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Monobloc heat pumps can suffer severe frost damage during a multi-day power outage because their water-carrying components are located outside the building. As soon as the power fails, the circulation pump stops and the heating water no longer circulates through the outdoor unit. In sub-zero temperatures, pipes and heat exchangers can freeze. The ice expands […]

Starcar is closing down, but the scale of the collapse is surprising many: The Hamburg-based car rental company is ceasing operations following its insolvency, and more than 1,000 jobs within the group are at risk. The company filed for insolvency at the end of 2025, and until recently, no investor could be found for a

France is experiencing a cold snap, causing a noticeable increase in electricity demand. At the same time, generation is reaching record levels, and electricity prices are reacting more quickly than usual. In this situation, nuclear power and grid stability become crucial factors, as they ensure supply during peak demand. (bloomberg: 31.12.25) Cold snap during winter

On January 3, 2026, a key connection of Berlin’s power supply caught fire on a cable bridge over the Teltow Canal, causing a power outage in the southwest of the city amid wintry temperatures. Up to 45,000 households and thousands of businesses were affected. Investigators suspect a politically motivated arson attack on critical infrastructure, perpetrated

Long-term care insurance is reaching a critical threshold because expenditures are growing faster than the funding base. The average out-of-pocket cost for nursing home care already exceeds €3,000 per month, while at the same time, the insurance funds are accumulating deficits. This is precisely the scenario that critics warned about before 1995: A partial-benefit system

China will introduce a mandatory standard on January 1, 2026, limiting the energy consumption of new electric cars. The government intends to enforce efficiency through both technical and fiscal means. Manufacturers must design their models according to weight and technology to ensure demonstrable energy efficiency and allow buyers to continue benefiting from tax exemptions. These

At first glance, the target for the smart meter rollout appears to have been met. The Federal Network Agency reports a rate of 20.2 percent for mandatory installations by the end of September 2025. However, many metering point operators are still lagging far behind. For numerous operators, fines are becoming increasingly likely. This target primarily

Berlin is considered to have a reliable power supply, yet a local power outage there can last for several days. This experience shatters the convenient assumption that technology always guarantees immediate help. In a real emergency, it’s not the often-cited average power outage duration of just over 11 minutes that matters, but rather the exceptional

Electrically retractable door handles are becoming a regulatory issue in China, as the country plans to mandate mechanical emergency release mechanisms. Electric car manufacturers will therefore have to redesign their systems, since safety will take precedence. China has set a deadline for this regulation, which will hit Tesla hard, as all Tesla models are affected.

Anyone buying a home energy storage system plans for stable performance, yet a remote shutdown by the manufacturer can suddenly change everything. The Traunstein Regional Court and the Munich Higher Regional Court grant manufacturers of solar storage systems considerable leeway when a fire risk becomes concrete. Many customers then hope for a warranty claim, but

In Hungary, the government is relying on tax cuts and wage subsidies in 2026 to stabilize purchasing power during a weak economy. In Germany, however, the situation is less beneficial for many households because marginal tax relief is practically offset by higher social security contributions and the increased CO2 tax, resulting in a net loss

Fuel prices rose sharply at the start of the year for several reasons that had a simultaneous effect. The CO₂ tax increased the price per liter as a fixed surcharge, and diesel and gasoline prices reacted to this immediately in the market. Crude oil prices also set the framework for purchasing and trading, which is

Europe’s major banks are facing a tough efficiency program because investors are increasingly comparing cost ratios and profitability. Furthermore, digital processes are now scaling faster than traditional branch models. Morgan Stanley therefore expects significant staff reductions. Artificial intelligence and branch closures are also intended to serve as levers for increased productivity. (ft: 31.12.25) Morgan Stanley

Christmas sales were weaker than hoped, and this perfectly reflects the situation of many households. It’s not a general reluctance to spend that’s causing the slump in consumer spending, but rather a lack of financial leeway. Inflation has increased basic costs, while social security contributions continue to rise. At the same time, the CO2 tax

The ADAC (German Automobile Club) has experienced an extraordinary wave of membership cancellations in recent days. Many members are posting their resignations on social media following an interview with the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung,” because they no longer feel represented. In the interview, Gerhard Hillebrand, the ADAC’s transport president, spoke about fuel prices and defended the