Overview of the national policy framework for energy communities

Austria has a comprehensive national framework for energy communities (ECs), defined mainly through two laws. The Federal Law on the Expansion of Energy from Renewable Sources (EAG) establishes a framework for renewable energy communities (RECs) in the 6th Section of the Act. In addition, Citizen Energy Communities (CECs) benefit from a framework defined in Section 6a onwards of the Federal Law on the Organisation in the Field of the Electricity Industry (EIWOG). This law also includes some common provisions applicable to both CECs and RECs, particularly on energy sharing. The energy communities' framework was introduced by an amendment of the EAG package published in the Gazette 150/2021 of 27 July 2021. 
Definitions are well developed, and most rights, obligations and enabling framework provisions cover energy sharing among members. In order to monitor and promote ECs, the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology entrusted the federal Climate and Energy Fund with setting up the Coordination Office for Energy Communities (COEC), which is supported by the regulator in the implementation of the provisions and support of their development.

Last updated: May 2025