KfW stop! Energy consultant wants his money!

I find the demand very humane. I would have asked for more. Did you cancel the [order]?

No, he initially meant that I should first transfer him 1000,- and if his work is not needed after all, the invoice can be reduced.

That sounds more like the 1000 is initially a partial payment and he might reduce the total claim (!). But as always, we weren’t there. Apart from that, I see this (or any) claim, like many others here, as completely justified. He is not responsible for the development, just as he is not responsible for your circumstances.

That was by far the nicest comment here so far, really. And I also find the googling and trying to help someone really very very nice. There are still people who understand you or at least try to understand.

Yes, is the most understanding here. The forum has lately been almost exclusively filled with complaints, annoyances, and anger about the horrendous construction costs, discontinued subsidies, and rising interest rates, etc. Everyone has their own burden to bear. However, your initial post was not without reason. Your anger was focused on the energy consultant, and you found it outrageous that he wanted to charge a partial fee for his work. It just doesn’t sit well when the work of service providers is not appreciated.

Somehow I no longer understand what amount of costs this is supposed to be about. You have a contract for certain services for an amount X. At least part of the services has been provided. There is now an invoice for that. Additionally, there was the statement about the price reduction. Do you have anything in writing about that? And a down payment? It is also unclear whether this is referring to net or gross. Maybe you are just as confused as I am? Just ask the energy consultant specifically what he charged you. Whether the discount is already included. You will surely not be able to avoid direct communication with him.

I find the behavior inappropriate and brazen. The energy consultant is a service provider. You have concluded a valid contract with him, he has performed his service. His effort is negligible since the price was known and paid as a flat rate.
It was NOT his task to inform you about procedures. That was your responsibility to obtain. It is NOT his task to reduce the fee due to your unfortunate overall circumstances.
Just as a question: do you ask for less at your job if the task was easier than others? Or if your boss is not doing well at the moment, do you ask for 20% less salary?

And since the job is so easy and only one program is needed: you have the constitutional right to choose your profession freely. Go for it and get rich with little effort.

Your circumstances are all well and good, but that is cheeky entitlement.

In today's house construction, it's usually about >500k€ and here they are whining about - even justified costs (of 1000€) -? Pay, check off, move on...