New Electricity Industry Act (ElWG) passed in the National Council

Yesterday, December 11, 2025The Austrian National Council passed the new law with a two-thirds majority. Electricity Industry Act (ElWG) passed ⚡

This is a crucial step for the Modernization and digitalization of the domestic electricity market. The Federal Government is thus creating a modern legal framework to respond to the profound changes of recent years. The rapid expansion of renewable energies, new market players, and the increasing decentralization of energy production require clear, modern rules. The previous law, 14 years old, could no longer keep pace with these developments.

What does the new Electricity Works Act (ElWG) bring?

🔌 More System and cost efficiency – for a secure, stable and future-proof electricity supply.
🔌 Strengthening competition – for affordable energy for all.
🔌 More Rights for end customers: – including better protection and greater participation in the energy market.
🔌 Expanded opportunities for energy communities – through the introduction of the “active customer”, who can not only generate energy, but also use and sell it flexibly.
🔌 Social measures – such as a social tariff, advance payment meters and the right to installment payments, to specifically support low-income households.

Of particular note is the further development of the successful energy community model: made possible by regulation since 2021, it is now being expanded through the new shared energy use and legally restructured.

Source: https://www.parlament.gv.at/aktuelles/pk/jahr_2025/pk1179