Hundreds of thousands of Viennese have received letters from Wien Energie about the impending price increase. The information in it confuses many customers. That’s behind it.
The city of Vienna announced a 92 percent price increase for district heating. A shock for the approximately 440,000 households that have district heating. Wien Energie has now also informed its customers in writing about tariff increases for electricity. However, in a form that confuses many people.
Illegal conversion?
Because both letters are bursting with numbers and commitment periods. In the case of the electricity increase, it is indicated that an automatic transition to a new tariff will yield benefits for the customer. Motto: It will be more expensive, but all alternatives are even more expensive. Consumer advocates question the legality of the action.
Electricity price brake for sure
When asked by “Krone”, Wien Energie said that “given the market situation, the conversion is in the customer’s interest”. Commitment terms would have no effect on the federal brake on the electricity price. “If there is a political support measure, it will also apply to customers of Wien Energie, regardless of the tariff,” explains a spokeswoman for the company. She assures that there is a price guarantee for one year.
Yet there is great uncertainty. “The writing is confusing and incomprehensible,” criticizes one customer. Another complains that you hardly get any information from customer service, only redirected to the internet.
Invoice: District heating price tripled
There is also speculation about the price increase for district heating. “I compared the new energy price with that of my old bill. That has increased by almost 300 percent,” says Bernd K. dismayed. Why do you speak “only” of a doubling?
Wien Energie: Remains at a 92 percent increase
We asked about this: “The base price will be adjusted by 20 percent, the working price by 180 percent. For an average household this means additional costs of 45 euros per month. And that means an increase of 92 percent,” explains the spokeswoman for Wien Energie.
seek advice
Tip: If you are not sure whether you should switch to a new rate, you can seek advice. For example at the Chamber of Commerce or consumer associations. But beware: not every consultation is free.
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.
