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The VKI has contested price increases for electricity and gas by Wien Energie. Hundreds of thousands of customers will now get an average of 275 euros back.
Several hundred thousand electricity and gas customers of Wien Energie will receive money back following a successful agreement with the Association for Consumer Information (VKI), the responsible Ministry of Social Affairs and Consumer Protection of Johannes Rauch (Greens) announced on Monday. The amount depends on individual consumption. On average, it is 275 euros.
“Once again, we have succeeded in enforcing the rights of customers against the superior power of corporations,” said Rauch in a press release. He had commissioned the VKI with the lawsuit. Affected customers of Wien Energie should receive information letters in the next few days regarding the processing of repayments.
Last year, Wien Energie automatically converted customer contracts and, at the same time, adjusted the terms and conditions so that price increases were passed on to consumers. On behalf of the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Association for Consumer Information took action against this procedure. In December, the VKI was then able to reach a successful settlement for the benefit of hundreds of thousands of customers.
All electricity and gas customers with a valid contract in the “Optima” tariff on August 31, 2022, will now receive a refund – regardless of whether they were automatically switched, objected to, or actively consented to. The amount of the repayment depends on the actual individual consumption and whether they actively agreed to a switch or whether it was automatic.
Wien Energie launches energy cost equalization payment
An average household with a consumption of 2,000 kilowatt hours of electricity will receive a refund of 75 euros, and a household with a consumption of 8,000-kilowatt hours of gas will receive a refund of 200 euros.
All affected customers will receive an information letter from Wien Energie in the next few days. All that is required for processing are the customer and contract account numbers, which can be found on the annual statement.
All electricity and gas customers with a valid energy supply contract in the “Optima” tariff on 31 August 2022 are eligible. Former Wien Energie customers affected by the tariff changeover can also apply for compensation free of charge. Applications can be submitted immediately at https://verbraucherrecht.at/wienenergie-aktion2024. Alternatively, those affected can contact a Wien Energie service centre.
Payment will be made within four weeks at the latest. Registration is possible until June 30, 2024. People who are no longer customers of Wien Energie can also take part.
“As Minister for Consumer Protection, I have been particularly committed to finding a practicable solution for the benefit of customers. The VKI’s collection campaign offers those affected quick and unbureaucratic help, enabling them to receive their repayment,” said Minister Rauch.
Similar proceedings are also currently underway against other energy providers. Last week, for example, EVN was also convicted of unauthorised price adjustments in a judgement at first instance. The Lower Austrian energy provider has already announced that it will appeal.
- source: heute.at/picture: pixabay.com
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