New electricity law provides 300 euros for 250,000 families
The Austrian government has launched a new electricity bill aimed at alleviating the financial burdens on families and modernizing the energy system. The new law includes significant reforms in the electricity market and is considered the most important in two decades.
One of the key points is the introduction of a new social tariff aimed at protecting low-income households from energy poverty. "Michaela Schmidt" from the "SPÖ" party emphasized that electricity is essential for daily life, not a luxury commodity, and that this step will provide security for vulnerable groups.
The social tariff will benefit around 250,000 families, with the maximum price for a kilowatt set at just 6 cents. This means that retirees receiving the minimum pensions will save about 300 euros annually.
Birgit Geirstorfer, president of the "Pensionistenverband Österreichs", pointed out that many seniors are still on an old and expensive electricity tariff. She indicated that this reform will also compensate for the increase in health insurance contributions.
The government also confirmed that the process of switching to the social tariff will be easy and straightforward, and open even to those who do not have internet access.