Vorarlberg tradespeople oppose illwerke vkw expansion

Twelve companies in Vorarlberg’s solar and electrical sectors say the state-owned utility group illwerke vkw is competing with private businesses as it expands into their markets, ORF reports. Andreas Müller, who works for a photovoltaic provider, warned that the move could cost private firms contracts and jobs and called on state governor Markus Wallner to intervene.

Private tradespeople are struggling for every contract amid a weak construction market, Müller said in an interview with ORF. He argued that orders taken on by the group’s businesses are lost to private companies, putting jobs at risk. Müller called on illwerke vkw to withdraw from the fields in question, saying it was contradictory for politicians to praise tradespeople and their apprenticeship training while a state-owned company competed with them.

Representatives of photovoltaic companies, installers and heating businesses spoke with Wallner about three months ago. Müller said the governor had shown understanding, but nothing had changed since. The businesses are organising again and plan to approach him once more. Müller also hopes to secure support from the Chamber of Commerce, adding that private firms could handle the work themselves.

Illwerke vkw has held a stake in photovoltaic company DOMA, based in Satteins, since 2021. The group notified the Federal Competition Authority of its plan to acquire the company in full on July 8, 2026. After the authorities did not request a review by the Cartel Court, the takeover was allowed to proceed from August 6.

The group also owns installer haag vkw and the former electrical company Obwegeser, now operating as vlotte vkw. Both are wholly owned subsidiaries. Illwerke vkw said its investment in DOMA was intended to speed up the expansion of solar power in Vorarlberg and help meet climate targets.

The NEOS party has also criticised the acquisitions. Its parliamentary group leader, Claudia Gamon, warned that buying private competitors could reduce competition, leaving customers with less choice, poorer service and higher costs. The party plans to question Wallner and state councillor Markus Klien about the benefits of the full DOMA takeover and where the state will set limits on the group’s expansion.