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On August 1st, the annual price adjustment of Energie AG, Linz AG and Welser eww for district heating is due. As reported, consumer protection councilor Stefan Kaineder, who is head of the price authority, only wants to approve applications from suppliers that do not provide for an increase or one that is significantly below the inflation rate.
Before making the decision, the advisory price commission meets with social partners and the energy saving association. Kaineder convened the meeting for July 3, as he explained on Tuesday. Until then, he wants to negotiate with the suppliers. Their current plans to increase prices by up to 70 percent are “unthinkable”.
Linz AG has applied for an 18 percent increase. Board director Josef Siligan says they are willing to talk, but would still be below gas offers with this increase. It is worrying that customers are refraining from expanding district heating due to the current discussion. Energie AG: “The talks are ongoing.” The eww recently announced that it only wanted to increase the inflation rate roughly.
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