New law

Electricity from balcony power plants to be remunerated

So-called balcony power plants with an output of up to 800 watts have been sold thousands of times since the 2022 energy crisis.(Bild: Martin Schneider)

The planned E-Economy Act, which is currently up in the air politically, provides, among many other points, for so-called balcony power plants to be allowed to sell electricity in future. Mini PV systems with an output of up to 800 watts have enjoyed great popularity since the 2022 energy crisis.

The Electricity Industry Act (EIWAG) is considered an important reform project to make Austria's electricity grids fit for the further expansion of renewables and the integration of electricity storage systems. Since the photovoltaic boom of recent years, there have been bottlenecks in the electricity grid. Smart grids and communication between producers and consumers could help here.

The ElWG was sent for review by Climate Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) at the beginning of the year, but has been on ice since June. While the Greens speak of a fully negotiated text, the government partner ÖVP says that there are still open issues at EU level. The necessary two-thirds majority in the National Council would also require the votes of the SPÖ or FPÖ.

The right to a separate metering point for micro-generation plants would be anchored in paragraph 60 of the draft bill.