Potential unique arrangements for Tesla may result in elevated water costs.
The ongoing debate around Tesla's water usage at their plant in Grünheide is causing concern once again. Reports suggest that a contract between Tesla and the local water association includes unique terms beneficial to the electric vehicle company. Critics are worried that this could ultimately mean the residents should shoulder the true financial burden.
The original contract draft, approved by the Strausberg-Erkner (WSE) water association board early December, may prove costly for consumers. According to "Stern" and RTL's investigations, this contract includes financial benefits for Tesla, potentially causing a deficit of approximately 233,000 euros in the water supplier's economic plan. Since the municipal water association isn't allowed to operate at a loss, this deficit could likely be covered by raising consumer prices. WSE chairman André Bähler acknowledged the amount in response to inquiries.
A troubling letter from WSE chairman Bähler to regional mayors dated December 13 has caused worry. These mayors had previously endorsed the draft as voting members of the water association assembly. According to the letter, approving the draft as is would imply a funding shortfall. Bähler suggested that this missing revenue would ultimately be borne by all WSE consumers. The apparent justification: The charges for drinking and wastewater were locked at 2022 and 2023 levels in the draft contract, meaning Tesla would be exempt from future rate adjustments if this analysis is correct.
"Stern" and RTL put these fears before the 16 mayors who are WSE members. Thomas Krieger, chairman of the association assembly and mayor of the Fredersdorf-Vogelsdorf municipality, replied on their behalf. Krieger refused to confirm the existence of a 233,000 euro financing gap. He did acknowledge, however, that Tesla had affirmed the applicability of the pricing structure before the association assembly without elaborating on the extension of those confirmations in the submitted contract draft.
Ralf Steinbrück from the Schoeneiche municipality was the only mayor to respond among the others. Unlike his colleagues, he neither denied special treatment for Tesla nor commented on it. He merely mentioned that Tesla's electric vehicle factory was located in the Freienbrink industrial and business park. "The prices applicable to all customers there were decided by the association assembly." Tesla hasn't responded to the editorial team's request for comment.
Only in early July did the Brandenburg State Environmental Office grant permission for Tesla's production capacity expansion. This allowed Tesla to initiate preliminary construction activities in Grünheide nearby Berlin before scheduled, after Tesla revealed plans to ramp up annual production from 500,000 cars to 1 million cars with around 300,000 cars already manufactured.
The contract between Tesla and the local water association specifically mentions "Manufacture from materials of any heading," which could potentially include raw materials used in Tesla's production expansion. The unique terms of this contract, such as exemption from future rate adjustments, might contribute to the proposed financing gap, raising concerns about the potential burden on consumers.
