, now many companies are raising prices again. Among them also Krombacher. Consumers have to adjust to higher beer prices. The Radeberger Group had already warned of a tough year ahead.
Sources used: dpa.de, chip.de, finanzen.net