E-Control boss Strebl: “Austrian energy supply is stable”

The new fuel price brake consists of two parts, explained Strebl. “On the one hand, it’s now about getting a 5 cent reduction here because the mineral oil tax is being reduced, so to speak.” This reduction must be immediately visible at the gas stations. The second five cents are a margin restriction. “We as E-Control are therefore called upon to ensure transparency here.” Ultimately, the price at the pump is responsible.

Control of 3,000 gas stations

There are almost 3,000 gas stations in Austria. E-Control wants to control things step by step, starting with the large operators. You also use the existing fuel price calculator. Motorway gas stations are excluded. Strebl said he didn’t know the exact reasons, but it was apparently a matter of “the fact that they want to put a stop to fuel tourism here, so to speak.”

Dampen in the short term, rebuild in the long term

Regarding the effect of the measure, Strebl said short-term relief was important. It was a mistake in the past to let high energy prices slide through. However, Austria cannot escape global developments.

In the long term, an exit from fossil energy is needed. “It is therefore all the more important to get out of this dependence on fossil fuels in the long term and to invest massively in renewable energies.”

Criticism of the change of sides

There was criticism particularly of Strebl’s quickness Change from the Vienna Energy at the head of the regulatory authority. The accusation was that he had thus “transformed from being controlled to being a controller directly and without a cooling-off phase.” Strebl admitted: “The question about the change, as you address, is of course justified.” It’s a new role, “of course, I’ve now switched sides, so to speak.”

For him, the independence of E-Control is central. “The important thing is that the independence of e-Control is the greatest good. Of course I will continue to do so.” There are clear rules and compliance regulations for this. Strebl sees his experience in the industry as an advantage. “Precisely because, as Vienna’s head of energy, I know what the mechanisms are, how you can present yourself at an e-Control, for example, or how you want to put your own concerns forward, so to speak,” he will be particularly vigilant.

The change is also legally covered: “There is a clear legal regulation.” Strebl says his expertise is an advantage, especially in the current energy crisis.