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World

German government seeks to stem rising costs of switchover to renewable energy sources

Associated Press
Published | Updated
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    German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, and German Economy and Energy Minister Sigmar Gabriel, left, address the media during a statement as part of a two day closed meeting of the German Government at the Meseberg palace near Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) (The Associated Press)

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    German Chancellor Angela Merkel speaks during a statement during a two day closed meeting of the German Government at the Meseberg palace near Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) (The Associated Press)

BERLIN – Chancellor Angela Merkel is backing plans to stem the rising costs of Germany's transition to renewable energy as her new government meets to launch its legislative agenda.

Merkel decided in 2011 to accelerate Germany's exit from nuclear power, but its transition to renewable energy sources has caused some problems. Subsidies are increasing consumers' bills and the European Commission is investigating whether companies are given unfair discounts on those subsidies.

Merkel's new center-left vice chancellor, Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel, is proposing to cut subsidies for new renewable energy facilities among other changes.

Merkel said as a two-day Cabinet retreat outside Berlin started Wednesday: "an energy supply that is secure, environmentally friendly and affordable is the key to the German economy's future sustainability." She said she "absolutely supports" Gabriel's plans.