Significant assistance for small businesses to large companies – payment to the companies must now be made quickly
Vienna (OTS) – “The details now presented on the extended energy cost subsidy and the flat-rate subsidy model bring a bit more clarity for companies. In order to be able to plan, the concrete implementation of the energy cost subsidy II must now be determined quickly,” says Karlheinz Kopf, Secretary General of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ).
There are some improvements compared to the previous funding model: The WKÖ welcomes the expansion of the energy cost subsidy 1 (EKZ) in the 4th quarter of 2022 to heat, cold and steam. In addition, the energy cost subsidy 2 in the basic level also provides for the promotion of heating oil, wood pellets and wood chips. From the point of view of the WKÖ, synthetic fuels should also be considered eligible energy sources.
It is positive that the deadlines for pre-registration and application for the extended EKZ 1 are now known: Pre-registration is possible from March 29 to April 14, 2023, the application from April 17 to June 16, 2023.
Protection for micro and small companies through a flat-rate subsidy model
The energy cost flat rate helps micro and small companies to cope with the high energy costs. “For these companies, many of them EPU, it is crucial that the funding can be applied for easily and without complications and, above all, that it flows quickly,” says the WKÖ Secretary General. It is important for the WKÖ that founders also have the possibility of funding.
Provide state guarantees for bridging financing
WKÖ Secretary General Kopf concludes: “Due to the string of crises and the rising costs, many companies have an increased need for financing. In addition, access to financing has become more difficult due to rising interest rates and the further development of energy prices remains uncertain. In order to ensure the competitiveness of our companies and thus also of jobs, use should be made of the option available under EU law to provide state guarantees for bridging financing.” (PWK054)
Questions & contact:
Sebastian Winter
Austrian Chamber of Commerce
Spokesman for the Secretary General
T 0590900 4462
E sebastian.winter@wko.at
