Gas Network Costs Austria 2026: Why Your Bill Is Rising (+18%)

Gas Network Charges 2026: Dramatic Increases Across Austria

Gas network charges in Austria are increasing by an average of +18.2% as of January 1, 2026. For an average household consuming 15,000 kWh of gas, this means additional costs of approximately €80-140 per year – in some federal states even more.

Why Are Gas Network Costs Rising So Sharply?

The increase in gas network charges has several causes:

1. Fewer Gas Customers, Same Infrastructure

More and more households are switching to heat pumps, district heating, or other heating systems. But the costs for the gas network remain the same and must be distributed among fewer consumers.

The math is simple: Same costs ÷ fewer customers = higher price per customer

2. Loss of Transit Revenue

Since the Ukraine war, gas transit revenue through Austria has decreased significantly. These missing revenues are partially passed on to end consumers.

3. Infrastructure Investments

Network operators are investing in modernizing and maintaining the gas infrastructure. These costs flow into the network charges.

Gas Network Charges 2026 by Federal State

*Estimated extra cost for a household with 15,000 kWh annual consumption. Source: E-Control, network operators. As of January 2026.

What You Can Do About Rising Gas Network Costs

Network charges are regulated and cannot be influenced by switching providers. You always pay the network fee of your regional network operator, regardless of your gas supplier.

However: You can significantly reduce the energy price (work price per kWh) by switching providers – often by €200-500 per year!

Compare Gas Providers at durchblicker.at

Alternative: Switch to Heat Pump?

Given the rising gas network costs and long-term trends, switching to a heat pump may be worthwhile for many households. Here's a cost comparison:

*For single-family home with ~150m². **After deducting subsidies.

How to Switch Gas Providers

Even if you can't influence network costs – there are big differences between providers when it comes to the work price (ct/kWh).

Step 1: Determine Your Consumption

Check your last annual bill. An average Austrian household consumes:

• Single-family home with gas heating: 15,000-25,000 kWh/year
• Apartment with gas heating: 8,000-15,000 kWh/year
• Hot water only: 3,000-5,000 kWh/year

Step 2: Compare Providers

Use a comparison calculator to find the cheapest provider for your region.

Step 3: Switch Online

Switching takes just a few minutes. The new provider handles all formalities – you don't need to cancel anything yourself.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I reduce network costs by switching providers?

No, network charges are regulated and independent of your gas supplier. You always pay the network fee of your regional network operator. However, you can often reduce your energy price by €200-500 per year by switching providers.

Why are network costs so high in Carinthia?

Carinthia has relatively few gas customers with a comparatively large network infrastructure. The fixed costs are distributed among fewer consumers, resulting in higher costs per customer.

Will network costs continue to rise?

Experts expect gas network charges to continue rising in the coming years as more households switch to alternative heating systems. Long-term, switching to a heat pump or district heating may be worthwhile.

Are there subsidies for switching from gas to heat pump?

Yes, the federal government subsidizes heating system replacements under "Raus aus Öl und Gas" with up to €7,500. Additionally, there are state subsidies that vary by federal state.

Tips to Reduce Gas Consumption

Regardless of your provider, you can reduce your gas consumption:

1. Optimize heating: Lowering room temperature by 1°C saves about 6% in heating costs
2. Hydraulic balancing: Can save up to 15%
3. Seal windows and doors: Prevents heat loss
4. Lower hot water temperature: 55°C is usually sufficient
5. Ventilate briefly but fully: More efficient air exchange

Conclusion: Take Action Now!

Rising gas network costs affect all gas consumers in Austria – but hit households in Carinthia, Lower Austria, and Styria particularly hard. Even though you can't influence network charges, you should:

1. ✅ Compare gas providers and switch to the cheapest one
2. ✅ Optimize consumption through efficient heating
3. ✅ Plan long-term: Consider switching to a heat pump

Compare Gas Providers and Save

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Sources: E-Control, network operators, WKO. Updated: February 2026.