Vienna district heating prices are exploding: FPÖ calls for immediate regulation!

Vienna district heating prices are exploding: FPÖ calls for immediate regulation!

The dispute over district heating prices is boiling in Vienna! A recent study has revealed that the federal capital is at the top of the price lists with annual costs of 1,602 euros per year. This means that Vienna charges almost 270 percent more than Burgenland, where the existing tariff is only 437 euros Today reported.

The high price has not only caused political waves. Heinz-Christian Strache from the FPÖ sees these tariffs as a clear rip-off and is calling on Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig to finally take action against price gouging. The Greens also warn of social pressure on citizens and recall the approval for a price increase of 92 percent in 2022. Peter Kraus from the Greens warns that a correction of these exorbitant price increases is necessary and that more transparency is required.

Discussion about price comparisons

Criticism also comes from Wien Energie. The provider defends itself against the price comparisons and argues that they often compare apples with oranges. As the analysis by Kreutzer Fischer & Partner shows, there are massive price differences between the federal states: While Vienna is at the top with 1,602 euros for district heating, newcomers to Carinthia only have to expect 588 euros. Overall, the database waermepreise.at shows that the official price notice for many customers in Vienna is 974 euros per year, which is perceived as cheap compared to many other large cities.

Wien Energie also emphasizes that the most expensive tariff in Vienna does not come from them and does not apply to classic district heating. The Gas Heat Association (FGW) is also skeptical about the analysis and describes it as distorted.

Customer loyalty and pricing

The situation is particularly explosive for the 400,000 Viennese customers. There is no changing provider: many customers are tied to their local district heating provider and cannot influence the prices. The Minister of Economic Affairs is apparently also open to the differences mentioned, which pose immense challenges for consumers.

In the whole price jungle, many people only have hope that Wie Energie's announced investments in large heat pumps and geothermal energy will keep prices stable in the future. This concept should be implemented by 2040, but the dispute over fair district heating prices is unlikely to subside until then.

In summary, it can be seen that there is a lot of catching up to do in Vienna when it comes to fairness in pricing. It remains to be seen whether the mayor will react and whether the situation can improve for customers. In any case, the pressure on those responsible has increased.