Suddenly it became dark in the restaurant: Beatrice Walch, owner of the Franz Josef Feinschmeckerei in Ellmau, Tyrol, is annoyed by an insane increase in electricity prices and a demand from the state-owned company Tiwag for 64,000 euros.
“Tiwag is blackmailing a small company,” Walch complains. The local energy supplier turned off the power to their business “without warning”. The reason was an alleged arrears of 64,000 euros.
“The electricity price was increased sevenfold, and since the company does not want to pay this because it was not agreed or not justified, Tiwag simply turned off the electricity,” explains Walch, who reportedly reported the increase in October 2022. of 0.46 cents/kW. “We have never received such a letter,” claims the entrepreneur. The monthly electricity payment increased from 976 to 6500 euros (!) per month. “Such terrible amounts are not possible; there is a risk of bankruptcy,” says Walch.
“Absolutely no willingness to cooperate”
The lights went out on Tuesday afternoon: “Under the guise of changing the meter, the main fuse was removed and sealed,” says the boss of the restaurant with about fifty seats, irritated. Tiwag would show absolutely no willingness to cooperate, Walch fumes.
The Tyrolean state energy supplier obviously sees things differently. “The letter, which apparently did not arrive, was sent by registered mail and was also demonstrably delivered,” a Tiwag spokesperson emphasizes. Due to the late payment, the electricity would actually be disconnected in October.
„Some foods have spoiled“
On Friday morning the lights finally came back on in the Franz Josef Feinschmeckerei. “We also reached a compromise before Christmas due to the obligation for the eight affected employees,” the restaurant owner explains after the one-off payment of 32,000 euros and an installment agreement for the remainder. But otherwise the issue is far from over. Walch. “We have lost a lot of food due to the lack of electricity,” she says, even as she considers legal action.
Next year, electricity for the restaurant will become significantly cheaper thanks to a contract change. Walch would now rather change providers…
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.
