Federal authority checks electricity prices – salzburg.ORF.at
politics
The Federal Competition Authority and E-Control are now taking a closer look at the electricity and gas markets in Austria and Salzburg. That’s exactly what Theo Thanner, ex-head of the competition authority, called for in an interview with “Salzburg Today” some time ago. All parties in the state parliament welcomed this step on Wednesday.
Complaints and severe criticism from consumers of electricity suppliers such as Salzburg AG had recently increased. While gas and electricity prices have been falling on the wholesale markets for weeks, the previous price increase is only just beginning to reach end consumers. Critics say corporations are raking in billions in profits.
Strong criticism of maximum price system
All parties in the Salzburg state parliament are extremely skeptical about the so-called merit order principle, according to which the most expensive power plant determines the electricity price for everyone. Results of the audit now announced in Vienna are expected for the second quarter of 2023.
In the Salzburg state parliament on Wednesday, possible further “relief” of the Salzburg population was discussed again. The SPÖ once again demands that the profits from the special dividend of Salzburg AG be skimmed off. The regional supplier is owned by the state and city of Salzburg with a large majority of shares. The excess money of the AG should continue to be used in the sense of the population against inflation, so the social democrats.
All others reject the SPÖ proposal
All other parliamentary groups reject this proposal because there is a more sensible alternative, says ÖVP energy spokesman Hans Scharfetter: “Around a quarter of the dividend goes to Upper Austria. Less than a quarter of a special dividend would arrive at the state of Salzburg. We can certainly relieve the load more efficiently.”
Scharfetter told the ORF that possible solutions could include additional days of free electricity – or additional contingents for electric heating, for which the price is capped – as with the solution that has already been introduced.
More quotas for electric heaters?
SPÖ club chairman Michael Wanner said Wednesday after the debate open to solutions: “With the special dividend, the money would be specifically sent to those who have little income. But there are other options, and we’re completely open to them.”