According to the SPÖ, high energy prices can no longer be ignored. Provincial governor Thomas Stelzer and deputy Energie Markus Achleitner (both ÖVP) are now mandatory – on several levels.
The SPÖ of Upper Austria has asked Governor Thomas Stelzer (ÖVP) to “take action” on the topic of the energy crisis, work out a price with the state supplier Energie AG and convene a summit of social partners. The population, businesses and communities could not afford the rising costs, executive party leader Michael Lindner said in a news conference on Wednesday, also warnings from the Federation of Industry and the Chamber of Commerce.
“Country must take responsibility”“
“Waiting and delaying is wrong, Upper Austria must not hide behind the federal government, but must take responsibility itself as a state,” Lindner demanded at the social partners summit of Economy Minister Markus Achleitner (ÖVP).
Three points
He addressed three points: Energie AG’s expiring price guarantee at the end of the year, uncertainties about an electricity-saving law and the situation in the communities. Stelzer had to bring all the players to the table to calculate an energy price. When it comes to the Electricity Savings Act, the governor must provide clarity, “including in the federal government.” In Carinthia and Lower Austria there are already plans with the state energy suppliers.
Municipal rate for municipalities
The communities would no longer be able to handle a multiplication of the electricity price themselves and the money would then go to other projects. After all, there is a EUR 30 million aid package for the communities. In addition, Upper Austria must offer “a municipal rate of 80 percent of the previous year’s consumption at a safe price of 15 to 20 cents” per kWh, Lindner demanded. “This ensures the operation of kindergartens, schools, fire brigades and other facilities and also creates an incentive to conserve energy.”
This is feasible for Energie AG and the country is already earning well from inflation. The municipalities would now prepare their budgets and did not yet have electricity supply contracts for the coming year, they now needed certainty, the politician emphasized.
Source: Krone
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