Out for patio heaters: Austria helps companies with energy costs

Companies in Austria can hope for state aid in view of the high energy costs.

Out for patio heaters: Austria helps companies with energy costs

Companies in Austria can hope for state aid in view of the high energy costs. However, the funds are subject to strict conditions. They concern, among other things, heated chairlifts and bonus payments. Entire sectors are also excluded.

Austria is helping particularly energy-intensive companies with a subsidy to cover the increased costs. "The exorbitantly high electricity prices are a massive burden not only on people, but also on our entrepreneurs," said Chancellor Karl Nehammer. The conservative-green government has therefore agreed that, similar to the electricity price brake for households, companies will now also be relieved of some of their additional costs.

However, the government is linking the subsidy totaling 1.3 billion euros to energy-saving requirements. Larger companies must present an energy saving plan. In addition, only those companies would be relieved that by the end of March 2023 would do without shop lighting at night and outdoor patio heaters. The seat heating on chairlifts must also remain switched off. Floodlights on the ski slopes or heated swimming pools in hotels, however, remain permitted.

"With the energy cost subsidy, we support energy-intensive companies and commercial associations with a subsidy of 30 percent of their additional costs for electricity, natural gas and fuel," said Economics Minister Martin Kocher.

Companies whose energy costs amount to at least three percent of their turnover in the funding period from February to September 2022 can apply for the subsidy from mid-November. Excluded from this criterion are companies with an annual turnover of no more than 700,000 euros. There are a total of four funding levels based on the EU crisis framework. Small businesses should be funded across the board. Companies that are regarded as a state entity, banks and energy-producing or mineral oil-processing companies do not receive any subsidies.

Another condition relates to the payment of bonuses. For the current year, board members and managers of companies that receive the energy cost subsidy should receive no or no more than half of the bonus of the previous year.