State MP Werner Murgg: “Heating costs have almost tripled for many households in recent years. A significant reduction is finally needed to ease the burden on people.”
More than 60 percent of Graz households are already connected to the district heating network. The question of pricing is therefore of great relevance – and politically explosive: the current district heating price is a whopping 190% higher than that of 2022. In addition, 95% of district heating generation in the greater Graz area is gas-based. The gas price, which rose dramatically in the wake of the Ukraine war, has now fallen significantly again and is almost at pre-crisis levels, and the gas purchased at that time is now being burned.
Down with district heating prices!
“In view of the falling gas prices, a significant reduction in district heating prices must finally follow. We are also calling for a price guarantee until 2026 to give customers the certainty that prices will not be raised again after the election.”said KPÖ MP. Werner Murgg during his press conference today in the Landhaus.
He once again emphasizes the responsibility of Governor Christopher Drexler, the responsible regulator: “District heating prices are a major burden for many Graz residents. Heating costs have almost tripled for many households in recent years. The price law clearly states that the economic aspect must be taken into account and affordability must be guaranteed. In my opinion, the governor has not fulfilled this responsibility.”so Werner Murgg further.
Available – affordable – ecological
The communist MP also discussed the planned decarbonization path for district heating generation and the expected impact on prices today. He does not dispute the importance of the planned measures. However, he stresses that the costs of the necessary investments must not be passed on to customers. Instead, they must be supported by subsidies and prices must be stabilized through cheaper generation alternatives – above all, greater use of Mellach through a long-term contract with Verbund.
Possible new district heating company in Graz: KPÖ prepares proposals
The recently published report by the State Audit Office on Energie Steiermark recommends merging the supply and distribution of district heating in the greater Graz area, which is currently divided between Energie Graz and Energie Steiermark. Werner Murgg also commented on this suggestion today: In any case, a possible new company must not be to the detriment of Energie Graz. The principle of the price authority must also remain untouched. One possibility would be a new state company that would provide the state parliament with more information and give it opportunities to help shape the situation.
Werner Murgg will question owner representative Governor Drexler on this and seven other questions at the upcoming state parliament session on Tuesday in order to continue to put pressure on the long overdue price adjustment for district heating.
