“Energy costs are exploding and politicians are doing nothing”

The electricity price brake finally expired at the end of last year – and at the same time the network operators are increasing the fees for electricity by an average of 23.1 percent and for gas by 16.6 percent. “According to E-Control, additional costs of between 400 and 800 euros can be expected,” warns the President of the independent Austrian Pensioners Association. The exact amount depends on the respective electricity supplier and its energy price. “This is not just a threat to the existence of minimum pension recipients,” emphasizes Kostelka.

Zwtl.: Use billions in profits for network expansion

This assessment is based on the assumption that the current support measures will expire and no new ones will be introduced. That’s why the pensioners’ association is calling for a quick solution from politicians – “preferably from the old government, because when the new one will start working is still uncertain.” Specifically, the pensioners’ association suggests that energy companies also be held responsible and not have consumers pay for everything. After all, according to official figures, the energy suppliers recorded a combined profit of more than 4 billion euros last year.

Twtl.: Switch to “online-only”

Kostelka advises electricity customers to compare individual electricity and gas prices or tariffs and, if necessary, change their energy provider. However, you can currently only calculate your own consumption and prepare for the coming changes using the E-Control electricity cost brake calculator. “Because this is only possible online, it is a clear case of age discrimination,” says Kostelka. It is primarily older people without internet access who are affected by rising energy costs. They are dependent on the support of their family members or neighbors. “Here, too, there is an acute need for action to ensure that all population groups can make the switch to cheaper energy providers,” concluded Kostelka.