The Energy Efficiency Act, which has long been announced, is now becoming concrete and is being examined. According to information from the federal government on Thursday, it offers “comprehensive energy savings targets in Austria”. Energy savings must be supported annually by 190 million euros until 2030.
The review, in which comments can be submitted, will run immediately over the holiday season and only until January 18. Any improvements are then implemented and talks are held with the opposition parties, the governing parties ÖVP and Greens promise. The involvement of the opposition is also necessary, as a two-thirds majority is needed to pass a resolution.
“The Energy Efficiency Act is our energy savings plan for Austria,” said Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler. “Because energy is valuable and finite.” By 2030, total energy consumption in Austria should be reduced by about a fifth. This requires speed in saving energy. “The cheapest energy is the one we don’t use.”
Consumption is expected to fall significantly in 2030
In detail, final energy consumption is projected to fall from the current 310 terawatt hours to 255 terawatt hours in 2030. By 2030, cumulative final energy savings of at least 180 terawatt hours are planned. The Energy Efficiency Act thus exceeds the EU requirement of 138 terawatt hours. The savings must be achieved through “strategic measures”, such as regulations or grants from the federal and state governments.
However, many energy efficiency measures are the responsibility of the Länder. They should contribute 22 terawatt hours of total savings by 2030, according to the federal government’s specification.
Increased efficiency in households and businesses
The annual 190 million euros in savings measures for the next eight years are intended to increase efficiency in households and companies. “There is a special focus on low-income households and the renovation of Austria’s building stock,” said the Ministry of Energy. “This money comes on top of existing measures such as the renovation offensive.”
Monitoring savings
Verification rules are also provided, it is said. As the responsible authority, E-Control will monitor the savings and send the corresponding reports to the EU Commission. In addition, large companies with 250 or more employees should be obliged to carry out a so-called energy audit or set up an energy management system every four years. Energy suppliers must set up advice centers for households or use independent third parties for this purpose. In the future, individual consumption meters will also have to be installed in central heating and cooling networks (district heating).
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
