“After winter is before winter”, says Markus Achleitner (ÖVP, energy provincial councilor of Upper Austria): Even though Austria has come through the winter well in this energy crisis, “the danger has not yet passed”. This is because in 2022 an average of 50 percent of our natural gas came from Russia.
The gas storage facilities in Austria are 66 percent full, of which more than half can actually be used for domestic gas consumption (the rest is from foreign customers). Much natural gas still comes from Russia – via the Ukraine – although both warring parties see no reason for change for financial reasons. OMV is still bound by the contract with the Russian Gazprom until 2040, which is a certain risk in the form of a default risk. However, there has already been a diversification of gas sources, which is why OMV believes that in an emergency it could supply its own customers without Russian gas. Wolfgang Urbantschitsch, CEO of E-Control, also thinks Russian gas escaping from other sources could be compensated.
Saving energy remains the top priority
This information comes from a press conference of Landesrat Achleitner with E-Control board member Urbantschitsch after the meeting in Upper Austria. State Energy Steering Advisory Board on Tuesday. Three points were jointly agreed: Gas storage in Austria must remain high. Saving energy remains the top priority. And the boom in renewable energy must be used and the energy transition must be further accelerated, including by expanding the electricity grids. “Now is the right time to renovate, insulate and move away from fossil energy,” advises Achleitner.
And the prices for the end customers?
Falling wholesale electricity prices have already reached new customers. The situation is different for existing customers, as they were purchased when energy prices were higher, a matter of forward-looking security of supply, which however results in a “time lag” of one to two years for price reductions (and vice versa). versa for price increases) for these customers. To some extent, however, the government’s brake on the electricity price does work. E-Control board member Urbantschitsch does not want to comment on the judgment in the first instance of the Vienna commercial court about possible unjustified price increases at Verbund hydroelectricity: “Let’s wait and see what the court will come up with in the next instance.”
Price comparisons are again worthwhile
Nevertheless, the E-Control manager has practical tips at hand: “Due to falling prices, the E-Control rate calculator also contains cheap offers for new customers. So if you are currently looking for a new electricity or gas supplier, you should definitely compare prices and possibly switch to a cheaper product.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
