The cost explosion in district heating caused outrage among customers and opposition. Wien Energie, on the other hand, cynically refers to “custom installments and support plans”.
The price shock for district heating caught customers by surprise in the truest sense of the word. As reported, the 440,000 households will soon receive a bill twice as high. Wien Energie asks to adjust its district heating quote – a 92 percent increase coming.
That is 540 euros extra per year or 45 euros per month per household. When do the terrible prices have to be paid? The process usually takes about three months.
“Incredible stress package”
“With the planned doubling of district heating prices, Wien Energie, as a 100 percent subsidiary of the city, will burden the population with an incredible burden,” criticized Fritz Pöltl, leader of the FCG-ÖAAB in the Vienna Chamber of Labour. AK chairman Renate Anderl: “This must be prevented!”
The opposition is also outraged by inflation. “Vienna Energy’s consolidated profit has recently increased to EUR 240 million over the years,” said ÖVP chief Karl Mahrer. “While price reductions would be easily possible here, the opposite is being applied. People are being asked to pay more.”
“Deciding whether to buy something to eat or take a hot shower”
FPÖ leader Dominik Nepp speaks of an “incredible scandal”. And: “Many citizens will have to decide whether they can buy something to eat or take a hot shower.” The Greens demand: “Wien Energie’s profits must be passed on to the population.”
Wien Energie, on the other hand, sees the solution elsewhere: in ‘instalment payments and tailor-made support plans’.
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.
