Households in need: Up to 1,000 euros more for a green energy transition!

Households in need: Up to 1,000 euros more for a green energy transition!

FPÖ Lower Austria energy spokesman LAbg. Dieter Dorner expresses concern about the rising network costs and the financial burdens that households will have to expect as a result of the energy transition. According to Dorner, the additional annual costs for families could be up to 1,000 euros, which he describes as a direct result of the “green ideology” and the policies of the black-green federal government and the current traffic light coalition. The rising prices are not just a short-term phenomenon, but will have a long-term impact on consumers through network costs, as he explains in a recent press release.

In particular, Dorner warns of an impending wave of energy pollution that could occur from January 2025. High investments in network expansion, which are necessary to integrate alternative energy generation in Lower Austria, are being burdened on customers. From 2025 onwards, the federal government's price-dampening measures will no longer apply, which could further aggravate the situation.

Expected costs for households

The FPÖ expects additional annual electricity costs for households to be between 200 and 700 euros, depending on the size of the household and the respective provider. In a calculation example, a family of four is given an additional cost of around 760 euros per year with a consumption of 3,500 kWh, while a single household has to expect around 300 euros in additional costs per year with a consumption of 1,500 kWh. This development is also linked to criticism of the hasty switch to alternative energy, which, according to Dorner, could cause high costs. It is also pointed out that gas power plants are still necessary to compensate for dark periods.

Another central point of criticism concerns the EU guidelines for renaturation and the rejection of external influence on national energy policy. Dorner is therefore calling for an extension of the electricity price cap and a reduction in electricity and natural gas taxes.

Costs of the energy transition in a broader context

In the broader context of the energy transition, the future financial burdens on society should not be underestimated. In Germany, for example, the government is aiming for climate neutrality by 2045, which requires total investments of an estimated 11.3 trillion euros. This corresponds to annual investments of 540 billion euros until 2045 to achieve global climate goals.

In addition, it is expected that network fees will continue to rise, which already accounts for around 28% of the electricity price. The expansion of renewable energies is necessary to cover the phase-out of coal and the increasing demand for electricity. According to estimates, around 651 billion euros will be needed to expand the electricity grid by 2045. These investments, ultimately borne by consumers, are central to future energy infrastructure, including new hydrogen networks and climate-friendly heating systems.

The upcoming challenges in energy policy require a rethink in society, as the financial burdens of the energy transition cannot be ignored. It is becoming clear that the necessary investments and political decisions will have far-reaching consequences for budgets.