The electrification of Austria: A review of 100 years of electricity history

The electrification of Austria: A review of 100 years of electricity history

The history of electrification in Austria goes back to the 1880s when the electrical current found its way into the home four walls for the first time. Previously, streets and apartments had been illuminated with gas, and hardly anyone suspected what enormous potential this new technology had. A look at the Vienna World Exhibition of 1873 shows that the interest in electrical exhibits was already great.

in 1907 the time had come: The State Electricity Work of the Archduke Duchy of Austria under Enns was founded, which is considered a milestone in the history of energy supply. This work represented the forerunner of today's energy supplier EVN. Heimal successor Franz Ferdinand, a great advocate of the new technology, had his residence in Arstetten supplied with electrical energy. This was an important step towards the comprehensive electrification of the country.

The progress of electrification

The Wienerbruck memory power plant, which was subsequently built, had an important role in the energy supplier landscape. It secured both the supply of the Mariazellerbahn and the city of St. Pölten. With the progressive technology, electrification in Vienna and Lower Austria also increased rapidly. It was a time of change when electricity not only revolutionized daily life, but also changed the economic and social structures of the country.

Technical development during this time was superior and it set the course for modern energy supply. Austria is still proud of its progress and the efficient use of electricity, which plays a central role in the everyday life of people. More on the historical background and the developments that led to today's electrification can be found read .