The federal government and the city of Vienna have reached an agreement in the negotiations on aid for the financially troubled energy supplier Wien Energie and its parent company Wiener Stadtwerke. According to this information, the state of Vienna will receive a loan of 2 billion euros from the federal government (see video above). “The loan is a rescue measure for 2 million people, Wien Energie’s customers,” Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) emphasized on Wednesday. The SPÖ in turn sharply criticizes the statements of ÖVP politicians and speaks of a “smear campaign”.
Nehammer called the situation around Wien Energie “more than unusual” in recent days. The loan is subject to clear conditions, said Treasury Secretary Magnus Brunner (ÖVP).
Wien Energie: Representative of the federal government is delegated to the supervisory board
The credit line is granted until April 2023. Until then, the city of Vienna is obliged to report to the federal government on the security of energy supply by Wien Energie. The federal government also asked for clarification on how the situation could have arisen. In concrete terms, the business of Wien Energie is examined and it is examined whether there was adequate risk management. By April 2023, a representative of the federal government will be appointed to the supervisory board of Wien Energie.
In the context of the recent events surrounding Wien Energie, Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) discussed extending the powers of the regulatory body E-Control. The government ensures that the electricity market functions without market manipulation, but has no information right or insight into the individual companies. “In that context, it is necessary to discuss whether the competences of E-Control should be expanded here,” said the minister.
SPÖ: “Dirty campaign upsets millions”
With sharp criticism of the “unprecedented campaign against the country’s largest electricity supplier, Wien Energie,” SPÖ Federal Director Christian Deutsch responded. “The spread of rumors and falsehoods, including outright lies, is causing enormous damage to Austria as a place of business,” said Deutsch, calling on the ÖVP and the Greens to immediately end the targeted insecurity of millions of people in times of highest inflation. for nearly 50 years. “Wien Energie has firmly rejected the accusation of speculation,” Deutsch said.
Leichtfried: The government has measures blocked for months
SPÖ deputy club boss Jörg Leichtfried took the same line. “For partisan reasons, the finance minister of this republic is accusing an Austrian energy supplier of speculation. And he is not telling the truth when he claims that a protective shield like the one in Germany would not work in this case. The fact is that for months the government has done nothing to counter the madness of electricity prices and its consequences – neither in Austria nor at EU level – nor has it made any preparations for energy suppliers,” said Leichtfried.
The root of the problems for energy suppliers and electricity customers is a completely insane pricing system. “The SPÖ has been pointing out for months that this system is fatal in the crisis. But the turquoise-green government spoke out against regulation at EU level and prevented changes,” said Leichtfried. “It is hypocritical that Energy Minister Gewessler is calling today for European measures that she herself blocked in April.”
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
