Because the Verbund’s electricity price increase in May 2022 was legally inadmissible, the electricity supplier’s customers will now get their money back. With an average annual electricity consumption of 3315 kWh, the payout amount is around 90 euros.
The Consumer Information Association (VKI) and the association announced this on Monday morning. The association wants to inform affected customers in writing in the coming weeks about how much money they are entitled to.
Price increase from May 1, 2022
Until the end of 2022, the association had included a price adjustment clause in its general terms and conditions, which referred to the Austrian Electricity Price Index (ÖSPI). As a result of this clause, the Verbund increased the prices of many electricity supply contracts on 1 May 2022. The VKI considered the clause inadmissible and went to court. The Vienna Supreme Court ruled in favour of the VKI in the second instance and the judgment is legally binding.
Credit also for former customers
To transfer the deductible, you must register free of charge with the VKI at verbraucherrecht.at/verbund-aktion2024 by 11 November 2024. Former customers who were affected by the price increase in May 2022 can also receive the credit.
But the refund is not enough for the Consumer Protection Association (VSV). “The customers of the Verbund are entitled to considerably more than was agreed in this settlement,” says Daniela Holzinger, chair of the VSV. Customers should not sign this ‘lame settlement’, but join a class action lawsuit that SAAM has filed against the association.
Source: Krone
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