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Vienna steps up targeted support to combat energy poverty
(EurActiv, 3 Oct 2022) The city of Vienna is expanding the number of households eligible for a grant of up to €500 to cushion current inflation, with the city expecting more than 200,000 private households to apply from Monday.
To help households face rising energy costs, Vienna has decided to expand the number of families eligible for the energy programme Plus and has increased funds for the programme from €6 million to €26 million.
“The expansion has become necessary primarily due to a large number of Viennese who is potentially affected by energy poverty due to increased energy prices,” said the City of Vienna.
Those most in need of assistance are being helped in a targeted manner by settling outstanding bills with energy providers, according to Social City Councillor Peter Hacker.
Those benefitting from the scheme include recipients of a minimum income, a housing allowance or a benefit such as unemployment benefit, emergency assistance, pension advance and retraining allowance.
Implementation is planned for the fourth quarter of 2022 when the cost increases will have reached consumers, and a large proportion of the annual bills will have been submitted.
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EurActiv, 3 Oct 2022: Vienna steps up targeted support to combat energy poverty
