To compensate for the increase in the electricity price in Wien Energie’s Optima tariff, customers are switched without being asked. Is that even legal?
Wien Energie’s electricity prices were known to be increased. But that it was already in September came as a surprise to some. The letter with the facts has now been sent to most of the affected households. A total of 1.1 million Viennese would be affected by this price increase.
Plus 85 percent
And she has the talent. With the Optima electricity tariff, electricity costs increase by 85 percent. But in the following line, Wien Energie already has the solution: “With Optima Relaxed incl. 100 days of free electricity (with a commitment for one year – note) an average Viennese household pays 24 percent or 10.37 euros for electricity per month more than before.” In other words, significantly less than staying on the Optima rate. Actually a good offer?
Consumer advocates consider it illegal
Not according to consumer lawyer Peter Kolba (see Twitter comment). He finds it illegal to announce a price increase to customers and simultaneously switch them to a “better rate” without asking. No signature is required to be included in the “Optima Relaxed Rate”. This happens automatically. However, you can object to the change by phone or email – if you discover the paragraph.
Chamber of Labor is investigating the legal situation
The Vienna Chamber of Labor has already received individual questions on this subject. “In this context, we are currently examining the general legal situation. It’s all very complex,” explains a spokeswoman for “Krone”.
lawsuit not ruled out
The Consumer Protection Association (VKI) does not rule out a lawsuit against Wien Energie. “There are some question marks in the case,” said the head of the legal department, Thomas Hirmke. The VKI has requested information from Wien Energie and has set a deadline for this of Wednesday. After massive complaints about price increases, the club also took the association to court.
The court must clarify whether the pricing of the energy supplier, which advertises “100 percent hydropower from Austria”, is allowed. Legal or not, for FPÖ leader Dominik Nepp, the increase is a scandal: “Wien Energie made a profit of 900 million euros, but under the influence of the SPÖ it drives up prices.”
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.
