Vienna City Councilor for Finance Peter Hanke (SPÖ) spoke for the first time on the finances of Wien Energie on Monday followingnoon. In an interview with the APA, he explained that the federal government was in favor of a nationwide “protective shield” because “moon prices” were currently being demanded on the exchange for electricity. Wien Energie is particularly affected because its own production is lower. A protective shield might also help other companies. The planned settlement is a source of criticism.
“Quite normal process”
Federal states such as Tyrol or Vorarlberg, which might generate more energy themselves, would not be so badly affected. Vienna is forced to buy more electricity at the trading places. “It’s a completely normal process.” Security deposits, i.e. deposits, are always required for transactions that have already been concluded for the future. Now the price of electricity has “exploded upwards”.
Exit not an option
That’s why getting out is not an option: “You have to stay in the market.” This was the reason for approaching the federal government to look for a way together. Until not too long ago, the demand was met by Wien Energie itself. But now the stakes are sometimes up to 2 billion euros per day. “We no longer have planning security,” complained the department head. “We’re getting to a point where we need a nationwide solution.”
However, the fact that the transaction might now take place via the Federal Financing Agency, as intended by the Ministry of Finance, does not cause much enthusiasm in the town hall. It is not settled directly, but once more via the city. “That’s not what we asked for.” In any case, the first amounts would be expected as early as tomorrow, Tuesday.
Two times 700 million euros from the city
However, he confirmed that Wien Energie is an economically sound company that is not making any losses. The city has recently provided guarantees itself, i.e. beyond those that are usually provided by the company itself. According to his office, 700 million euros were already used accordingly in July. On Monday it was the same amount once more.
Everything done right?
Hanke swore that everything had been handled correctly. The city has the power to take immediate action. He rejected the accusation of lack of transparency. This will be brought up at the next meeting of the responsible committee.
Ten billion euros
But now the federal government is also being asked to become active here. How high such a protective shield would have to be is difficult to say, since the prices would change every day, he emphasized. The protective net might also be up to 10 billion euros. The Vienna City Councilor for Finance suspects that other energy companies may also need further guarantee lines.
According to Hanke, Vienna’s proposal to the federal government roughly corresponds to what has already been implemented internationally. Such models already exist in Switzerland or Germany. It is “high time” to take appropriate steps here.
