FRANKFURT, Oct 31 (Reuters) – German insurers on Monday warned consumers not to engage in risky “experiments” as they try out makeshift alternatives to heat their homes as the nation navigates an energy crisis.
German officials have called on residents to curb their energy use after Russia cut gas supplies to Germany in the wake of the Ukraine war, and energy prices have surged.
The GDV insurance lobby said it was understandable that homeowners and apartment dwellers were looking for alternatives to save money but said some methods are unsuitable for warming living spaces over a long period of time.
GDV pointed to fads making the rounds on social media like tea light ovens, which the lobby said could create fires. It also warned against misuse of devices like gas heaters, such as those designed for outside terraces.
“We are concerned to see what adventurous means some tenants and homeowners are resorting to. We strongly advise against dangerous experiments,” said GDV chief executive Joerg Asmussen.
(Reporting by Tom Sims, Editing by Miranda Murray)
