← FFCheckElectricity & gasDE
Electricity & gas · Austria
Checked 2026-09-27

📈 My energy supplier is raising prices in Austria. What can I do?

The short answer

A supplier cannot raise your price overnight. It has to warn you in advance, and that notice often gives you the right to leave.

📜 The rules in Austria

Price rises

Electricity suppliers must notify price changes in writing at least one month in advance, stating reason and scope. You may object free of charge within four weeks; the contract then ends after about three months. Increases only for open-ended contracts; falling costs must be passed on within six months.

Official source: ris.bka.gv.at · Checked 2026-09-27

Switching supplier

Switching is free of separate charges. It may take at most three weeks; since 1 April 2026 the technical electricity switch must take no more than 24 hours on any working day. You can cancel with two weeks' notice; with a binding period, at the end of the first contract year at the latest.

Official source: ris.bka.gv.at · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

  1. Read the letterNote the new price, the date it starts, and whether your contract has a fixed price until a certain date.
  2. Check if it is allowedA fixed price normally cannot be raised before its end date. Compare the notice you got with the rules for Austria below.
  3. Compare and decideCheck whether another offer is cheaper. If you leave because of the increase, do it before the new price applies.
  4. Complain if the rules were brokenIf you were not informed properly, complain in writing to the supplier, then to the dispute body below.

📇 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
Schlichtungsstelle der E-ControlSettles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 +43 1 24724 444🔗 www.e-control.at/en/schlichtungsstelle
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

Can a fixed price be raised?

Normally not during the fixed period, unless your contract says so. Taxes and levies can still change.

Do I pay an exit fee if I leave after a price rise?

In many countries you can leave without a fee when the price goes up. The rules for Austria are on this page.

What if I missed the letter?

Ask the supplier for a copy and the date it was sent. If they cannot show proper notice, complain.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-27

🧭 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

🔄Switching supplier→🧾Wrong or high bill→💸Can’t pay the bill→🏚️Supplier went bust→📣Complaint about a supplier→

More help in Austria

All other problems: who handles whatWho do I contact?100+ things that go wrong — money, housing, work, safety, health, papers, government — and the one desk in Austria that actually handles each: phone, site, and what to say when they pick up.Before it goes wrongCan I?What is allowed, what is not, which permit you need — with the official source.Recognise it firstIs dit veilig?Check a phone number, website or message against 47,000 scam dossiers.