Energy transition in Eisenstadt: 1,000 counting points and 10,000 in Burgenland achieved!

Energy transition in Eisenstadt: 1,000 counting points and 10,000 in Burgenland achieved!

Amid the burgeoning energy transition in Austria, energy communities are a hot topic. As [Kurier reports](https://kurier.at/chronik/burgenland/regionale-energie-1000-zaehl points-in-eisenstadt-10000-im-burgenland/403072199), the 1,000th was now recorded in the Eisenstadt region. Point of delivery registered. This came three years after the creation of the local energy community, which aims to generate locally sourced clean electricity for the region. The trend is not just limited to Eisenstadt; There are now over 10,000 such counting points across the country.

Citizens, companies, clubs and communities have the opportunity to work together to generate electricity from renewable sources such as sun, wind and water. Mayor Thomas Steiner remembered the beginnings of 2022 and the enthusiasm for a common goal. The advantages of the model cannot be denied: shortened transport routes and saved energy losses are just a few aspects that contribute to regional added value. “We don’t trade on the stock exchange, but with each other,” emphasizes Steiner.

Benefits to the community

Eva Fugger, the cooperative's board member, emphasizes that the energy transition begins in every household. Fair and stable prices as well as targeted investments in the expansion of the infrastructure are further advantages of the joint model. An output of 371 kWp is currently being provided from municipal properties, with the aim of ultimately increasing this to 1 MWp.

The concept that could advance Austria receives support from various directions. A position paper from the accompanying energy transition research shows that energy communities are a key element of the local energy transition. Energieforschung emphasizes that these community structures not only promote social acceptance, but also enable efficient, decentralized energy supply. Community participants can actively participate in the production, storage and distribution of renewable energy, strengthening the local connection to the energy industry.

The consequences for consumers

It is also interesting that at the turn of 2025, the e-tax and the renewable energy subsidy will no longer be exempt for end consumers. However, members of an energy community do not have to take into account an electronic tax on electricity from jointly operated systems. This brings savings of around 4 to 5 cents/kWh for regional electricity and up to 8 cents/kWh for local electricity. Such financial advantages make joining an energy community even more attractive. This information comes from the Energiegemeinschaften portal, where interested parties can also find out about the various benefits and conditions of membership.

In summary, it can be said that energy communities are becoming increasingly popular. The increasing number of community systems not only demonstrates the desire for greater independence from large energy suppliers, but also the desire to actively shape one's own energy future. At a time when locally generated energy is becoming increasingly important, these initiatives are an important step towards a sustainable, decentralized energy supply in Austria.