It's no secret that energy costs are rising and that households in Austria are set for even higher bills in the future.
This is due to an increase in wholesale gas prices, a surge in demand since the end of Covid-19 lockdowns and the ongoing war in Ukraine that is further hitting energy prices.
According to data from Statista, electricity prices in Austria in May were €184.52 per megawatt hour - an increase of almost 237 percent on the same month in 2021.
But the record high was recorded in March 2022 with €282.63 per megawatt hour.
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The Local also recently reported how the state-run utility company Wien Energie is planning to increase bills by 92 percent for around 440,000 households in Vienna.
The proposed price hike still needs to be evaluated and approved by the city, but a rise in bills is on the cards in the capital.
Meanwhile, the amount of gas being delivered to Austria by Russia has reduced in the past week, further raising concerns of energy shortages in the future.
Despite the grim news though, there are ways to reduce the amount of energy we use while also cutting costs.
Here’s what you need to know and what you can do.
Avoid using air conditioning
Air conditioning is expensive to run so try investing in an electrical fan instead, which is significantly cheaper to power.
In fact, Der Standard reports that a fan uses 95 percent less energy than a mobile AC unit with an average cost of just €7 per summer (based on 60 days of use).
Whereas a mobile air conditioning unit could cost €170 in additional electricity costs.
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One of the easiest and most cost effective ways to cool down an apartment is to keep all blinds, curtains and windows closed during the day to keep out the heat.
In Vienna, there are even government subsidies available to purchase external blinds and shutters for an apartment. Although permission from a landlord is required for rental properties.
The City of Vienna website has more information about this scheme.
Turn down the heating
Leonore Gewessler, Minister for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (Greens), is advising Austrian residents to turn down the thermostat in the winter.
According to Kurier, lowering the heating from 22 to 20 degrees can save around 10 percent on gas consumption.
Additionally, removing any panelling or long curtains that cover radiators can result in gas consumption savings up to 40 percent.
Modernise appliances
Upgrading existing appliances can significantly reduce costs.
For example, by connecting a heating system to a timer you can avoid using heating when there is nobody at home, or you can set it to come on just before you arrive home. A timer can also set heating to a lower temperature overnight.
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Similarly, an energy efficient shower head can help to save money on energy bills.
Showers are typically known for using less energy than baths, but taking a warm shower for more than 10 minutes actually uses more energy than filling a bathtub.
This is because a regular showerhead lets through 20 to 30 litres of water every minute. Whereas an energy efficient shower head typically uses less than 12 litres of water per minute.
Energy cost savings can also be made without an energy efficient shower head by simply taking shorter showers at a lower temperature.
Introduce energy-saving habits
Most of us consume energy at home all the time without thinking - especially if people work from home.
Instead, try being more mindful about energy use by turning the lights off in a room or switching off appliances when they are no longer needed.
Other money saving tips include making sure windows are closed when the heating is on, insulating any doors or windows that let in a draught and closing doors to stop the heat from escaping.
Additionally, use energy saving light bulbs and unplug unused electrical appliances.
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Monitor energy usage
Finally, take a good look at your energy bills to find out just how much energy your household is actually consuming. This will help you to figure out where some extra savings could be made.
If your energy bills seem unreasonably high, then consider shopping around for a better rate and switching your provider if possible.
With predictions that energy prices are set to be high for the next few year, fixed-price deals could be more economical. And any positive energy saving changes that can be made now will help to keep bills down in the future too.
What is the government doing about rising costs?
The Austrian Federal Government recently provided around four million households with a €150 voucher to discount their energy bills.
The one-off payment is part of a larger package by the government to assist residents as the country faces soaring energy prices and increasing inflation.
READ MORE: EXPLAINED: How to claim your €150 energy discount in Austria
The bonus is directly connected to the electricity supplier. It can be redeemed by single-person households with an annual income of up to € 55,000 or residences with more people and up to € 110,000 yearly income.
In Vienna, there are also government subsidies to install external blinds or shutters on an apartment. This is especially useful for the hot summer months, but it does require permission from a landlord.
The City of Vienna website has more information about this scheme.
Then there are additional financial measures set to be introduced by the federal government to offset the rising cost of living.
Every resident in Austria will receive a €500 payment expected for autumn, possibly October. Children should receive half of this amount.
This payment is tied to Austria’s planned “Klimabonus” payments meant to offset the costs of a CO2 tax that has not yet been implemented in the country. It was initially set at €200 per person before being increased.
In August, there will be an additional payment, a “13th family allowance pay” of €180 per child.
A one-off payment of €300 is set aside for unemployed people and other “vulnerable groups”. The payments will be made automatically by the Austrian government and responsible departments.
Tax allowances will increase, especially the “Family Bonus Plus” deduction. While it is currently set at €1,500 per child per year, it should rise to €2,000.
Pensioners’ tax allowance is also increasing, at least for low to medium-sized pensions, by €500 already in the summer.
Additionally, Austria will abolish the so-called “cold progression”, the term used to describe increases in tax burdens which are based on increases in income but do not account for inflation. The changes are due to come into effect in 2023.
Useful vocabulary
Steuer - tax
Rechnungen - bills
Erdgas/Naturgas - natural gas
Strom - electricity
Gutschein - voucher
Stromlieferant - Electricity supplier
Editor's note: This story was updated on November 23rd to fix a mistake regarding the family allowance payouts. The correct information is that a one-off family allowance (Familienbeihilfe) payment of €180 per child would be made.
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