Energy cost subsidy for energy-intensive companies
In view of the exceptionally strong increase in energy prices and the resulting special burden on energy-intensive companies, the Austrian Federal Government has taken measures to maintain the liquidity of companies.
The Energy Cost Subsidies Act (Energiekostenzuschussgesetz, UEZG), which was passed by the National Council on 6 July 2022 and published in Federal Law Gazette I 117/2022 on 27 July 2022, is intended to subsidise parts of the additional expenses for energy (fuel, electricity and gas) by means of non-repayable subsidies. At present, approval by the European Commission is pending, as well as the corresponding funding guidelines, which will contain the material (such as details of the eligible companies and eligible costs) and procedural regulations.
- The subsidy is granted exclusively to “energy-intensive enterprises” with their registered office or place of business in Austria. Energy-intensive enterprises are those for which the energy and electricity demand costs amount to at least 3.0 % of the production value (presumably the turnover minus changes in inventories and purchased services according to the profit and loss account) or the national energy tax to be paid amounts to at least 0.5 % of the added value (presumably the turnover taxable according to the Value Added Tax Act minus the purchase taxable according to the Value Added Tax Act).
- Proportionate additional expenses for energy costs (fuel, electricity and gas) incurred in the period from 01.02.2022 to 31.12.2022 will be subsidised. The amount of funding is to be defined in the funding guideline, which has not yet been published.
- The maximum subsidy for electricity, fuel and gas is in principle EUR 400,000. For electricity and natural gas, the subsidy may also be granted in excess of this amount, depending on the affected area and sector.
- The funding is designed as a direct expenditure grant and is paid out via Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH (aws) after application and settlement.
We will be happy to keep you informed about the pending approval by the European Commission and the funding guidelines that have not yet been published.