Best Electricity & Gas Providers in Austria
Last updated: March 2026
As of March 2026, expats can switch energy providers freely in Austria. The cheapest electricity deals start around 20 cents per kWh. Most apartments come with a default provider (Grundversorger), but switching can save you EUR 200 to 500 per year. The E-Control regulator publishes price comparisons and operates the official Tarifkalkulator to help you find the best deal.
How Do You Set Up Electricity and Gas in Austria?
Setting up energy in your Austrian apartment is straightforward. Follow these steps when you move into a new home:
- 1
Check if your apartment already has a contract
Ask your landlord or property manager. Many apartments have an existing energy contract that transfers to new tenants, or are on the local default supply (Grundversorgung). In either case, you will have electricity and gas from day one.
- 2
Register with a provider using your Meldezettel
If you need to set up a new contract, you will need your Meldezettel (registration certificate), your meter number (Zählernummer, found on the meter or in your rental contract), and an Austrian bank account for direct debit.
- 3
Switch providers anytime with a two-week notice
You can switch your energy supplier at any time. Simply sign up with a new provider and they will handle the transfer. The switch takes about two weeks with no interruption in supply. There are no fees for leaving the Grundversorgung.
Read your meter when you move in
What Do Electricity and Gas Cost in Austria?
Energy prices in Austria vary by provider, tariff, and region. Here is what you can expect to pay as of March 2026. For a full budget breakdown, see our cost of living guide.
| Energy Type | Price per kWh | Monthly Cost (60 m² apartment) |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | 20 – 30 cents/kWh | EUR 60 – 120 |
| Gas | 8 – 12 cents/kWh | EUR 40 – 80 |
All prices as of March 2026, including 20% VAT. See our VAT guide for how Austrian taxes work. Actual costs depend on your consumption, building insulation, and heating type.
Should You Switch From the Default Provider?
When you move into an Austrian apartment, you are typically placed on the Grundversorgung (default supply) provided by your regional default supplier (Grundversorger). While this ensures you have energy from day one, the default tariff is usually significantly more expensive than competitive market offers.
Grundversorgung vs. Switching
- Grundversorgung (default): Legally guaranteed supply at a regulated rate. No contract needed, but typically 20–40% more expensive than the cheapest market offers.
- Market tariff (switching): Competitive pricing from dozens of providers. Switching is free and takes about two weeks. No supply interruption.
How to Compare Providers
Use these official comparison tools to find the best energy deal for your address:
- E-Control Tarifkalkulator , the official, regulator-run price comparison tool. Enter your postal code and consumption to see all available tariffs.
- durchblicker.at , a popular comparison platform that also covers insurance, internet, and other services.
Switching saves real money
Top 5 Best Electricity & Gas Providers for Expats
Based on pricing, reliability, renewable energy options, English support, and overall expat satisfaction, here are the top 5 electricity and gas providers in Austria in 2026.
1. Wien Energie
Vienna's default electricity and gas provider and Austria's largest municipal utility. Wien Energie supplies over 2 million customers in and around Vienna with electricity, gas, and district heating.
Best for: Expats living in Vienna who want hassle-free default supply
Pros
- +Default provider for Vienna, no setup needed for new tenants
- +Green energy options (Optima Strom) with 100% renewables
- +German and English app and online portal
- +District heating (Fernwaerme) also available
Cons
- −Not the cheapest. Default tariff is above market average
- −Switching to a competitor can save significant money
- −Contract terms can be complex for newcomers
- −Customer service wait times can be long
2. Verbund
Austria's largest electricity producer, generating 100% of its power from hydroelectric sources. Verbund operates nationwide and is known for competitive pricing combined with fully renewable energy.
Best for: Environmentally conscious expats who want 100% renewable electricity at competitive prices
Pros
- +100% renewable hydropower, Austria's greenest major provider
- +Competitive pricing, often cheaper than default suppliers
- +Available nationwide, not limited to one region
- +Simple online signup and management
Cons
- −No gas supply, electricity only
- −Online-focused with limited physical service locations
- −Slightly higher than the cheapest discount providers
- −Customer support primarily in German
3. EVN
Lower Austria's default energy provider, also serving customers in other Austrian regions. EVN offers combined electricity and gas supply with a strong focus on reliability and customer service.
Best for: Expats in Lower Austria (Niederoesterreich) who want a reliable combined provider
Pros
- +Reliable default provider for Lower Austria
- +Combined electricity and gas from one supplier
- +Good customer service with local offices
- +Growing renewable energy portfolio
Cons
- −Default tariff is more expensive than market alternatives
- −Primarily focused on Lower Austria region
- −Online experience less modern than some competitors
- −Limited English language support
4. Energie Steiermark
Styria's regional energy provider offering electricity, gas, and district heating. Energie Steiermark serves the greater Graz area and surrounding regions with a focus on regional expertise.
Best for: Expats in Styria (Steiermark) who want a combined regional provider
Pros
- +Regional expertise in Styria with local service
- +Combined electricity, gas, and district heating
- +Investing in renewable energy and sustainability
- +Local customer service offices in Graz and Styria
Cons
- −Regional focus, primarily serves Styria
- −Default tariff is not the cheapest option
- −Limited presence outside of Styria
- −English support limited compared to national providers
5. KELAG
Carinthia's default energy provider with a growing nationwide presence. KELAG has a strong renewable portfolio and increasingly competitive offers beyond its home region.
Best for: Expats in Carinthia or those looking for competitive nationwide renewable energy offers
Pros
- +Strong renewable energy portfolio including hydro and wind
- +Increasingly competitive nationwide offers
- +Reliable supply with strong regional infrastructure
- +Growing digital services and online management
Cons
- −Primarily known in Carinthia, less recognized elsewhere
- −Customer service infrastructure strongest in Carinthia
- −Nationwide tariffs may not always be the cheapest
- −Limited English language support
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to set up energy when moving to a new apartment in Austria?
It depends. Many Austrian apartments come with an existing energy contract from the previous tenant or a default provider (Grundversorger). Check with your landlord. If there is no active contract, you need to register with an electricity and gas provider within a few days of moving in. You will need your Meldezettel and your meter number (Zählernummer).
Can I choose my own electricity and gas provider in Austria?
Yes. Since 2001, the Austrian energy market has been fully liberalized. You can choose any licensed electricity or gas supplier regardless of where you live. Your grid operator (Netzbetreiber) is fixed by location, but your energy supplier (Energieversorger) is your choice. Use the E-Control Tarifkalkulator to compare providers.
How do I switch energy providers in Austria?
Switching energy providers in Austria is straightforward. Choose a new provider and sign up with them, and they handle the switch with your old provider. The process takes about two weeks with no interruption in supply. There are no fees for leaving the Grundversorgung (default supply).
What is Grundversorgung in Austria?
Grundversorgung (default supply) is a legal guarantee in Austria that ensures every household receives electricity and gas even without an active contract. Your local default provider (Grundversorger) supplies energy at a regulated rate. However, this default tariff from providers like Wien Energie, EVN, or KELAG is usually more expensive than competitive market offers, so switching can save you EUR 200 to 500 per year.
How much does electricity and gas cost in Austria?
As of March 2026, electricity in Austria costs between 20 and 30 cents per kWh depending on your provider and tariff. Gas costs between 8 and 12 cents per kWh. For a typical 60 square metre apartment, expect to pay EUR 60 to 120 per month for electricity and EUR 40 to 80 per month for gas. Use the E-Control Tarifkalkulator to check exact prices for your address.