Natural gas prices are rising: What consumers can expect in 2025!

Natural gas prices are rising: What consumers can expect in 2025!

From 2025, Austria is now facing a significant increase in gas prices, which will impact households. As ORF Vorarlberg reported, the state-set price for CO2 certificates will rise from 45 euros to 55 euros per ton. This means that natural gas delivery costs will increase by approximately 1.0 cent per kWh net. In addition, the gas storage levy will increase to 0.299 cents per kWh net, as the levy on gas exports is expected to be abolished by the German federal government. With these changes, households with a consumption of 15,000 kWh per year will have to expect additional costs of around 15 euros gross per month, depending on the final legal requirements, which will be set by the end of December.

Rising network charges and the reasons behind them

In addition, network fees will increase by around 13 percent from January 1, 2025. This development is due to rising operating costs and falling natural gas consumption. Quido Salzmann from illwerke vkw emphasized that the impact on natural gas prices will be less severe than on electricity prices. Nevertheless, the supply remains secured through illwerke vkw's large gas storage facilities, which have a volume of 700 gigawatt hours, which is important for households and companies.

When it comes to price increases, consumers are aware of their rights. According to the Federal Network Agency, energy suppliers must inform their customers at least one month before a planned price change and provide understandable explanations. Consumers have the right to terminate their contract if there are price changes, unless a specific price adjustment clause applies. This gives consumers some security in a changing energy market, allowing them to react quickly to unexpected increases. Consumers should also make sure to terminate their contracts in good time and, if necessary, switch to a new provider in order to save costs.