Carinthia’s planned network tariff rise draws criticism

Carinthia’s network tariffs are set to rise by almost 10% from January 2027, prompting criticism from state governor Daniel Fellner. He is calling for a full explanation from energy company Kelag and its network subsidiary Kärnten Netz, ORF reported.

Fellner described the planned increase as “completely incomprehensible” and said he would invite the companies’ executives to a meeting at the Carinthian state government.

Carinthia has had Austria’s highest network charges for years, Fellner said. The wide reach of its network, including lines serving remote areas, had previously been cited as the reason. But he said the explanation for the latest increase was no longer convincing.

Fellner also criticised a statement from the Ministry of Economy. Energy State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner had welcomed tariff relief across Austria without acknowledging the planned increase in Carinthia, he said. Fellner argued that the disparity showed the need for federal action or a uniform network tariff across the country.

Olga Voglauer, the Greens’ leader in Carinthia, said the Social Democrats were late to address the issue. She said delayed investment in infrastructure had created a need to catch up, but argued that households and businesses should not have to pay for political failures.