# Best Electricity & Gas Providers in Austria (2026) > Compare the best electricity and gas providers in Austria in 2026. Top 5 providers including Wien Energie, Verbund, EVN, Energie Steiermark, and KELAG for expats. Learn how to switch, save money, and set up energy in your Austrian apartment. Updated: May 19 2026 · By Jules de Bruin · URL: https://www.how-to-austria.com/energy/electricity-gas As of April 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](https://www.e-control.at) regulator publishes price comparisons and operates the official [Tarifkalkulator](https://www.e-control.at/konsumenten/tarifkalkulator) to help you find the best deal. ## 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. Vienna Default ### 1. Wien Energie 4.2Vienna'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. Why we recommend it: Default supplier for Vienna means new tenants get instant supply with no setup, plus a 100% renewable Optima Strom tariff. 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 [View Wien Energie Plans](https://www.wienenergie.at)100% Hydro ### 2. Verbund 4.4Austria'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. Why we recommend it: Cheapest 100% renewable hydropower nationwide, often EUR 200 to 500/year cheaper than default suppliers. 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 [View Verbund Plans](https://www.verbund.com)Lower Austria Default ### 3. EVN 4.0Lower 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. Why we recommend it: Best combined electricity-and-gas supplier for Lower Austria with a growing renewable portfolio and local offices. 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 [View EVN Plans](https://www.evn.at)Styria Default ### 4. Energie Steiermark 4.0Styria'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. Why we recommend it: Best combined electricity, gas, and district heating supplier for Styria, with local Graz offices and renewable investment. 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 [View Energie Steiermark Plans](https://www.e-steiermark.com)Carinthia Default ### 5. KELAG 3.9Carinthia's default energy provider with a growing nationwide presence. KELAG has a strong renewable portfolio and increasingly competitive offers beyond its home region. Why we recommend it: Strong hydro-and-wind renewable portfolio with competitive nationwide tariffs, default supply for Carinthia. 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 [View KELAG Plans](https://www.kelag.at) ## 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: - 1Check 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. - 2Register with a provider using your Meldezettel If you need to set up a new contract, you will need your [Meldezettel](/living/vienna-registration) (registration certificate), your meter number (Zählernummer, found on the meter or in your rental contract), and an [Austrian bank account](/banking/open-bank-account) for direct debit. - 3Switch 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 Take a photo of your electricity and gas meters on the day you move in. Note the meter numbers (Zählernummer) and current readings (Zählerstand). This protects you from being charged for the previous tenant's consumption. ## 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 April 2026. For a full budget breakdown, see our [cost of living guide](/living/cost-of-living). | 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 April 2026, including 20% VAT. See our [VAT guide](/taxes/vat) 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](https://www.e-control.at/konsumenten/tarifkalkulator) , the official, regulator-run price comparison tool. Enter your postal code and consumption to see all available tariffs. - [durchblicker.at](https://www.durchblicker.at) , a popular comparison platform that also covers insurance, internet, and other services. #### Switching saves real money Most expats stay on the default provider simply because they do not know they can switch. Comparing tariffs takes 10 minutes and can save EUR 200 to 500 per year depending on your consumption. ## Official Sources - [E-Control, Austrian Energy Regulator](https://www.e-control.at) - [durchblicker.at, Energy Price Comparison](https://www.durchblicker.at) - [oesterreich.gv.at, Official Austrian Government Portal](https://www.oesterreich.gv.at) ## Related Guides [### Cost of Living in Austria See how energy costs fit into your monthly budget](/living/cost-of-living)[### Finding Housing in Austria Your apartment type determines your energy setup](/living/housing)[### Vienna Registration Guide You need a Meldezettel to register with an energy provider](/living/vienna-registration)[### Internet Providers in Austria Set up home internet alongside your energy provider](/communication/internet) --- Source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/energy/electricity-gas Last updated: Updated: May 19 2026 Format: LLM-readable Markdown twin (.md) of the canonical HTML page.