EnergieCosts and contracts · Austria
Electricity and gas network charges: what switching changes
By EnergieFinder · Sources checked:
The short answer
Network charges pay for the network and are regulated. An ordinary supplier switch at the same address leaves your local network operator unchanged. Check whether a comparison includes network items; changing energy suppliers does not automatically change network charges.
Network operation and supply have different roles
The supplier sets the energy price; E-Control's regulatory commission sets network charges. A combined bill does not remove this distinction. Mark the network items and operator's name on your bill. The separate network-operator and supplier guide explains where to direct tariff and meter questions.
Check current network items with the right sources
Use E-Control's current network-tariff information and your operator's documents. Record the network area, period and meter assignment. A single nationwide Austrian cent amount cannot replace this check. If figures differ, ask about the specific item and calculation rather than immediately attributing the difference to a new supplier.
Your enquiry about a network charge
Record the invoice number, operator, period, item name, unit and quantity. Then ask: “Which tariff basis and consumption quantity were used for this item?” Keep the reply with the original bill. Check separately whether a supply offer includes network charges or bills them additionally.
Your checklist
Tick off items as you prepare. Your ticks are not saved.
Read the original sources
The factual information was checked against these sources. Checklists and labelled examples are our own presentation. Your supplier’s current documents govern your contract.
Your next step
Prepare your comparison here. Compare current electricity and gas tariffs in the E-Control tariff calculator.