Energy in Austria
Jules de Bruin
Expat in Vienna
Updated: May 3 2026 | Found helpful by 7 others
Austria's energy market was fully liberalized in 2001, meaning consumers can freely choose their electricity and gas provider. Average electricity costs range from 25 to 30 cents per kWh, while gas runs 8 to 12 cents per kWh. Austria generates approximately 80% of its electricity from renewable sources, primarily hydropower. The E-Control regulator oversees the market and publishes price comparisons to help consumers find the best deals.
How Does the Austrian Energy Market Work?
Since liberalization in 2001, Austria separates energy delivery into two distinct roles. Understanding this split is key to managing your energy costs:
- Grid Operator (Netzbetreiber): Responsible for the physical electricity and gas infrastructure in your area. Your grid operator is assigned by your location and cannot be changed. They handle metering, maintenance, and delivery of energy to your home.
- Energy Supplier (Energieversorger): The company you buy your electricity or gas from. You can freely choose and switch your energy supplier at any time. This is where you can save money by comparing providers.
Your energy bill typically includes both a grid fee (Netzentgelt) paid to the grid operator and an energy fee (Energiepreis) paid to your chosen supplier. Use the E-Control Tarifkalkulator to compare total costs across providers for your address.
What Are the Main Energy Types in Austria?
Austrian homes use several energy sources for electricity, heating, and hot water. The type available to you depends largely on your building and location:
- Electricity (Strom): Used in every household. Austria's electricity mix is approximately 80% renewable, dominated by hydropower. You can choose your supplier freely.
- Gas (Gas): Common in older apartments, especially in Vienna, for heating and cooking. You can choose your gas supplier freely, just like electricity.
- District Heating (Fernwärme): Centralized heating supplied via underground pipes, common in newer buildings and large apartment complexes. You cannot choose your district heating provider, and it is set by your building.
- Oil Heating (Ölheizung): Found in some older houses, particularly in rural areas. Oil heating systems are being phased out as part of Austria's climate targets, with a ban on new installations already in effect.