Non-profits want to keep housing costs in check
Business
Despite extreme energy prices, not-for-profit housing associations hope they can keep the cost increases for their customers in check. There are currently fixed supply contracts for electricity and gas until 2025 – with a price guarantee.
It is said that this does not mean a complete all-clear. The operating costs would nevertheless increase in the coming months, they say.
Inexpensive electricity contracts until 2025
Salzburg’s non-profits buy electricity and gas for their housing estates together. This energy is used for heating systems or for common areas such as corridors or stairwells. At least here, no price explosion is to be expected because of a fixed contract, says Christian Struber from Salzburg Wohnbau.
The Tennengauer is the chairman of the supervisory board of the association of non-profit housing developers in Austria: “The providers have contracts with Salzburg AG that are valid until 2025. From that point of view, we now have a settled situation.”
However, that does not cover all areas, according to Struber. Most residents conclude the electricity supply contract for their own apartment directly with Salzburg AG or another supplier.
Also water, sewer, services more expensive
A significant increase is also to be expected in the general operating costs of the residential complexes, emphasizes the manager: “Probably from January 1st, the sewer and water fees will increase in many communities, as well as higher prices for services carried out by craftsmen and tradespeople. That all adds up.”
The extent of the inflation cannot yet be reliably estimated, adds Struber. That also depends a lot on the housing complex in question. The non-profit organizations are now demanding help from taxpayers’ money for residents who have fallen into a poverty trap as a result of the cost increases. They emphasize that no one should lose their home if they are being persecuted.