German authorities and power companies are preparing for a potential rationing of energy next winter in the event Russia shuts off the pipelines that provide more than half of the natural gas consumed by Europe’s largest economy.
Large industrial groups have received letters from network operators asking them to outline their energy needs in anticipation of possible shortages, according to three people who have seen the requests.
Two industrial companies with plants in the east and south-east of Germany told the Financial Times they had been warned by their local suppliers that gas deliveries could be curtailed by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, the Federal Network Agency, the regulator that oversees Germany’s energy infrastructure, confirmed it was holding talks with businesses to prepare for “unavoidable shutdowns” if energy supply shortages occur.
As a result, many of Germany’s largest corporations would be forced to cut their consumption, most likely by idling production.
The chemical and pharmaceutical trade body warned policymakers attending the meeting that “almost all sectors — agriculture, food, automotive, cosmetics and hygiene, construction, pharmaceuticals or electronics” would be hit by forced cuts to production in the sector.
