Social Electricity Tariff Austria 2026: Who Qualifies & How to Apply

Social Electricity Tariff from April 2026: Affordable Energy for Low-Income Households

From April 1, 2026, Austria introduces the new Social Electricity Tariff (Strom-Sozialtarif). This government support targets approximately 290,000 low-income households and provides significantly reduced electricity prices for basic consumption.

Who Qualifies for the Social Tariff?

The social electricity tariff is linked to the ORF broadcast fee exemption (formerly GIS exemption). This means: If you're exempt from the ORF fee, you're automatically eligible for the social tariff.

Requirements for ORF Fee Exemption

You can apply for an exemption if:

| Category | Income Limit (2026) | |----------|---------------------| | Single person | Net household income below €1,261/month | | Couple/Partnership | Net household income below €1,996/month | | Each additional household member | + €199/month |

Also eligible:

• Recipients of minimum income/social assistance (Mindestsicherung/Sozialhilfe)
• Recipients of study grants (Studienbeihilfe)
• Recipients of nursing allowance (Pflegegeld from level 3)
• Persons with disability ID and low income

How Much Can You Save with the Social Tariff?

Note: The social tariff only applies to the first 2,900 kWh per year. Beyond that, you pay your provider's normal tariff.

How to Apply for the Social Tariff

Step 1: Ensure ORF Fee Exemption

If you don't have an ORF fee exemption yet, you can apply online at gis.at or by mail.

Required documents:

• Proof of income (pay slip, pension statement, etc.)
• Registration certificate (Meldezettel)
• Proof of social benefits (if applicable)

Step 2: Activate Social Tariff with Your Provider

From April 2026, all electricity providers in Austria are required to offer the social tariff. Activation typically happens:

1. Automatically: Many providers will inform eligible customers automatically
2. On request: Contact your electricity provider and provide proof of eligibility

Compare Electricity Providers at durchblicker.at

Social Tariff and Switching Providers: What to Consider

Even if you're eligible for the social tariff, switching providers can still be worthwhile. Here's why:

• Network fees remain the same regardless of your provider
• Basic fees can vary between providers
• For consumption above 2,900 kWh, you pay the normal tariff – and there are big differences

Our tip: Compare providers even with social tariff eligibility. At durchblicker.at, you can compare all costs transparently.

Additional Support: Mobile Phone Social Tariff

In addition to the electricity social tariff, there's also a mobile phone social tariff starting 2026:

• 100 minutes/SMS per month
• 5 GB data volume
• Price: approx. €5/month

Eligibility is also linked to the ORF fee exemption.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the social tariff apply to gas as well?

No, the social tariff currently applies only to electricity. For gas, there are regional support programs (e.g., heating cost subsidies), but no nationwide social tariff.

What happens if I use more than 2,900 kWh?

For every kWh above 2,900, you pay your electricity provider's normal tariff. Therefore, it's wise to choose a provider with a competitive price per kWh.

Can I use the social tariff with any provider?

Yes, all electricity providers in Austria are legally required to offer the social tariff. You can switch providers even with social tariff eligibility.

How long does application processing take?

Processing the ORF fee exemption typically takes 4-6 weeks. We recommend applying as early as possible before April 2026.

Additional Energy Saving Tips

Even with the social tariff, it's worthwhile to save electricity:

1. Use LED bulbs: Up to 90% less electricity consumption than incandescent bulbs
2. Avoid standby: Use power strips with switches
3. Efficient appliances: Check energy efficiency class (A+++)
4. Use Geräte-Retter-Prämie: €130 subsidy for repairs instead of buying new

Conclusion: Use the Social Tariff and Save More

The new social electricity tariff is an important relief for low-income households in Austria. With savings of up to €400 per year, it makes a real difference.

Here's how to proceed:

1. ✅ Check your eligibility for ORF fee exemption
2. ✅ Apply for the exemption before April 2026
3. ✅ Still compare electricity providers for consumption above 2,900 kWh
4. ✅ Activate the social tariff with your provider

Compare Electricity Providers Now

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Sources: Social Ministry, E-Control, WKO. Updated: February 2026.