Construction costs are currently skyrocketing

We are currently seeing masses of building plots coming back online. Where previously there were at most 1-2 offers in the city, there are now 10+ offers for building plots. However, at absurd prices (€300 per m2). Apparently, some still want to make a profit. Because these plots were sold for no more than €250 per m2 even during the high-price phase in 2021. But people want to charge for the fact that you can reach the state capital with 500,000 inhabitants by train from the station in 20 minutes.

I spoke with a screed layer yesterday. For the 2nd half of 2023 he still has not a single order for private new buildings. Six months ago he would have received inquiries almost every day. Currently, projects are still ongoing, the industry is still planning quite well, but renovations are already making up an increasing share privately. This will be interesting.

At night, electricity is usually cheapest because few consumers are active. A shutdown during this period is therefore very unlikely.

So far it has been. A nuclear or coal power plant is sluggish, and constant adjustments are not cheap either. However, we can say goodbye to the assumption that night electricity is cheaper than day electricity in the medium term. Probably even more so in summer than in winter, because more solar power is planned from the outset.

My heat pump is already registered as a controllable consumer and is subject to lockout periods. One hour in the morning and two times one hour in the afternoon. At night it doesn't matter. Search for load profiles for heat pumps and wallboxes

In my opinion, this is an important indication that it is already being practiced and is not so dramatic. It is unfortunate that this information remains unmentioned in the article.

If you have a separate meter for heating or drive electricity, this is always the case. The network operator has the right to switch you off for load smoothing; in return, you pay a bit less. Regular household electricity is not controllable because the operator does not know what is behind it. Unless you have smart stuff that communicates the information to the operator.
Of course, this is not mentioned in such articles, because then the article is no longer even a storm in a teacup ;)

Thank you for the lively discussion. We were on a city trip to Hamburg, which is why I am only writing now. We will discuss it again with the energy consultant, but I think the [ST] is set. As mentioned, we live in an old building and are renovating it step by step; the [ST] does not take up space for a later photovoltaic system and can therefore be combined with it. For us, this is currently a good solution in combination with the gas heating, and all friends with old buildings and [ST] have reported only positive experiences even after several years of use.

Unexpectedly, our project has finally gained momentum. The cost estimate from the construction company is coming this week, we have a structural engineer, the plumber has now submitted his offer as mentioned, and through the structural engineer, we have come into contact with an energy consultant. After 5 months, finally some movement in the matter! If everything works out, it will start after Easter.