€135 for Half a Kilowatt: Couple Shocked by Tiny Usage, Huge Bill
A couple in Lower Austria were left stunned after receiving a €134.98 electricity bill for consuming just 0.5 kWh, raising fresh concerns about hidden energy costs despite promises of cheaper power.
The couple from Purgstall an der Erlauf in Lower Austria (Nederösterreich) said the amount came as a complete shock. The property in question is their second home, which they visit only twice a month. According to Simon, they use limited electricity — mainly hot water and occasionally a coffee machine.
The pair immediately contacted EVN (Energieversorgung Niederösterreich), their long-time energy provider. Simon explained in an interview with Heute (Austrian newspaper) that they were told switching to a different tariff was not possible. For him, paying nearly €135 “for a few coffees” is simply unacceptable.
In response to questions from Heute, an EVN spokesperson clarified that only around €20 of the total amount actually goes to the supplier. The remaining €115 consists of legally mandated charges, including taxes, levies, and network fees imposed by the grid operator and the government. “We are merely the messenger,” the spokesperson said.
This also means that switching electricity providers would not significantly reduce the bill. Even canceling the contract would not eliminate certain fixed costs, as charges for the electricity meter still apply regardless of consumption. Removing the meter is possible but would also involve additional fees.
While EVN suggested installing a photovoltaic system (zonnepaneelsysteem) as a potential solution, Simon dismissed the idea. He argues that costs continue to rise despite repeated assurances that electricity prices are falling. The couple has reportedly already submitted their cancellation notice, saying they would rather pay once to remove the meter than continue facing high fixed charges for minimal use.