Update on energy costs subsidies I and II for companies and the lump-sum energy costs subsidy for small enterprises
The energy costs subsidy was introduced last year to cover a portion of the extra costs resulting from the exceptionally sharp increase in energy prices, and in this way to relieve companies. Further measures to combat the ongoing inflation have been passed and new details communicated.
Extension of energy costs subsidy I
Energy costs subsidy I has been extended to include the 4th quarter of 2022 (see also the newsflash from 7 February 2023 on this topic). It is now possible to apply for the subsidy period October to December 2022.
According to initial information, preregistration will begin on 29 March and end on 14 April 2023. The application itself is to be submitted between 17 April and 16 June 2023. In addition to electricity and natural gas, heat/cold and steam are now also named as eligible energy sources. As before, application can be made via the aws Fördermanager (Funding Manager).
Energy costs subsidy II
Regarding energy costs subsidy II, which can be applied for for 2023 and which includes new subsidy caps and a new funding intensity (see also our newsletter from 3 January 2023 on this topic), according to media information the eligible energy forms on the basic level are being broadened to include fuel oil, wood pellets and wood chips. In order to receive subsidies for levels 3 to 5, companies must provide an employment guarantee, pledging to retain at least 90% of the full-time equivalents existing on 1 January 2023 until 31 December 2024. In addition, restrictions will apply to bonus payments and dividend distributions for companies on all subsidy levels.
Application will take place during two time periods. The first application time frame for the subsidy period from January 2023 to June 2023 is scheduled for Q3 2023 (August/September), while the second application time frame for the subsidy period from July to December is scheduled for Q1 2024 (February/March 2024), depending on the legal prerequisites for state aid. Application can again be made via the aws Fördermanager (Funding Manager).
Lump-sum energy costs subsidy for small enterprises
A lump-sum subsidy model, the so-called lump-sum energy costs subsidy, is available to small and micro-enterprises. This subsidy measure is handled by Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft (FFG, Austrian Research Promotion Agency). FFG recently announced first details on the measure. According to this information, depending on their industry affiliation and revenue (which must be between EUR 10,000 and EUR 400,000), companies can receive subsidies of between EUR 110 and EUR 2,475, which may be applied for retroactively for the year 2022. Proof of the energy intensity is not required.
Starting 17 April 2023, interested companies may register with FFG for a pre-check and will then receive a checklist with information on the application process. Applications may be made starting in mid-May, and payments should be received shortly thereafter.
Written by: Christiane Zöhrer / Margarete Kinz
