And according to the WIFO, the situation is apparently more than serious and therefore one cannot start early enough: “Every bit of gas that we save now will be available in the autumn to use it where we need it most urgently .” says the economist.
Janger demands rapid action from the government: The government should now consider how to distribute the gas in an emergency. In an “emergency”, every industry, every sector will see itself as system-critical and will push for the highest possible allocation, according to WIFO boss Felbermayr. A gas production stop from Russia to Austria is considered an emergency. Jürgen Janger therefore calls for “emergency plans” to be drawn up for the fall in good time.
“Without gas, the stability of the grids in Austria and Germany cannot be guaranteed,” concludes Felbermayr. Who also thought about the distribution of the gas: You will have to ask yourself how medical care works and how hospitals can be operated. Then it will be difficult. For example, although medicines are vital, they can also be imported. The first thing to do would probably be to turn off heated swimming pools, without which you can get through the winter just fine. After all!
But Mr. and Mrs. Austrians should also save gas. According to Wifo, there should be “calls to save” for the population. In addition, the government should introduce a kind of reward system for frugal households. Tariffs that encourage savings should also be considered. A “smart meter” could help to control and monitor gas consumption in private households. The economic researchers point out that in Austria by far the largest consumer is the business sector.
And the responsible Minister Leonore Gewessler? At Question Time in Parliament today, she described it as a “strength”. However, the minister did not go into who should shoulder it.
