On Thursday 21 September, the European Commission announced that it had authorised a €233 million Austrian scheme designed to partially offset the rise in electricity prices that energy-intensive companies will face in 2022 as a result of the impact of carbon prices on electricity costs (‘indirect emissions costs’) under the EU Emissions Trading System (‘EU ETS').
These companies are particularly exposed to international competition and could relocate to countries where carbon emissions are less regulated (carbon leakage).
The measure will be open to companies operating in Austria in the sectors at risk of carbon leakage listed in Annex I of the guidelines on State aid under the EU ETS, with the exception of companies producing refined petroleum products.
Compensation will be granted to eligible companies in the form of partial reimbursement of indirect emissions costs incurred in 2022.
The maximum amount of aid per beneficiary will be equal to 75% of the indirect emission costs incurred. Payment is due in 2023.
The measure includes safeguards to encourage energy savings. To qualify for compensation, eligible beneficiaries must implement certain energy audit recommendations, and the amount of aid will be calculated on the basis of electricity consumption efficiency criteria. (Original version in French by Émilie Vanderhulst)