Gas supply in Upper Austria: Winter secured, prices rise

Gas supply in Upper Austria: Winter secured, prices rise

The situation around the gas supply in Austria is currently at the center of political discussions, especially during a meeting of the Upper Austria. Landes-energy steering advisory board, which recently took place in Linz. One thing is certain: the natural gas supply of this winter is secured due to an amazingly high storage stand of over 90 percent. Currently, considerable amounts of natural gas from Russia will continue to come to Austria, although Gazprom has announced that the deliveries from January 1, 2025 have announced. These developments make the transition to renewable energies particularly important, since Upper Austria already receives 89 percent of its electricity from sustainable sources.

Another central topic was the completion of the WAG LOOP project, which is intended to significantly increase supply security. This project, which focuses on the West Austria gas pipe, will significantly strengthen import capacities from Germany and Italy. At the moment it enables the technical capacities to import around 185 TWh gas into our market area every year. With the completion of the first phase of the WAG loop, the capacity will increase to 212 TWH.

uncertainties by German gas storage levy

In the coming years, the political situation of Germany will also have an impact on gas supply in Austria. State Councilor Achleitner made it clear how important it is that the German government is abolishing the so -called "gas storage levy" as planned on January 1, 2025. Whether this actually happens will be shown in a meeting of the German Bundestag on December 6th. A failure of this decision could result in considerable costs in the low three -digit million range for Austria.

Although the gas supply is currently secured, Austrian households will soon face higher costs. From January 2025, citizens must expect an increase in network charges. The electricity tax and renewable funding contributions will be reintroduced and the electricity cost brake will expire at the end of the year. In Upper Austria, an increase in electricity network charges is expected by around 25 percent, which could mean additional financial pressure of around 70 euros per year. The gas network charges even increase by around 29 percent, which is about 100 euros annually.

The right measures must be taken to ensure that despite increasing costs, the security of supply is not endangered. The upcoming political decisions and their effects are followed closely because they are of crucial importance for the energetic future and for the economic stability of Austria. For more detailed information on this topic see the current reporting www.meinbezirk.at .