In 2025, households will face higher energy payments as the electricity price cap expires and the electricity tax and renewable energy contribution return to their old levels.

Electricity Costs to Increase by About 300 Euros in 2025

"For a sample household with an annual consumption of 2,900 kWh of electricity and an electricity price of 15 cents/kWh, this would result in an additional annual amount of net 334 euros in Upper Austria or net 318 euros in Linz," the Chamber of Labour (AK) calculated on Thursday.

Comprehensive Relief Program for Consumers Demanded

"It is high time that the outgoing federal government finally takes measures to sustainably reduce energy prices and relieve consumers. The windfall profits of the energy suppliers must not be ignored," said AKOÖ President Andreas Stangl on Thursday. He demands that there should be no further surcharges for network expansion and the electricity tax should remain at the reduced level. The renewable energy contribution should continue not to be levied and the renewable energy flat rate should remain at zero.

Gas Prices Will Also Increase in 2025

The Gas Heat Association (FGW) also warns of higher prices at the turn of the year. "The expiry of the reduced natural gas tax, which gas network operators pass on to their customers and which is therefore found on the network bill, will contribute to an increase in gas prices from next year. From May 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024, the natural gas tax was reduced to 0.01196 euros per cubic meter. From January 1, 2025, 0.066 euros per cubic meter will apply again," says the association.

On Thursday, it calculated that an average household consumption of 1,300 cubic meters of gas would result in additional costs of about 70 euros plus 20 percent VAT per year. "This would mean a higher burden than the currently media-discussed gas network tariff increases, which are supposed to amount to only about 50 euros per year for an average household," the FGW points out. And it reminds that the burden on companies will in any case be many times the household burdens. The Gas Heat Association therefore demands to maintain the reduced tax rate of the natural gas tax for the coming years.

(APA/Red)

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