After the contract ends

Energie AG helps residents replace their heating systems

Nine households have to find a new form of heating. (symbolic image)

(Bild: weixx - stock.adobe.com)

There is great excitement in a small housing estate in Lenzing (Upper Austria). Energie AG had terminated the residents' heating supply contract because there were too few connections for district heating. Curious: there was a temporary solution for 27 years. Those affected are now to be helped.

Because there were too few district heating connections, Energie AG terminated the heating supply contract for the small housing estate in Lenzing - there were only nine residential units - after 27 years, as we reported. The residents have to find a new form of heating, which costs money. "There is currently a subsidy of up to 75 percent for replacing the heating," emphasizes Energie AG. In addition, the supply will be maintained until all residents have installed a new heating system, those affected are assured. The notice of termination still referred to a one-year period.

Criticism from the provincial council
"There may be economic reasons that speak against a district heating connection. However, Energie AG has a supply mandate and, as a provincial energy company, a responsibility towards the citizens," says Stefan Kaineder, a member of the Green Party, expressing his surprise at the procedure. He is calling on Markus Achleitner (ÖVP), the provincial councillor for economic affairs, to solve the problem.