Energy crisis follows: Electricity and gas prices rise drastically!

Energy crisis follows: Electricity and gas prices rise drastically!

From January 2024, Austrian households must expect an average increase of around 11 euros per month for electricity and gas costs, since the fees for electricity and gas networks will increase by up to 23 percent. This decision comes into force after approval by the Energy Regulation Commission. The fee for electricity consumption is increased by 19 percent over all consumers, which means an increase of 23 percent for households. With an annual average consumption of 3,500 kilowatt hours (kWh), this adds up to additional costs of around 73 euros per year, which corresponds to around 6.10 euros per month, the Krone .

For natural gas consumers, there is a price increase of 16.6 percent for annual consumption of 15,000 kWh, which costs an additional about 5 euros per month. In total, each household budget is burdened by an average of 11 euros per month. However, increasing the fees varies regionally: While some areas such as Upper Austria and Lower Austria have to accept higher serves, even reductions in gas network costs are intended in Graz. The reasons for the price increases are the high investments in the power grid that is necessary to support the switch to renewable energies, as well as the decline in total consumption by more self-suppliers with solar systems, as the Energy Agriculture explained.

electricity costs under pressure

The fear of high additional payments is troubled by many consumers, especially during this time when energy costs are increasing significantly. A comprehensive analysis of Living happiness shows that the average costs for electricity fluctuate greatly and depend on various factors, such as the tariff of the provider and the consumption patterns of households. Many households must now expect average electricity costs between 58 and 125 euros per month, depending on the size and consumption. Single households pay around 62.50 euros, while families with higher consumption have to pay up to 125 euros per month.

In recent years, energy prices have continuously increased, which increasingly leads to additional claims at the invoices. The upcoming termination of the electricity price brake and the increase in electricity levies from January could further increase the financial burden on households. Consumers are therefore advised to keep an eye on their electricity consumption and to consider changing providers to save costs.