Austria sees record electricity donations to fight energy poverty

Austria has received more surplus electricity donations this summer than ever before, according to ORF. The Robin Powerhood energy community, which aims to combat energy poverty, says the number of people donating or receiving electricity is also rising in Salzburg, although the model is not yet reaching its full potential.

The Franciscan Sisters of Hallein are among nine electricity donors in Salzburg so far. Instead of selling surplus power from their photovoltaic system, they make it available to households with low incomes.

Maria-Gabriela Unterluggauer of the religious community said they would receive little money for electricity fed into the grid. Through Robin Powerhood, however, their donation could have a much greater impact.

Energy donations support households

The model’s social benefit is considerably greater than the financial sacrifice, according to the organisation. Last year, the sisters’ donations helped fund hundreds of hot showers and washing cycles.

However, a significant share of potential donations is currently lost. Salzburg Research is examining how electricity donations can be organised more efficiently, including through smarter use of energy storage systems.

“Unlike money or goods, energy must be taken up exactly when it is available,” said project leader Stefan Linecker of Salzburg Research. He said this was the biggest challenge and that about 50 percent of the energy that could be donated is currently lost.

Despite this, the amount of donated electricity is increasing. Robin Powerhood acts as the coordinating energy community. Valentin Neuhauser of Robin Powerhood said the sunny summer had produced particularly large quantities of surplus solar power.

The organisation expects to distribute its millionth kilowatt-hour to combat energy poverty in the coming weeks. At an assumed electricity price of 13 cents per kilowatt-hour, that would represent a donation worth about 130,000 euros.

Robin Powerhood said recipients could see their annual electricity bills reduced by between 50 and 250 euros.

About 50 households supported in Salzburg

The Social Work counselling centre in Salzburg has so far referred about 50 people as electricity recipients. Eligibility depends on specific income limits. For a single-person household, the current limit is 1,827 euros net per month, said social worker Astrid Pölzl. Applicants must provide proof of income.

Across Austria, Robin Powerhood said record amounts of electricity were donated in July, equivalent to roughly the annual consumption of 60 households.

For the system to work, donors and recipients must join the Robin Powerhood energy community and register with their local grid operator. This step is often complicated in practice. Salzburg Netz GmbH said it was considering improvements.

Neuhauser said the way energy is generated, consumed and shared was undergoing fundamental change. He said electricity donations could make an important contribution to reducing energy poverty.