Electricity load before and after Christmas is highest in Vienna – 20 percent less electricity consumption on Christmas days – Wien Energie reliably supplies customers with electricity and heat
Vienna (OTS) – According to records from Wien Energie, there is a change in electricity consumption patterns in Vienna at Christmas time. In the 1950s and 1960s, annual energy consumption was highest during the Christmas holidays. The peak load was recorded at lunchtime. This was called “Ganslspitze” because many families traditionally prepared a Christmas goose, which led to an increase in electricity and gas consumption. In recent years, however, there have been changes in electricity demand in Vienna.
Vienna’s energy needs are shifting
The highest annual electricity consumption in Vienna now occurs in the days before Christmas and after Epiphany. In 2022, electricity demand was highest in the two weeks before Christmas, according to Wien Energie statistics. Compared to these days, electricity demand during the Christmas holidays drops by 20 percent. There are several reasons for this change: Many companies are working at full speed before Christmas to meet the increased demand for Christmas goods. This leads to increased power consumption. At home, cooking, roasting, baking and holiday lighting require additional energy.
During the actual Christmas holidays, many people who live in Vienna travel to the countryside to spend the holidays with family and friends. This in turn leads to a decrease in electricity consumption in the city. After Epiphany, when people return from vacation and temperatures continue to fall in January, energy consumption increases again due to increased use of heating, lighting and household appliances. As a result, a shift in energy consumption can be seen. The formerly common term “Ganslspitze” is now giving way to a so-called “Advent” or “Winterspitze”.
Energy saving tips for the holidays
However, the situation is the other way around for individual households: For those people who celebrate Christmas in Vienna, electricity consumption on holidays is usually higher than on a normal working day. On average, the electricity requirement can be expected to double. The following link will provide you with the best energy saving tips for the Christmas holidays: https://bit.ly/3viIiQs
Image material: https://bit.ly/41tLuox
Questions & Contact:
Clarissa Hoebinger
Press officer for Vienna Energy
Tel.: 0664/88481303
clarissa.hoebinger@wienenergie.at