Consumer Center Lower Saxony: Energy consulting, legal situation, and consumer protection

The infa in Hanover is one of the most important consumer fairs in Germany – a place where topics related to energy, housing, and everyday life come together. The Consumer Advice Center Lower Saxony uses the fair to engage directly with citizens. Current focal points are renewable energies, the implementation of the Building Energy Act, and dealing with rising energy costs. In addition, it deals with classic consulting topics such as mold prevention, heating cost billing, and energy efficiency in the household.

Consumer Advice Center explains energy and laws in an understandable way

The Consumer Advice Center's appearance at infa is all about the energy transition. Many visitors seek advice on the practical implementation of the Building Energy Act, which is often known in everyday life as the Heating Act. The advisors explain how legal requirements affect homeowners and tenants and which subsidies or transition periods are relevant. At the same time, they correct misunderstandings that have arisen as a result of contradictory reporting. The aim is to create transparency and empower consumers to make informed decisions.

Energy advice on renewable energies, heating costs, and mold

The range of advice on offer is wide, covering everything from general energy-saving tips to complex questions about photovoltaics, heat pumps, and building insulation. Advice on heating bills and renewable energies is currently in particularly high demand. If bills are unclear or incorrect, experts analyze the documents together with those seeking advice. Mold remains a perennial issue. Especially in the cold season, there are many cases where insufficient ventilation or structural defects lead to moisture damage. The advisors, who are often trained civil engineers, architects, or physicists, explain the causes and suggest ways to remedy the situation. Their technical expertise enables them to provide realistic assessments without any underlying economic interests.

Independent advice since 1978: From the oil crisis to the energy transition

The energy counseling service provided by the Lower Saxony Consumer Advice Center has a long tradition. As early as 1978—triggered by the oil crisis of the 1970s—the organization began to address issues relating to energy consumption and security of supply. At a time when the term “energy counseling” was hardly known, it became a pioneer in consumer protection. Today, there are over 130 expert advisors in Lower Saxony alone and around 1,000 nationwide. This expertise ensures a comprehensive presence, from cities to rural areas. The central feature remains independence to this day: the Consumer Advice Center provides advice without influence from suppliers or manufacturers and pursues exclusively the interests of those seeking advice.

Consumer advice center provides advice in person, via video, or directly on site

The experts check heating systems, insulation, and energy costs and make recommendations on which measures are sensible and economical. Those who prefer personal contact can book an on-site consultation: for 40 euros, consumers receive an analysis of their property lasting up to two hours. The consultation is not intended to replace engineering firms or planning services, but rather to serve as a guide—it shows the way forward before expensive investments are made.

New focus areas: heat pumps, photovoltaics, and solar thermal energy

The demand for climate-friendly heating and electricity solutions is growing steadily. Accordingly, topics such as heat pumps, photovoltaics, and the return of solar thermal energy dominate at infa 2025. While many households are considering purchasing a heat pump, others are looking at combining electricity and heat generation to strengthen their self-sufficiency. The Consumer Advice Center is observing increasing uncertainty in this area: subsidy conditions are changing, delivery times are fluctuating, and the market remains in flux. Specialist advisors help consumers to maintain an overview and find individual solutions. Special advisory services are also to be created for homeowners' associations in the future. New plans include consultations for homeowners' associations and the resumption of the proven “detail check” – an in-depth building assessment carried out directly on site.

Consumer center remains a partner in energy issues

For almost five decades, the Lower Saxony Consumer Center has been assisting people with questions about energy and consumer protection. What began in 1978 with the oil crisis has developed into a modern advisory network that provides answers to the challenges of the energy transition. At infa, it is clear that interest in neutral, competent advice is greater than ever. The combination of many years of experience, technical depth, and regional proximity makes the Consumer Advice Center a reliable point of contact – then as now. With new formats, digital offerings, and practical expertise, it remains an important part of social energy competence.