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Electricity & gas · Austria
Checked 2026-09-30

⏱️ Fixed price or dynamic (hourly) electricity contract in Austria: which is right for me?

The short answer

A fixed price stays the same for an agreed period. A dynamic price follows the wholesale market hour by hour, so it can be cheaper when you shift your use, and more expensive at peak times.

📜 The rules in Austria

Fixed and dynamic contracts

Since 1 April 2026 the ElWG gives customers with a smart meter a right to a dynamic-price electricity contract. Suppliers with more than 25,000 metering points must offer both dynamic and fixed-price contracts.

  • Before a dynamic contract the supplier must explain in writing the chances, costs and risks, and you must agree explicitly. As a household you can cancel a dynamic contract at any time with the normal notice period. (ris.bka.gv.at)
  • A fixed-price contract may not be changed or terminated by the supplier on its own within one year of signing. (ris.bka.gv.at)
  • With a dynamic-price contract you must receive a bill every month, free of charge. (ris.bka.gv.at)
Official source: ris.bka.gv.at · Checked 2026-09-30

🪜 Step by step

  1. Look at how you use energyA dynamic price suits people who can move use to cheap hours, for example with an electric car, a heat pump or a timer. It needs a smart meter.
  2. Check what is on offerSee below what the rules in Austria say about fixed-price and dynamic contracts and who has to offer them.
  3. Read the risks and the termsBefore you sign, the supplier must explain the costs and risks of a dynamic contract. Check the notice period and any exit fee.
  4. Review after a few monthsCompare your bills with what a fixed price would have cost. You can switch again under your contract terms.

📇 Who to contact

Tarifkalkulator der E-Control officialCompare electricity and gas offersBefore you switch, or when your price goes up🔗 www.e-control.at/unsere-services/tarifkalkulator
E-Control (Energie-Control Austria)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 +43 1 24 7 24-0🔗 www.e-control.at

❓ Questions

Is a dynamic contract cheaper?

Only if you use a lot of power when prices are low. At peak times it can cost much more than a fixed price.

Do I need a smart meter?

Yes. Hourly prices need a meter that records your use per hour or per quarter hour.

Can a fixed price still go up?

Normally not during the fixed period, but taxes and network charges can change. The rules for Austria are on this page.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-30

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

📈Price increase→🔄Switching supplier→📟Smart meter→🧾Wrong or high bill→💸Can’t pay the bill→

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