Key stakeholders in energy efficiency financing in Austria

(Energieagentur Obersteiermark – Judenburg)

In the federal republic of Austria there are three legislative and administrational levels with different competences. The superordinate federal state (“Bund”) is divided into nine federal provinces (“Bundesland”). The municipalities (“Gemeinde”) are the smallest units. They are independent administrative bodies with a defined sphere of competence. The main decision body for all policies under municipal competence is the municipal council. The mayor is the elected head of the municipality, all laws and measures are implemented by the administrational units on behalf of the mayor. The municipality is also responsible for the zoning plan and can make regulations on urban development.

Key stakeholders for energy efficiency strategy development and implementation in the Judenburg area are thus the Municipality of Judenburg, the ESCO Stadtwerke Judenburg AG and private investors and companies. The federal state and the province are responsible for their office and school buildings, buildings and the state and federal roads.

The municipality is responsible for the maintenance of the main part of the public infrastructure: most roads, office buildings, public lighting, public housing, public transport. Assistance is often given by the Energy Agency Upper Styria.

The Municipality of Judenburg is 100% owner of the ESCO Stadtwerke Judenburg AG and has the seat in the supervisory board. The Stadtwerke are a major producer of renewable energy (hydro, PV, wind), the main electricity supplier and distribution company in Judenburg and by order of the municipality responsible for water supply, waste and wastewater. The second energy supplier (superior network) is the Energie Steiermark AG which also runs the natural gas network. The district heating network is maintained by Stadtwerke Judenburg and the Kelag company.

In addition, there are private investors who run smaller projects like a biogas plant.

The legal and financial responsibilities are clearly divided and lie with the different stakeholders.