Energy cost subsidy no. 2: Pre-registration is now possible until November 2!

In response to the continuing high energy prices, the Austrian federal government announced an energy cost subsidy no. 2 at the end of last year, which is intended to support the increased energy expenses of companies in the entire year 2023.

After some delay, the pre-registration for applications has started via the aws funding manager tool as of October 16. The pre-registration period runs until November 2 and is mandatory for the subsequent application for the energy cost subsidy no. 2. In chronological order of pre-registrations filed, Austria Wirtschaftsservice (aws) will then allocate individual application periods for the actual submission of applications for the energy cost subsidy no. 2. Such individual application periods are scheduled to start earliest as of November 9. Companies that complete the technical pre-application will subsequently automatically receive a confirmation and further information from aws.

Even though the pre-registration has already started, no funding guidelines for the energy cost subsidy no. 2 have yet been published. Accordingly, the now open pre-registration and subsequent application is subject to European Commission approval and final agreement on the guidelines.

Based on information already known, on the one hand, the eligible companies are likely to be expanded compared to energy cost subsidy no. 1 due to the non-requirement of the energy intensity in some subsidy stages and, on the other hand, the newly announced 5-stage subsidy model will provide for higher funding rates and maximum subsidy amounts (up to EUR 150 million). Therefore, we recommend companies to pre-register in order to keep open the possibility of submitting an application.

We are of course available for more detailed information and upfront planning of the application, especially since, similar to the energy cost subsidy no. 1, an assessment report from a tax advisor or auditor will again be required.

As soon as further details on the energy cost subsidy no. 2 or the subsidy guidelines including exact calculation and application details are published, we will inform you immediately.