Rising energy prices prompt winter savings advice in Austria

Energy prices have risen sharply, particularly for heating oil, pellets and gas, leaving Austrian households facing higher costs this winter, ORF reported. Experts say consumers can reduce some of the burden through measures including supplier comparisons, energy-efficiency checks and careful heating preparation.

Electricity prices increased by about 2 percent over the past year, while gas rose by almost 12 percent. Pellet prices climbed by about 28 percent and heating oil by around 48 percent.

Energy expert Walter Bolz said the effects of the Iran war on international energy markets were a key reason for the increases. Austria’s oil and gas supplies for the winter are secure, he said, with potential shortfalls replaceable through deliveries from other regions.

Europe is competing with Asia for available supplies, however. “Europe can generally still afford more. That means we have enough gas, but we have to pay significantly more for it,” Bolz said.

More renewable energy storage needed

Bolz said Austria needed to expand renewable energy and electric mobility to become less dependent on oil and gas imports. Although progress had already been made in generating electricity from renewable sources, he said expansion must continue.

Additional storage capacity is also needed so that renewable electricity produced during the day can be used at night. Austria also requires more long-term storage options than it currently has, Bolz said.

Comparing prices and reducing consumption

Robert Staudinger, an energy expert at the Lower Austrian Chamber of Labour, recommended using the E-Control fuel price calculator to find the cheapest nearby petrol stations. According to Staudinger, fuel is generally cheapest between 10 a.m. and noon and on Monday mornings.

He also advised consumers to compare electricity tariffs regularly. Customers no longer tied to an existing contract can use E-Control’s tariff calculator to compare offers. Those choosing a provider with a large one-off discount should record the date when the 12-month commitment period ends, he said.

Consumers can also join one of about 1,000 energy communities in Lower Austria without producing electricity through their own photovoltaic system. Information is available through the energy communities portal.

Before winter, households should check their radiators, have their heating system serviced and inspect the seals around entrance doors and windows. Smart meters also allow consumers to analyse their current electricity use through their grid operator’s online portal.

Staudinger said devices left permanently in standby mode offered potential savings. Televisions, microwaves and stereo systems can continue consuming electricity even when they appear to be switched off.