Low-income households in Vienna will receive a €100 energy bonus as part of a new support scheme launched by Wien Energie.

The initiative, which begins on 17 March, follows the expiry of the Austrian government’s electricity price cap at the start of the year.

The one-off payment will be available to customers exempt from the ORF household levy (ORF Beitrag) due to financial hardship and will be deducted directly from their upcoming energy bills.

Applications can be made online via the Wien Energie website or in person at service centres in Spittelau, Erdberg and Guntramsdorf. Customers will need to provide their name, customer number and proof of exemption.

The energy bonus scheme will initially run until 30 June, with each customer able to claim the credit once.

“One of Our Most Urgent Priorities”

Vienna’s Mayor, Michael Ludwig, welcomed the initiative, describing the fight against rising living costs as “one of our most urgent priorities.”

Wien Energie has previously introduced similar support schemes, distributing a total of €22 million in social assistance.

Vouchers funded by these schemes are handed out to social organisations such as Caritas, the Red Cross and Licht ins Dunkel, which then help people pay off outstanding energy bills.

The company said more than 2,000 people had already benefited.

A voluntary suspension of electricity, gas and district heating disconnections will also remain in place until the end of February.