Electricity Price Cap Ends 2025: What Austrian Households Need to Know

As of January 1, 2025, the Strompreisbremse (electricity price brake) in Austria has officially expired. This government subsidy, which significantly reduced energy costs for households since 2022, will not be extended. For many households, this means noticeable additional costs. In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn what has changed and what options you have.

What Was the Strompreisbremse?

The Strompreisbremse was a government subsidy that capped electricity prices for Austrian households at a maximum of 10 cents per kilowatt-hour (net). This subsidy applied to consumption of up to 2,900 kWh per year – corresponding to the average household consumption.

What Additional Costs Can Arise?

With the end of the electricity price cap and simultaneously rising grid fees, Austrian households may face significant additional costs. The actual burden depends on location, consumption, and chosen tariff.

Overview of Cost Increases

Regional Differences in Grid Fees

Grid fees vary considerably by federal state. This is because grid operators differ regionally.

What Can You Do Now?

1. Compare and Switch Electricity Providers

The most important lever against high energy costs remains switching providers. The first half of 2025 saw a record number of provider switches in Austria.

Benefits of switching:

• The energy price (approx. 35% of your electricity bill) is negotiable
• New customer bonuses can reduce costs in the first year
• Switching is free and can be done online
• No interruption in supply

How to proceed:

1. Determine your annual consumption (on your last bill)
2. Note your meter point number
3. Compare offers on comparison portals
4. Focus on total costs, not just the unit price
5. Check contract terms and cancellation periods

2. Review Your Own Consumption

Analyzing your own electricity consumption can uncover hidden energy guzzlers.

3. Improve Energy Efficiency

In the long term, investments in energy efficiency can reduce costs:

Short-term measures (without major investment):

• LED lighting (if not already in place)
• Reduce standby consumption
• Use eco programs on washing machines and dishwashers
• Ventilate properly instead of tilting windows

Medium-term measures:

• Choose energy-efficient appliances when replacing
• Smart home solutions for better control
• Analyze consumption with smart meter data

Long-term measures:

• Photovoltaic system (with or without storage)
• Thermal renovation of the building
• Heat pump instead of electric heating

Outlook: What's Coming in 2026?

Gas Grid Fees

For 2026, it's already known that gas network costs will rise significantly. Households heating with gas should prepare for further cost increases.

CO2 Pricing

The CO2 tax continues to rise in Austria. From 2027, national pricing will be replaced by the EU-wide emissions trading system (ETS-II), which may have further impacts on energy prices.

Electricity Grids

Investments in power grids for the energy transition will continue. These costs are passed on to consumers through grid fees.

Comparison Portals and Resources

Various options are available for tariff comparison:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why wasn't the electricity price cap extended?

The Strompreisbremse was designed as a temporary measure during the energy crisis. With the normalization of wholesale prices, the subsidy was discontinued.

Will I still receive the grid cost subsidy?

The grid cost subsidy has also expired. The full network costs must now be borne by consumers.

Does the price cap still apply to businesses?

For business owners and farmers who have their main residence at the business location, an extended deadline until the end of June 2025 applied. After that, this subsidy has also expired.

Can I really save by switching providers?

Yes, the energy price makes up about 35% of your electricity bill and can be influenced by switching. Average savings are over €100 per year, and can be significantly more depending on region and starting tariff.

How often should I compare tariffs?

Experts recommend comparing at least once a year, as new customer bonuses are often only valid in the first year.

Checklist: Optimize Energy Costs 2025

1. ✅ Review current electricity bill and note annual consumption
2. ✅ Find your meter point number
3. ✅ Use comparison portals (E-Control, Durchblicker)
4. ✅ Compare total costs (not just unit price)
5. ✅ Check contract terms (duration, cancellation period)
6. ✅ Switch if there's an attractive offer
7. ✅ Analyze consumption in your household
8. ✅ Identify and optimize energy guzzlers

Conclusion

The end of the electricity price cap means higher energy costs for many households. But you're not helpless:

• Compare regularly electricity providers and switch for better offers
• Analyze your consumption and reduce energy guzzlers
• Invest long-term in energy efficiency
• Stay informed about further changes in taxes and grid fees

The electricity market in Austria continues to offer competition. Use this competition to your advantage through regular comparisons.

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As of: November 2025. All information is indicative and may vary. This guide is for general information only and does not constitute advice. Use current comparison calculators for accurate, up-to-date offers. All information without warranty.