After a 125 million euro package once morest inflation, Vienna is presenting the next aid package. Criticism of the doubling of district heating prices should be countered in this way.
On Tuesday, things went fast. First, the turquoise-green federal government presented its package worth six billion euros once morest inflation, and a little later Vienna’s mayor stepped in Michael Ludwig and its finance councillor Peter Hanke to the media to present the next Viennese aid package.
It is worth 130 million euros and offers a few surprises – including the accompanying measures. The reason given for the package is the sharp increase in prices, which is partly due to the doubling of the prices for district heating in the city, even if the city government did not like to raise the issue on Tuesday.
Aid for 650,000 households
The Vienna energy bonus presented on Tuesday brings financial support of 200 euros for 650,000 households. That is around two thirds of Viennese households and affects more than a million people in Vienna. Together with the energy support presented in March in the amount of 125 million euros, socially particularly affected people can receive up to 1000 euros in energy support. The new aid payment must be applied for and will be paid out from the fourth quarter to the end of the year.
who is entitled
People with their main residence in Vienna and an annual gross income of 40,000 euros (for one-person households) are entitled to the new energy bonus. If there are several people in a household, the entitlement limit increases to 100,000 euros. “The Vienna energy bonus for 2022 extends far into medium-sized companies,” explained Ludwig. Whether the measure is related to the harsh criticism of the doubling of the price of Vienna’s district heating remained open.
Installment payments now possible
In the area of electricity and gas, the municipal Wien Energie already offers installment payments of up to 18 months. This regulation now also applies to invoices from Fernwärme Wien. The goal: to make arrears affordable in the long term.
No power cut
In the coming winter, municipal Wien Energie will voluntarily suspend power, gas and heat cuts if a household is insolvent. The regulation applies from December 2022 to the end of February 2023.
New ombudsman
A central contact point for district heating customers will be set up; in addition to the local hotline. Specifically, the contact point should answer questions regarding invoices, installment payments, etc.
waiver of dividends
The City of Vienna, as the sole owner of Wiener Stadtwerke, will waive dividend payments from Stadtwerke to the city budget in 2022 and 2023. The reasoning: Every euro generated should flow into investments in the energy transition.
Fairness Commission
Cheaper purchase prices are to be passed on immediately to end users (of municipal companies) in the future. A so-called fairness commission, which is to meet twice a year, will monitor this.
loyalty program
What almost every small shop offers, the Wiener Stadtwerke should also offer in the future. We are talking regarding a customer loyalty program with loyalty points that is still being developed.
Measures taken so far
The current measures are preceded by a three-pillar package to cushion inflation and rising energy prices. People who are particularly affected (regardless of the current package) receive 200 euros directly into their account without an application. This applies above all to recipients of minimum income, etc. Anyone who has arrears with their energy company can apply for partial assumption of arrears. The third pillar is financial support for thermal rehabilitation and conversion to environmentally friendly technologies.
“Largest single measure in recent years”
Mayor Ludwig described the package as the “largest single measure” that has taken place in recent years. And he welcomed the federal aid package that was presented on the same day, declaring: “There cannot be enough help in the current situation.”
