Michael Strugl, President of Austria’s Energy, and Secretary General Barbara Schmidt today presented the positions of the Austrian e-economy for the current draft of the Electricity Administration Act (ELWG). The industry generally welcomes the new proposal, but still sees the need for adaptation in essential points.
With the new Electricity Administration Act (ELWG) there is now a central reform project that has far-reaching effects on the e-economy, the business location and the Austrian power customers. “We have discussed the law intensively with our member companies in the past few days. Our position is based on the self -image that all measures are in the sense of safe, clean and affordable power supply. The focus is on customer benefits,” says Schmidt.
ELWG needs red and white-red shoulder closure
Strugl emphasizes the long-term importance of the law: “The ELWG is an important basis for the transformation of the energy system in the coming years and decades. It is therefore important that this law is designed as functionally and efficiently as possible. Instead of individual interests, we need a red and white-red shoulder closure here in the interest of the economy and the location, which keeps the costs and interactions in view in view.”
“Basically, in the current draft we recognize a step towards clear incentives for the actors in the electricity system and more causes. But not everything that is meant is also well done – the law also contains dysfunctional approaches and new stress for the industry that will brake the transformation of the system,” says Schmidt. “Oesterreichs Energie represents the entire electricity economy -from the generation, young and old, central and decentralized, the almost 140 network operators in Austria and the electricity retailers and suppliers. We know the entire system -not only parts of it -and we also look at the law systemically,” says Schmidt.
Clear progress and important impulses
The e-economy positively evaluates the project to consider the system efficiency in the tariff structure more in the future. In the future, a flexible network fee will create incentives for network -related behavior. “Anyone who consumes or stores electricity in the future benefits in the future through lower network charges – this is efficient and contemporary,” emphasizes Schmidt. The top cap in photovoltaic and wind turbines enables better utilization of the networks- with minimal generation losses, but great economic benefits. Measures such as the possibility of digital accounting will help reduce the administrative effort and to improve customer service. “We support these measures because they consistently pursue a goal: to make our electricity system more efficient and customer -friendly,” says Schmidt.
Exposure and risks for Austria’s investment location
On the other hand, Oesterreich’s energy critically assesses the advocacy of the e-economy, however, to participate in the network tariffs more in the future. “Only by expanding the production can stable prices and safe supply be guaranteed in the long term,” explains Strugl. “Network fees for producers would be a step backwards – they punish exactly those who create the basis for the competitive and safe power supply of tomorrow with their investments.” Due to the planned introduction of one -in -law -dependent network charges for power generators, competition distortions, location disadvantages and a decline in domestic investments – because the generation in Austria is already comparatively heavily burdened. In addition, there are currently no significant network tariffs for producers in any of our neighboring countries.
Liberation of the memory of double network charges
“The liberation of the memory of double network charges is a real step,” emphasizes Strugl. However, it is unclear when this criterion is fulfilled and what happens to existing systems for which there has been a liberation so far. Since a market -based, systemic operation contributes significantly to the integration of renewable energies, the criteria should not be set too closely. The e-economy sees another problem in the unclear situation regarding existing storage systems. “Here we urgently need a clear regulation that guarantees reliable existing protection,” said Strugl.
Right-wing electricity delivery contracts instead of 6-month floater
The introduction of a legal price change law, which is intended to restore legal certainty in the event of changes in the contract, has long been required in the industry, but the current implementation is assessed as problematic. In practice, the planned obligation to reduce six months in practice would have undesirable effects: This regulation could lead to the fact that half-year-float tariffs defacto is declared a legal standard. “We need freedom of choice for a lively competition on the electricity market – no legal obligation to the half -year contract,” says Strugl. The regulation also contradicts European requirements.
Social tariffs are not at the expense of the economy
In the planned social tariff, the e-economy supports targeted support for the needy, but rejects financing by the companies itself. “The
E-economy is aware of its social responsibility-however, energy policy is not a tried-and-tested means of solving social issues, ”says Schmidt. The industry is already making substantial contributions to public budgets on the energy crisis contribution of EUR 200 million. In addition, all large companies operate their own social programs or have cooperation with social institutions.
Measures that some use and many burden many
The e-economy also criticizes that the current legislative proposal also provides measures in addition to cost-dusting regulations, but some use many benefits with higher costs, including direct lines, special regulations for energy communities, peer-to-peer contracts, extension of depreciation, the examination of cabling options and mandatory pilot projects for earth cables. “With new regulations, a precise examination of the cost-benefit conditions and a fair balance between those involved is needed to avoid stress for households and companies through the back door,” said Schmidt. “We speak out for a holistic view and a system -wide damping of the costs.”
E-economy brings up
In the course of the transformation, the energy industry faces enormous challenges – and large investments. “If you are supposed to invest billions, you need more than good intentions – you need clear, reliable and economically sustainable rules,” explains Strugl. Only through reliable framework conditions can we mobilize the necessary funds and implement our projects efficiently. The discussions about the EU-USA deal have shown again: In order to achieve the three goals equally, we have to become more resilient in energy supply: by expanding renewable energies and the clever integration of these into strong and digital networks. “We therefore appeal to all political forces to bring the law to the vote quickly. The energy industry will support this process with its knowledge and experience as far as possible,” says Strugl in conclusion.