Gas network charges to rise 20.7% in Carinthia

Gas network charges will rise by 7.2% across Austria in 2027 and by 20.7% in Carinthia, ORF reported, citing a draft regulation from energy regulator E-Control. The largest increases are expected in Carinthia and Lower Austria.

A typical Carinthian customer using 15,000 kilowatt-hours of gas a year could pay up to 94 euros more in annual network charges. Carinthia and Burgenland already have some of Austria’s highest rates, which will increase to 3.7 and 3.8 cents per kilowatt-hour, respectively.

Network charges account for roughly a third of a gas bill. The other components are the energy price, which is the only part affected by switching suppliers, and taxes and levies. E-Control reviews costs reported by network operators and allocates approved costs to customers according to their consumption.

As more households and businesses stop using natural gas, the network costs are spread among fewer customers. E-Control sets the charges each year and usually publishes its final regulation in December.

Electricity network charges are also set annually. E-Control has not yet published a draft for 2027, but one is expected in the coming weeks.