Electricity Network Costs by State Austria 2026: All Grid Fees Compared
Electricity network costs in Austria 2026 by federal state: Wiener Netze, Netz NÖ, OÖ, Styria. All grid fees compared. How much you really pay.
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Electricity Network Costs 2026: What You Really Can't Influence
On your electricity bill, the energy price makes up only about 30-40%. The largest portion consists of network costs (Netzkosten), which you cannot influence by switching providers – they are set by your regional grid operator. However, you can still save on energy costs by choosing dynamic electricity tariffs or providers like Verbund.
Good to Know
- ✓ Network costs are regulated by E-Control (Austrian energy regulator)
- ✓ You cannot switch the grid operator
- ✓ Costs vary significantly by federal state
- ✓ 2026 sees moderate adjustments to tariffs
Breakdown of Your Electricity Bill
| Component | Share | Can You Influence? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy price | 30-40% | ✓ Yes (switch provider) |
| Grid fee (Netzentgelt) | 25-35% | ✗ No |
| Taxes & levies | 25-30% | ✗ No |
| Metering fee | 2-5% | ✗ No |
Grid Fees by Federal State 2026
Overview of All Grid Operators
| Federal State | Grid Operator | Energy Price (ct/kWh) | Base Fee (€/Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vienna | Wiener Netze | 7.50 ct/kWh | €48/year |
| Lower Austria | Netz NÖ | 7.20 ct/kWh | €52/year |
| Upper Austria | Netz OÖ | 5.80 ct/kWh | €45/year |
| Styria | Energienetze Steiermark | 5.95 ct/kWh | €50/year |
| Salzburg | Salzburg Netz | 5.45 ct/kWh | €42/year |
| Tyrol | TINETZ | 5.20 ct/kWh | €40/year |
| Vorarlberg | Vorarlberger Energienetze | 5.10 ct/kWh | €38/year |
| Carinthia | Kärnten Netz | 5.70 ct/kWh | €44/year |
| Burgenland | Netz Burgenland | 6.10 ct/kWh | €48/year |
Annual Cost Comparison (Network Only)
For a consumption of 3,500 kWh/year (Austrian average):
| Federal State | Energy Costs | Base Fee | Total Network/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vorarlberg | €178.50 | €38 | €216.50 |
| Tyrol | €182 | €40 | €222 |
| Salzburg | €190.75 | €42 | €232.75 |
| Carinthia | €199.50 | €44 | €243.50 |
| Upper Austria | €203 | €45 | €248 |
| Styria | €208.25 | €50 | €258.25 |
| Burgenland | €213.50 | €48 | €261.50 |
| Lower Austria | €252 | €52 | €304 |
| Vienna | €262.50 | €48 | €310.50 |
Difference: Up to €94/Year!
Between the cheapest (Vorarlberg) and most expensive (Vienna) grid area, with 3,500 kWh consumption, there's about €94 per year difference – just in network costs!
Why Are the Differences So Large?
Factors for High/Low Network Costs
| Factor | Low Costs | High Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Population density | High density (many customers per km) | Low density (long power lines) |
| Topography | Flat (easier line construction) | Mountainous (expensive infrastructure) |
| Grid age | Modern grid (efficient) | Old grid (high maintenance) |
| Renewable integration | Little expansion needed | Major grid expansion for PV/wind |
Why Is Vienna So Expensive?
Vienna has high network costs despite high population density because of:
- Old cable network: Underground lines are expensive to maintain
- Complex infrastructure: Many connections in a tight space
- Historical grid expansion: Extensive modernization needs
What Can You Still Save?
Savings Potential on Energy Price
Although you can't influence network costs, by switching electricity providers you can save €100-300 per year on the energy price – this compensates for regional disadvantages!
Example Calculation: Vienna vs. Vorarlberg
| Component | Vienna | Vorarlberg | |-----------|--------|------------| | Network costs (3,500 kWh) | €310 | €217 | | Vienna disadvantage | +€93 | - | | Energy price (cheap provider) | €350 | €350 | | Energy price (expensive provider) | €550 | €550 | | Energy savings potential | €200 | €200 |
Conclusion: Even in Vienna, you can save more through a cheap electricity provider than the network disadvantage amounts to!
Compare Electricity Providers & Save
Network Cost Development 2024-2026
| Year | Austria Average | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5.8 ct/kWh | Baseline |
| 2025 | 6.0 ct/kWh | +3.4% |
| 2026 | 6.2 ct/kWh | +3.3% |
Reasons for Rising Network Costs
- Grid expansion for renewables: Integration of solar and wind
- Smart meter rollout: Digitization of meter infrastructure – learn more about smart meters and solar savings
- Inflation: Rising personnel and material costs
- Grid security: Investments in supply reliability
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I switch the grid operator?
No, that's not possible. The grid operator is monopolistically assigned to your region and is regulated by E-Control. You can only switch your electricity supplier (provider).
Why don't I see network costs separately?
With many electricity tariffs, energy and network costs are shown combined. You pay a total price that already includes network costs. On request, your provider must provide the breakdown.
Are there discounts on network costs?
No, network costs are regulated and uniform for all customers in the grid area. There are no discounts or special conditions – unlike the energy price.
What is the metering fee?
The metering fee (Messentgelt) covers the costs for your electricity meter (rental, reading, maintenance). With the smart meter rollout, these costs have increased slightly but offer more features.
Conclusion: Understanding Network Costs 2026 and Still Saving
Network costs make up a significant part of your electricity bill and vary greatly by federal state. Vienna and Lower Austria have the highest, Vorarlberg and Tyrol the lowest tariffs.
Even if you can't influence network costs:
- Compare the energy price – that's where the real savings potential lies
- A cheap electricity provider can more than compensate for regional disadvantages
- Savings potential: €100-300/year by switching providers
Compare Electricity Rates Now
Related Articles
- Dynamic Electricity Tariffs Austria 2026 - Save with hourly market prices
- Verbund Electricity Tariffs Austria 2026 - Austria's largest green electricity provider
- Smart Meters & Solar Savings Austria 2026 - Optimize your PV system
- Social Electricity Tariff Austria 2026 - Support for low-income households
Sources: E-Control, grid operator websites. Updated: February 2026.
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Information as of: November 2024. All information without warranty. Changes and errors excepted.
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